Birth Rate in Germany Drops to 1.35 Children per Woman

The average number of children born to a woman in Germany has seen a further decline, with the latest figures indicating a birth rate of 1.35 in 2024, as reported by the Federal Statistical Office. This marks a 2% decrease compared to the previous year. While the rate of decline has slowed compared to the 8% and 7% drops observed in 2022 and 2023, respectively, the current statistics remain concerning.

Historically, Germany has experienced similarly low birth rates during the 1990s and the early 2000s. The temporary rise in birth rates following that period has been attributed to significant investments in family policies, including parental benefits and childcare services.

Experts have voiced concerns regarding the implications of the declining birth rate, linking it to multiple ongoing crises. These include the ongoing war in Ukraine, economic downturns, the climate crisis, inflation, and the rise of right-wing populism. According to Martin Bujard, the research director at the Federal Institute for Population Research, the long-term effects of such low birth rates are frequently underestimated, often manifesting decades later through an altered age structure, leading to labor shortages and reduced pension funds despite increased contributions.

Bujard emphasizes that the current labor shortages are rooted in the low birth rates from the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s. He advocates for increased investment in childcare, which has become less reliable for parents in recent years. Research indicates that many individuals still desire to have children, with an ideal estimate of 1.8 children per family as per various studies.

Moreover, there is a noticeable trend of delaying parenthood. In 2024, the average age for mothers giving birth to their first child was recorded at 30.4 years, while fathers averaged 33.3 years. This is a shift from 2015 when the average ages for first-time parents were lower, at 29.7 years for mothers and 32.8 years for fathers.