These remarks, and others about German Muslims, prompted accusations of racism and antisemitism.
Chancellor Angela Merkel and Germany’s foreign minister Guido Westerwelle condemned Mr Sarrazin's views. Stephan Kramer, head of the Central Council for Jews in Germany, said they put the banker firmly in the neo-Nazi camp.
The Social Democratic Party, which Mr Sarrazin represents, has also begun proceedings to have his membership removed.