Germany’s poor pensioners | DW Documentary

Poverty threatens more German seniors than ever. How to make ends meet, when pension isn’t enough?

Herbert worked nearly his entire life, as a welder and as a sailor. But he never put much thought into his pension. Now at 65, he barely receives enough to make ends meet. He can hardly afford daily expenses, not to mention hobbies or a vacation. The number of people in Germany struck with the same fate as Herbert is on the rise. At 15%, the rate of pensioners living at poverty level has leapt higher than any other segment in society. Herbert relies on food donations and collects bottles left behind by party-revelers for extra cash. It’s not easy for him, but he has no other choice. Just like so many other pensioners, even in Germany’s wealthiest regions. A report by Axel Rowohlt.
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[albertm]

It's so heartbreaking seeing people give the best days of their life to society and get nothing in return in their old age.

[pantsycat]

He is a beautiful man. I love his face and his attitude. He is still working hard.

[happy-chanchan]

the same.
many japanese pensioners also are struggling like him.

[rrfirefly]

Herbert may be in need but he recognizes that there are others in worse shape. It is a good person who shows gratitude for what he has and still has compassion for those in greater need.

[irfanbaloch]

Germany should prefer to help its own people in the first place !

[anglofrancaiseyvonne]

It's amazing how people work all their lives and have nothing really, and this is not just in Germany but the rest of Europe.

[balihang]

not a German and dont know weather i have a say or not but Germany dont be too liberal, respect and look after senior citizens. they dedicated their blood and sweat for country’s prosperity.

[mischabe]

Let’s not forget we all get old eventually, if we are lucky to live to be an old age.

[paulsawczyc]

Poverty is how the state controls people - it will never end.

[rosariolejarzo]

Sad, because instead of the senior resting and relaxing they go out and still work for pennies ..

[ggsay]

In Russia, after university I used to work as engineer for 350$, 150$ for rent, and 200 for a living. To work full time job and live in poverty is normal for Russians.

[wiyantono]

I already knew about this problem when I lived in DE for 1, 5 years. I always encouraged my friends to buy a flat, small apartment or even a small house in country side, because once you get old, you cant keep paying the pension money to rent the flat. At least when you have a place to stay then pension money can be used for something else such as buying foods.

[nemospence]

To everyone: SAVE, SAVE, SAVE for your own future! Quit extravagant lifestyle!

[Emilio-wblu]

40 years as a teacher and my grandmother gets 250euro/mo, welcome to Europe.

[wcaltig]

I thought Germany did better than this, disheartening.

[vanhamgee]

I find it absolutely disgusting when the state fails to look after their elderly and war veterans.

[cecerider]

I am 67 and disabled severely. There is no way I am able to do what this guy does. He should be thanking God for his health that allows him to traverse about collecting. He is luckier than most.

[jessiejames]

this kind of thing happens in every country...

[peaou]

in lithuania old german tourists bring the main income to some regions. i am from one of those regions, klaipėda (memel), and i always was jealous of those pensioners. riding bicycles everywhere, traveling abroad seemed like a best way to say farewell to your life. it's sad that life ends with misery for some people.. i'm 28, and i think about that all the time.
DW, thank you for your documentaries

[vjab]

The UK has the LOWEST STATE PENSION in EUROPE except for GREECE.