The private insurances Germans consider non-negotiable, plus your pension.
Haftpflichtversicherung — the insurance every German hasPrivate liability insurance covers damage you accidentally cause to other people or their property. It costs around €40–70 per year and is considered essential — some landlords even ask for proof.Hausratversicherung — insuring what's inside your flatContents insurance covers your belongings against fire, burglary, storm, and water damage. Premiums are based on flat size and location and start around €3–8 per month.The German pension system for newcomersEmployees automatically pay into the statutory pension (gesetzliche Rentenversicherung) — 18.6% of gross salary, split with the employer. What happens to those contributions if you leave Germany depends on your nationality and time paid in.