Keep the German terms tied to the right input
Brutto means gross pay before tax and contributions; Netto means take-home pay. Zu versteuerndes Einkommen, or zvE, is annual taxable income and is a different figure. Use the input requested by each calculator. Do not enter gross salary in the splitting table’s zvE field.
For an initial salary assumption, €4,800 gross at 38 hours becomes €4,800 × 30 / 38, or about €3,789.47 gross at 30 hours. This assumes proportional pay. Confirm bonuses, allowances and the actual offer with the employer. It is not a net-pay calculation.
Separate monthly pay from annual tax
A payslip shows monthly withholding and payment. The eventual annual assessment may differ. The working-hours calculator models both views within its stated limits; the splitting calculator explains only the tariff effect on taxable income.
The official BMF tool can help cross-check payroll or income tax. It is not a complete gross-to-net salary calculator including social contributions. Personal allowances and special employment arrangements need separate checking.
Compare costs that really change
A childcare contract may cost the same after reducing working hours. A car still has fixed costs when commuting less. Enter expected savings only where they are realistic, and also try a cautious scenario without them.
The table below uses assumed net pay rather than calculated tax results. After childcare and commuting, available income falls by €390 per month, although the first partner’s assumed net pay falls by €600. Other household expenses still need to be deducted.
Use the time gain to test a workable family plan
Moving from 38 to 30 hours frees eight hours a week for that person. Check which days and travel times change, and how care is shared. A weekly schedule often tells you more than a total number of hours.
Use the household budget calculator to test fixed commitments and reserves. Recheck possible family benefits separately after an income change. An unconfirmed benefit should not be used to close an essential budget gap.
Worked example
| Monthly amount | Today | Part-time |
|---|---|---|
| Partner 1 net pay | €3,600 | €3,000 |
| Partner 2 net pay | €2,800 | €2,800 |
| Childcare | −€450 | −€300 |
| Commuting | −€180 | −€120 |
After these work-related costs, €5,770 and €5,380 remain respectively. The difference is €390 a month, or €4,680 over twelve unchanged months. This is budget arithmetic, not a prediction of tax savings.
Sources to cross-check
Examples explain arithmetic using stated assumptions. They are not individual tax, legal or financial advice.
Methods and review status