High earners in Germany underestimate their relative income position while lower earners overestimate theirs

Actual income

Perceived income

Highest 10%

of earners

10

9

80-90

8

70-80

7

60-70

6.56

6

50-60

5.7

5.18

4.91

5

40-50

4.64

4.53

4

30-40

4.34

3.97

3

20-30

3.5

2

2.67

10-20

Lowest 10%

of earners

1

Actual income

Perceived income

Highest 10% of earners

10

80-90

9

70-80

8

60-70

7

6.56

50-60

6

5.7

5.18

4.91

5

40-50

4.64

4.53

30-40

4

4.34

20-30

3

3.97

3.5

10-20

2

2.67

1

Lowest 10% of earners