70% Say Minimum Wage Is Too Low

Jooble conducted a survey from June 19 to August 25, 2025 with 1,195 respondents in Germany to gauge views on the statutory minimum wage. Despite upcoming increases, the current 12.82 EUR per hour is viewed as insufficient to cover living costs by a majority, with planned rises to 13.90 EUR in 2026 and 14.60 EUR in 2027. About 53.8% want more than 15 EUR per hour, while 29.9% consider 14–15 EUR adequate. There is broad support for automatic annual indexing to inflation (over 60%), with 42.3% fully and 18.7% partly in favor, and 20.5% opposed. Regarding impact, roughly 24% expect the raise to cover basic expenses, another 24% foresee only light relief, and nearly 40% see no improvement. Additional findings note around a quarter reporting tougher job searches and nearly 60% indicating they would not take extra shifts despite higher wages.