Interview Prep· 4 min
Talking about salary in Germany
How salary questions come up, what 'brutto' means for your offer, and how to give a confident, well-researched number.
Salaries in Germany are discussed as gross annual figures (Bruttojahresgehalt). Your net (netto) pay is lower after tax and social contributions. Always think and quote in gross.
When they ask your expectation
- Research first: use salary sites, Glassdoor, kununu, and collective-agreement (Tarif) data where relevant.
- Give a range, anchored to your researched market value, and stay calm about it.
- It's normal to be asked your expected salary early, even in a first interview.
Tip: If you're unsure of the market rate, it's fine to say: 'Based on my research for this role and region, I'm targeting around €X–€Y gross per year, depending on the overall package.'
Good to know: Consider the whole package: 13th-month salary, holiday allowance (Urlaubsgeld), vacation days (often 28–30), pension contributions, and flexible/remote work.