Germany’s birth rate has hit a new record low, raising significant concerns about the country’s demographic future. The average stands at just 1.35 children per woman, a notable decline from 1.58 in 2021. This downward trend is particularly pronounced in eastern Germany, where socio-economic factors and migration patterns have contributed to even lower birth rates compared to the western states.
According to the Federal Statistical Office, only 392,000 children were born between January and July of this year, marking a 3% drop compared to the same period last year. To put this into perspective, in 2021, there were 795,500 births during the same timeframe. This stark decrease means that by 2023, more than one in eight newborn beds was empty compared to just two years earlier. Economic uncertainty, high living costs, and changing societal norms regarding family planning and career priorities are all influencing decisions around having children. These figures signal a continued downward trend, raising questions about the future of Germany’s workforce and social systems.