[blackmoon42]

But the 42% is the max tax-rate. As the tax itself is increasing dynamically, you are paying less for the income before the limit. So the average tax for your income is usually lower. For example: A single will pay 42% for income above 60k, but the tax for the 60k income is more like 26%.

[guenthert]

Indeed. Thanks for clarifying.

If you're single and earn well, you still might take home only about 60% due to mandatory health and social insurance contributions. Details vary, following calculator looks promising: https://www.nettolohn.de/