The correct answer is:
social contributions
Sozialabgaben
Independent study resource, not a BAMF website. Translations are study aids; the exam is in German.
Quick explanation
Social insurance is mainly financed through social security contributions.
Why is this correct?
Employees and employers pay contributions to health, long-term care, pension and unemployment insurance; church tax, donations and membership fees are not part of it.
Background
Social insurance is mainly financed through social security contributions, which are deducted from wages and salaries. For most types of insurance, employees and employers each pay roughly half. Social insurance includes health, long-term care, pension, unemployment and accident insurance. Accident insurance is paid by employers alone; the state also adds subsidies from taxes, for example for pensions.
Why are the other answers wrong?
Church tax goes to the churches, not to social insurance. Donations and membership fees are voluntary payments to organisations or clubs; the state does not use them to finance social insurance.
Memory tip
Social insurance is paid for with social contributions (Sozialabgaben) – the word is already in the name.
Leben in Deutschland © 2026