Germany's civil servant family allowances total over €5 billion in 2025

In 2025 the German federal government paid €825.6 million in family allowances to its federal civil servants, judges and soldiers, according to a spokesperson for Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt. When the allowances for all levels of public service – federal, state and municipal – are added, the total reaches about €5.116 billion, up from €3.266 billion in 2010. The payments, granted to employees who are married or have children, can range from a few hundred to several thousand euros per month and in some cases exceed the basic salary. The system was introduced to comply with Federal Constitutional Court rulings that require lifelong adequate support for civil servants and their families. Critics argue that the practice violates the performance principle, with economist Gisela Färber noting that “family allowances can be higher than the basic salary,” and Beamtenbund deputy chairman Heini Schmitt warning that remuneration must remain proportionate to duties.