Abstract
In the ongoing debate on the sustainability of the German public pension system, one valid reform option has been widely neglected so far: the move from the Bismarckian system of strict proportionality between contributions and benefits (“Teilhabeäquivalenz”) to a more degressive formula favouring low earners, as exists in many other countries such as the USA and Switzerland. We here report the results of a large survey experiment on German citizens and politicians which reveals a widespread rejection of strict proportionality and strong support for redistribution to low earners. Information on inequalities in life expectancy reduces perceived fairness even more and increases support for redistribution among voters and politically moderate legislators.