Hi,
even though I can only roll my eyes at the number juggling and rambling of a forum participant, on this point here:
For the year 2024, the extent of the shadow economy in Germany is forecasted to be around 481 billion euros. This would mean that the size of the shadow economy in Germany corresponds to around 11.3 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP).
I honestly also have serious doubts.
Plausicheck:
481,000,000,000 euros.
Assuming 100 euros/hour for undeclared work (I assume they are using the value that the work would be worth legally)
4,810,000,000 working hours per year.
With 45.9 million employees in Germany, that means 105 working hours each employee is working undeclared per year?
And if you assume that "only" every tenth employee works undeclared, you get 1050 hours per year? That is a two-thirds full-time job? That seems very exaggerated to me.
But that does not change the fact that undeclared work is completely antisocial and should be pursued and punished much more harshly and consistently. Everyone can contribute to this. It starts small: also consistently pay small amounts at the baker, restaurant, or wherever by card, then it will also be recorded through the cash registers. And not, as used to be usual, just into the bucket with small change next to it. Fun fact: the receipt requirement at bakeries has in some cases led to incredible increases in sales, suddenly in some cases double the revenue was reported….
Many greetings,
Andreas