Really Big Numbers and Early Retirement in Germany

The NYT had an article about a plan to allow some workers in Germany to retire early and collect Social Security benefits. According to the article, workers who have paid into the system for 45 years will be able to start collecting benefits at age 63 instead of the standard age of 65. (This is being raised to 67, as is the case in the United States.)

While the piece provides interesting background about the economic and political context for this decision, it gives no context for the number...