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German Protein Intake Calculator (DGE)Beta

Calculate the German Nutrition Society (DGE) recommendation for daily protein by age and sex, adjusted for weight, training, pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Sex

Daily protein

Enter your age to see the result.

How to use

Enter your sex and age and your recommended daily protein intake appears. Add your weight to have it calculated for your body weight, and tick regular training to also see the range recommended for people who train. Women can choose the first, second or third trimester of pregnancy, or breastfeeding, to add the extra amount needed.

German standard: DGE reference values (D-A-CH)

These are the reference values for nutrient intake (D-A-CH) set by the German Nutrition Society (DGE) together with the Austrian and Swiss societies. The protein values were revised in 2017 and are given per kg of body weight. No average requirement is published, so only the recommendation is shown under this standard.

Age Recommendation (g/kg) At reference weight, men / women (g/day)
1–3 1.0 14 / 14
4–12 0.9 18–38
13–14 0.9 50 / 49
15–18 men 0.9 / women 0.8 62 / 48
19–64 0.8 57–55 / 48–47
65 and over 1.0 (estimate) 67 / 57

With a weight entered the calculator uses your weight × g/kg; without one, the value at the reference weight.

Nothing is added in the first trimester; the value rises to 0.9 g per kg in the second trimester, 1.0 g in the third and 1.2 g while breastfeeding. Without a weight, 7 g, 21 g and 23 g are added to the reference value instead.

If you exercise

If you train regularly, 1.2–2.0 g of protein per kg of body weight per day is recommended. This range is not part of any dietary reference standard — it comes from the 2016 joint position of the American College of Sports Medicine and others.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

How much protein does the German standard recommend?

The German Nutrition Society (DGE) recommends 0.8 g per kg of body weight a day for adults aged 19–64. At the reference weights that is about 57 g for men and 48 g for women (55 g and 47 g for ages 51–64).

Why is the value higher from age 65?

The DGE gives 1.0 g per kg for people 65 and over as an estimated value (Schätzwert), which is what it uses when the evidence is not strong enough for a firm recommendation. The calculator notes this when your age is 65 or over.

How much is needed in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

0.9 g per kg in the second trimester, 1.0 g in the third and 1.2 g while breastfeeding. At the reference weight that means adding about 7 g, 21 g and 23 g a day. Nothing is added in the first trimester.