€34.8/month instead of €58 — that's the Germany-Jobticket: your employer pays at least 25% of the Deutschland-Ticket price tax-free, the federal government subsidizes another 5%. Most German employees are eligible — you just need to actively ask. This guide explains the application, tax benefits (both employer and employee), and the semester-ticket variant for students.
How the Jobticket price is calculated
* With a higher employer subsidy (e.g. 50%), your share drops further. Some companies (Volkswagen, SAP, Siemens) cover the Jobticket completely.
Annual saving: €278/year compared to the regular Deutschland-Ticket. At 50% employer subsidy, even about €350/year.
Apply for the Jobticket in 5 steps
- 1
Ask your employer
At HR or via email: "Do you offer the Germany-Jobticket?" Many firms have introduced it long ago but communicate passively.
- 2
Clarify contract terms
Employer subsidy amount (min. 25%, often more: 50–100%), term (usually monthly cancellable), billing (from salary or by SEPA).
- 3
Fill in the Jobticket form
Larger firms use online portals, smaller ones PDF forms. Data: name, employee number, address, bank info if needed.
- 4
Activate ticket in app
After 1–2 weeks processing, you receive your Jobticket digitally (DB Navigator or network app). Chip cards optional depending on network.
- 5
Check payslip
On the next payslip you'll see the employer share as tax-free benefit — not as salary part. The employee share is deducted via salary or SEPA.
For employers: Why participate?
Benefits
- ✓ Subsidy tax- and social-security free (§ 3 No. 15 EStG)
- ✓ Employer-branding effect in recruitment
- ✓ Saves vs. company parking (~€100/month)
- ✓ Positive ESG sustainability reporting
- ✓ Simple billing via framework contract with network
Math for a 100-person company
Plus: substantially higher employee satisfaction + employer branding.
For students: The Germany-Semester-Ticket
Since summer semester 2025, a Deutschland-Ticket Semester-Ticket is available for about €29.40/month. Prerequisite: your university has a framework agreement. Most large universities participate.
- ✓ Nationwide valid (not just university network)
- ✓ No stop-restriction
- ✓ 50% cheaper than regular Deutschland-Ticket
Student price comparison
* Price varies by university contract. Usually billed through AStA or student services; fee automatically included in semester fee.
Cancellation: What happens when you change jobs?
The Jobticket is linked to your employment contract. On job change or termination:
- Automatic termination at exit date. You don't need to do anything.
- Seamless switch to regular Deutschland-Ticket possible — just order from the transport network.
- New employer also offers Jobticket? Simply re-apply at the new employer — no interruption.
- In the month of exit, the ticket usually still applies until month-end.
Pro tips
Negotiate the employer subsidy: 25% is the minimum — ask for 50%. Many HR departments have room. Use as argument: the federal government adds another 5% on top of the employer share.
Combine with commuter allowance: Jobticket + commuter allowance can be combined. You get both the employer subsidy and the allowance (€0.30/km) in your tax return.
Small business? Also you can participate: The Jobticket works from 1 employee upwards. For personnel file: simple agreement is enough, no complex contracts.
Federal subsidy is time-limited: The 5% federal subsidy is under political discussion regularly. If it ends, your share rises to €43.50. Still cheaper than full DT.
Ask your employer about the Jobticket
An email to HR is usually enough. If your employer doesn't participate: first buy the regular Deutschland-Ticket, then submit a proposal to the HR team.
More on Jobticket at DB