Germany Festgeld Calculator: Fixed-Term Deposit Maturity Value
Calculate the maturity value of a German Festgeld — a fixed-term deposit (Termineinlage) that locks a lump sum at a fixed interest rate for a set term — and the interest earned.
Adjust the inputs and select Calculate for a full breakdown.
Compare Common Scenarios
How the numbers shift across typical situations for this calculator:
| Scenario | Future value | Total growth |
|---|---|---|
| €20k · 3.5% · 3yr | $22,174.36 | $2,174.36 |
| €10k · 3% · 1yr | $10,300.00 | $300.00 |
| €50k · 3.2% · 5yr | $58,528.65 | $8,528.65 |
| €100k · 3.8% · 4yr | $116,088.56 | $16,088.56 |
How This Calculator Works
Enter the deposit amount, the fixed rate, and the term (Laufzeit). The calculator compounds the deposit to maturity and shows the maturity value and total interest. Festgeld locks your money for the term at a guaranteed rate; this estimate assumes interest is compounded (added to the deposit) annually, though some Festgeld pays interest out each year instead.
The Formula
Future Value of a Lump Sum
PV = present value, r = annual rate, n = number of years
Worked Example
€20,000 in a Festgeld at 3.5% for 3 years grows to about €22,174 — roughly €2,174 of interest. Festgeld (fixed-term deposit) is a popular safe-savings product in Germany: you commit a lump sum for a fixed term (Laufzeit) — commonly 1 to 10 years — at a fixed, guaranteed interest rate locked at the start. In return for giving up access during the term, you typically earn more than the instant-access Tagesgeld (overnight money) account. Deposits are protected by the EU-wide deposit guarantee up to €100,000 per bank per depositor.
Key Insight
Festgeld is a cornerstone of conservative German saving, and a few features shape the real return. Safety: deposits are covered by the statutory EU deposit guarantee up to €100,000 per depositor per bank (many German banks also belong to additional voluntary protection schemes covering more), making Festgeld very low-risk — though spreading large sums across banks keeps everything within the guarantee. Festgeld vs Tagesgeld: Festgeld locks your money for a fixed term at a fixed rate (no access until maturity, but a guaranteed rate), while Tagesgeld is instant-access with a variable rate — so Festgeld suits money you won't need for the term and want a locked return on, and rate-shoppers sometimes ladder multiple Festgeld terms. Interest handling: depending on the product and term, interest may be compounded annually (added to the deposit, as this estimate assumes) or paid out each year (in which case the principal alone is returned at maturity); for multi-year Festgeld, whether interest compounds matters to the final figure. Tax: interest is investment income subject to the German Abgeltungsteuer — a flat 25% withholding tax plus the 5.5% solidarity surcharge (and church tax if applicable) — but only on interest above your annual saver's tax-free allowance (Sparerpauschbetrag), which you claim via a Freistellungsauftrag with your bank to avoid over-withholding. So your after-tax return is lower than the headline rate once interest exceeds the allowance. Liquidity: early access is usually not possible or only with penalty, so treat Festgeld as hold-to-maturity. This calculator gives a pre-tax maturity estimate; for net return, account for Abgeltungsteuer on interest above your allowance, and confirm whether your Festgeld compounds or pays out interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Festgeld maturity calculated?
The deposit compounds at the fixed rate over the term. €20,000 at 3.5% for 3 years grows to about €22,174 (roughly €2,174 interest). This assumes interest is compounded annually; if your Festgeld pays interest out each year instead, the principal alone is returned at maturity.
What's the difference between Festgeld and Tagesgeld?
Festgeld locks a lump sum for a fixed term at a fixed, guaranteed rate (no access until maturity). Tagesgeld is instant-access overnight money with a variable rate. Festgeld usually pays more in return for the lock-in, suiting money you won't need for the term; Tagesgeld suits flexible, accessible savings.
Is Festgeld safe?
Yes — very low-risk. Deposits are covered by the EU statutory deposit guarantee up to €100,000 per depositor per bank (many German banks also have additional voluntary protection). For larger sums, spreading across banks keeps everything within the guarantee. The rate is fixed and guaranteed for the term.
Is the interest taxed?
Yes — interest is subject to the Abgeltungsteuer, a flat 25% withholding tax plus the 5.5% solidarity surcharge (and church tax if applicable), but only on interest above your annual saver's allowance (Sparerpauschbetrag). Submit a Freistellungsauftrag to your bank to use the allowance and avoid over-withholding. After-tax return is lower than the headline rate.
Can I withdraw Festgeld early?
Usually not, or only with a penalty — the lock-in for the term is the trade-off for the higher fixed rate. Treat Festgeld as hold-to-maturity money. If you might need access, Tagesgeld or a shorter Festgeld term is more suitable. Some banks allow early termination only in exceptional cases.
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Methodology & Review
Maturity value is the deposit compounded at the annual rate over the term. It assumes interest is added (compounded) annually within the term; some Festgeld pays interest out annually instead, in which case the principal doesn't grow. It ignores the 25% Abgeltungsteuer (plus solidarity surcharge) on interest above the saver's allowance.
Written by Ugo Candido · Last updated May 22, 2026.