Marriage Rates Decline: Only Half of Adults are Married

Recent statistics reveal a significant decline in marriage rates, with only 50% of adults in Germany currently married. According to data from the Federal Statistical Office in Wiesbaden, approximately 35 million people were in marriages by the end of 2023, indicating a drop from 60% of the adult population three decades ago.

This trend has been ongoing, as the number of married individuals has steadily decreased over the years. In contrast, the number of single adults has risen sharply, with about 22.6 million adults aged 18 and older identified as unmarried, widowed, or divorced by the end of 2023. This represents a significant increase from the 15.8 million recorded in 1993, resulting in a rise in the proportion of singles from 24% to 33% of the adult population.

Another noteworthy trend is the increasing age at which individuals marry for the first time. The average age of first marriage has risen by about six years over the past three decades, reaching a record high in 2023. Women are now averaging 32.8 years old and men 35.3 years old at their first marriage, compared to 26.8 and 29.2 years old, respectively, in 1993.

Experts suggest several factors contributing to this trend. According to a Berlin-based psychotherapist, the urgency to marry has diminished, as financial independence has reduced the dependency on a partner. Moreover, low birth rates have led many couples to question the necessity of marriage, especially in the absence of children.

The year 2023 also saw a decline in marriage ceremonies, with only 361,000 newlyweds recorded, marking the second-lowest number since 1950. Correspondingly, divorce rates have also reached historical lows, with approximately 129,000 marriages dissolved through legal proceedings, the lowest figure since German reunification in 1990.

Experts note that contemporary marriages often stem from more mature and tested relationships. The process of entering a relationship, cohabitating, and then marrying is becoming more common, allowing couples to develop a deeper understanding of one another before making a long-term commitment. This shift in behavior is believed to contribute to the stability of marriages today, with many couples marrying only after establishing a solid foundation in their relationship.