With Germany, we come to the group of countries that Mercer grades as B/B+, meaning their retirement systems have "sound structure, with many good features but … some areas for improvement". At 67.8, the German index value is up slightly on its previous score. It scores highly for Integrity at 75, and its Adequacy rating is in the top 10, at 81. However, it scores just 47.5 for Sustainability.

Germany’s retirement system comprises a public pension scheme that's mandatory for employees, excluding the self-employed or civil servants, who have their own scheme. There’s also a safety net for the poorest. On top of the public offering, occupational pensions are common and voluntary private schemes are available too.

Germany is changing its previous pension age of 65, and those born in or after 1964 will now access benefits at 67. As the population grows older, Mercer suggests increasing contribution levels in private pensions and increasing the coverage of occupational schemes to boost that Sustainability figure.

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