[commandlinefan]

That happens in America as well, and I don't think people are well aware of it - the employer is required to pay unemployment insurance on top of the salary they pay to each employee. If you collect unemployment, this is where that money comes from.

[leipert]

Usually employees in Germany need to calculate with 1.15 to 1.2x of the salary they negotiate with the employee. The employer needs to match social contributions (retirement, unemployment, health insurance)