Why do women in Germany earn less than men?

The gender pay gap persists in Germany despite legal equality. Destatis measures the adjusted GPG (same position, same experience) at approximately 7% — the unadjusted figure is approximately 18%. Causes according to EU research (EU Pay Transparency Directive Q007): segregation into lower-paid industries (nursing, social services), more frequent part-time work due to family responsibilities, lower willingness to negotiate and lower initial salary demands. The Entgelttransparenzgesetz gives female employees the right to information about comparable salaries. The EU Pay Transparency Directive 2023/970 tightens transparency requirements. Practically for female applicants: negotiate actively, use market data, exercise your right to salary information under the EntgTranspG.