The pocket money recommendations for 2025 have been adjusted. The German Youth Institute (DJI) and the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs have adjusted the guidelines to the increased cost of living and inflation.
At what age does pocket money make sense?
Pocket money is already worthwhile from the age of around four to five years. At this age, small amounts are paid out weekly to teach basic money management skills. As you get older and your needs increase, the amount of pocket money also increases. Children are increasingly faced with financial challenges in everyday life and in their social environment, which makes dealing with money essential. From around the age of ten, it is recommended to switch to a monthly payment, as children and young people are then more able to manage their money over the long term and save for bigger wishes.
Current pocket money table 2025
According to the recommendations of the German Youth Institute and other specialist agencies, a weekly payment of between one and two euros is recommended for children under six years of age. At primary school age, the amounts increase to two to four euros per week. From the age of ten, pocket money is paid monthly, starting at 20 euros and increasing gradually up to 75 euros for adult young people who are still economically dependent on their parents.
Pay out weekly or monthly?
Small children should receive pocket money on a weekly basis. This frequency of payments corresponds to the level of development, as young kids cannot yet plan their use of money over longer periods of time. From secondary school onwards, it is advisable to switch to monthly payments. In this way, young people learn to allocate their money over a longer period of time and to plan larger expenses better. Pocket money not only supports financial competence, but also the development of self-organization and a sense of responsibility.
Pocket money as a tool for financial education
Pocket money is more than just money to spend. It is an educational tool that helps children understand the value of money, set priorities and recognize the difference between wants and needs. It is recommended not to use pocket money as a reward or punishment. Mistakes when handling money are expressly encouraged because they offer important learning experiences and promote personal responsibility. Studies and experts point out that experiences like these contribute to maturity because they show children that money is not unlimited.
Paul Schütte, editorial team at finanzen.net
