German workers doubt ability to work until retirement, DGB study finds

A recent Deutsche Gewerkschaftsbund (DGB) survey of about 28,000 employees conducted between 2022 and 2026 shows that roughly 40 percent of German workers do not believe they can remain in their jobs until the statutory pension age, which is currently 67 years and may rise further. Only 53 percent feel confident they can work up to that age.

The study highlights especially high levels of doubt in physically demanding sectors: 72 percent of workers in plumbing, heating and sanitation, 71 percent in nursing, 67 percent in elder‑care, 66 percent in construction, and 57 percent among educators say they could not continue until retirement. Respondents cite heavy physical load, time pressure, noise, long hours, limited autonomy and insufficient workplace health programmes as key factors.

The findings arrive as the German government prepares proposals to further raise the retirement age beyond 67, intensifying the debate on pension reform. DGB chair Yasmin Fahimi called the results a “bitter finding” and urged the government to provide “dignified transitions” and improve working conditions.