Half of Germans Couldn't Cover Bills for 3 Months
Koblenz – October 29, 2026 -- If household income suddenly stops, 51 percent of adults in Germany (excluding retirees) could cover their running costs for three months at most. For 22 percent, the savings would not last even one month. That is the finding of a representative Civey survey commissioned by insurer Debeka.
Only 23 percent could last beyond six months
Just under a quarter of respondents (23 percent) could get by for longer than half a year without income. Almost twice as many women as men say their household could cover expenses for less than a month.
A surprise bill of 3,000 euros overwhelms 37 percent
Single large bills are also a problem. 37 percent could not pay an unexpected 3,000 euros at short notice without getting into financial difficulty. Among 18- to 29-year-olds, the share is 63 percent. Households with children are hit harder (46 percent) than childless ones (34 percent).