How much money is enough to live a dignified life?
Currently, the federal government considers an income of approximately 1,200 euros per month (depending on place of residence) to be sufficient for a single person to live in dignity. This amount consists of two parts: the basic citizen’s income rate, currently 563 euros, which is intended to provide a single person with the necessities of life (food, clothing, household goods, electricity, and personal needs) as well as the costs for rent and heating.
How do people in Germany view this amount? Is 1,200 euros really enough? A brief survey conducted as part of the “Leben in Deutschland” study found that a majority believes a dignified life is only possible with a net income of at least 2,000 euros. This view is particularly echoed by those who themselves have less than this amount at their disposal. Two-thirds of them believe that their own income is not enough to lead a dignified life. In addition to people with low incomes, this view is expressed primarily by younger people, women, as well as the unemployed and those working part-time.