Rentenblicker: audio information on study, vocational training, FSJ and working abroad
The service is for young people in Germany starting vocational training or higher education, completing a voluntary social year, or working abroad. Deutsche Rentenversicherung has published short audio explanations of how these periods affect social insurance and pensions.
DRV information published on 14 October 2026 · no change to current rules
Topics covered by the audio material
The Rentenblicker series briefly explains pensions during vocational training, higher education, a voluntary social year and employment abroad. The material is for guidance and can be heard on the official Rentenblicker website.
Points highlighted by DRV
- Young people automatically enter the social insurance system when vocational training begins.
- Up to eight years of higher education can be credited as pension periods.
- A voluntary social year can count as a full insurance period.
- Pension rights earned abroad are not lost, although how they are recognised depends on the country and applicable rules.
Individual checks
The material is not a pension decision and does not calculate personal entitlements automatically. If periods are missing or someone has worked in several countries, they should check their Versicherungsverlauf and seek individual information from Deutsche Rentenversicherung.
Source published:
General information as of publication. Individual circumstances and the responsible institution’s rules may require additional documents or steps.