The statutory pension in Germany is essentially based on how many years you have paid into the pension fund as a contributor. Anyone who is unable to work due to raising children or works less than before does not have to forego pension points.
Upon request, parents can receive a pension bonus. According to the DRV, one year of child-rearing time brings almost one pay point, which in 2024 means exactly 39.32 euros more in pension per month. The DRV recognizes the time spent raising children as if the person raising them had paid their own contributions during this period. These contributions are calculated based on the average earnings of all insured persons. The same goes for grandparents or relatives, but only if the child lives there permanently as a foster child. In this case, there may no longer be a custody and upbringing relationship between the biological parents and the child. Adoptive, step, or foster parents can also apply for these child-rearing and consideration periods - for example, as part of an account clarification.