Around 70% of Germans who have not yet retired are worried about their financial situation in old age, according to a survey published ahead of a planned overhaul of the country's pension system.
Concern was highest among younger adults, with 75% of respondents aged 18 to 29 saying they were either somewhat or very worried about their retirement finances, the YouGov poll commissioned by anti-poverty charity Lichtblick Seniorenhilfe showed.
More than 70% of respondents in all age groups up to 69 expressed similar concerns. Among people aged 70 and over, 55% said they were financially worried given their current situation.
Germany operates a state pension system funded largely through contributions from current workers. The system is coming under increasing pressure as large numbers of baby boomers retire and the working-age population shrinks.
The survey found 88% of respondents viewed old-age poverty as a major issue in Germany, while 92% expected it to become more common over the next decade.
About 73% said retirees would need at least €1,500 ($1,760) net per month to cover basic living costs, and the same share opposed any further increase in the retirement age.
The German government plans to begin work this summer on a major pension reform aimed at securing the system's long-term financing.
YouGov surveyed 2,178 adults in Germany between April 10-13.