What are the German VAT rates?

Germany has two main VAT rates: 19% (the standard rate, Regelsteuersatz) applied to most goods and services, and 7% (the reduced rate, Ermäßigter Steuersatz) applied to basic foodstuffs, books, newspapers, public transport, hotel accommodation, and certain cultural services. A few supplies are VAT-exempt (steuerbefreit), such as most banking and insurance services.

How is VAT added to a net price?

Multiply the net (VAT-exclusive) price by (1 + rate). For the 19% rate: gross = net × 1.19. For the 7% rate: gross = net × 1.07. The VAT amount is simply gross minus net, which equals net × rate.

How do I extract VAT from a gross (VAT-inclusive) price?

Divide the gross amount by (1 + rate) to get the net price. For 19%: net = gross ÷ 1.19; VAT = gross − net. For 7%: net = gross ÷ 1.07; VAT = gross − net. This is the standard reverse-charge formula used in German accounting.

Which goods and services qualify for the 7% reduced rate?

Items taxed at 7% include basic foodstuffs (excluding beverages and restaurant meals), books and magazines, newspapers, public passenger transport (local), hotel stays (accommodation only), artistic and cultural performances, and certain agricultural products. Restaurant and cafe meals are taxed at the standard 19% rate.

What is the German VAT number (Umsatzsteuer-Identifikationsnummer)?

The German VAT identification number (USt-IdNr.) starts with "DE" followed by 9 digits (e.g., DE123456789). It is required on inter-EU B2B invoices. Domestic invoices must show the Steuernummer (tax number) issued by the local Finanzamt, or the USt-IdNr., or both.

Do I need to register for VAT in Germany?

Businesses with a turnover exceeding EUR 22,000 in the previous calendar year (or expected to exceed EUR 50,000 in the current year) must register for VAT (Umsatzsteuer) with their local Finanzamt. Small businesses below this threshold can apply the Kleinunternehmerregelung (small business exemption) under §19 UStG, which means they do not charge VAT but also cannot reclaim input tax.

Germany VAT Calculator

Add or remove German VAT (19% standard or 7% reduced rate) from any net or gross price — instantly see the MwSt amount and totals.

MwSt Calculator

VAT Rate (Steuersatz)

Standard rate (Regelsteuersatz) applies to most goods and services.

Calculation Mode

Enter a net (VAT-exclusive) price to calculate MwSt and gross total.

Amount (EUR)

€

Item Description (optional)

Result

Enter an amount on the left to see the VAT breakdown.

German VAT Rates at a Glance

19% — Standard Rate

Electronics, clothing, vehicles, restaurant meals, most services, beverages.

7% — Reduced Rate

Basic foodstuffs, books, newspapers, public transport, hotel stays (accommodation), cultural events.

Line Items

No items added yet. Use "Add to Table" to build a running total.

Description	Rate	Net	MwSt	Gross
Total		€0.00	€0.00	€0.00

Summary

Germany levies Umsatzsteuer (sales tax), commonly called Mehrwertsteuer (MwSt), at a standard rate of 19% on most goods and services, and a reduced rate of 7% on essentials such as food, books, and public transport. This calculator works in both directions: enter a net (VAT-exclusive) price to find the VAT amount and gross total, or enter a gross (VAT-inclusive) price to extract the VAT component and underlying net price. Results update instantly as you type, and a built-in line-item table lets you total multiple positions — ideal for invoices and expense reports.

How it works

Select the VAT rate: 19% (standard Regelsteuersatz) or 7% (reduced Ermäßigter Steuersatz).
Choose the calculation direction: "Add VAT" to work from a net price, or "Remove VAT" to extract VAT from a gross price.
Enter the amount in euros in the input field.
The net price, VAT (MwSt) amount, and gross total are shown instantly.
Optionally enter an item description and click "Add to Table" to log line items.
The table accumulates entries and shows a running total with combined VAT.

Use cases

Calculate the MwSt amount to include on a German invoice.
Find the net price before VAT from a gross receipt or quote.
Verify VAT amounts on supplier invoices from German vendors.
Total multiple line items and see the combined VAT for a Umsatzsteuervoranmeldung (VAT return).
Apply the 7% reduced rate to food, books, or other eligible goods.
Convert between net and gross prices for pricing decisions in Germany.
Calculate VAT on imported goods subject to German import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer).
Check that a quoted price correctly includes the correct German VAT rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-05-23 · Reviewed by Nham Vu