Declining Birth Rate Persists in Germany, According to New Statistics - Decline persists in Germany's birth rate statistics
In recent years, Germany has been witnessing a steady decline in its birth rate, reflecting broader European Union patterns. As of 2024, the fertility rate dropped to an average of 1.35 children per woman, marking a 2% decrease from the previous year[1].
The fertility rate among women with German citizenship was 1.23 children per woman in 2024, a level last seen nearly 30 years ago. In contrast, women with foreign citizenship had a higher fertility rate of 1.84, but this too saw a 2% decline[1]. The birth rate among women with foreign citizenship has been decreasing nearly continuously since 2017.
The average age of mothers at the birth of their first child increased to 30.4 years in 2024, reflecting a trend toward later parenthood. Fathers averaged 33.3 years[1]. Since 2021, the average age of parents has remained stagnant.
Historical data show fluctuations in fertility rates. For instance, the fertility rate in 2023 was 1.39, down from 1.46 in 2022, but it increased to 1.62 in 2024[3]. The birth rate had decreased by eight and seven percent in the two preceding years before the two percent decrease in 2024.
Regional differences often exist due to factors like urbanization, economic conditions, and cultural influences. Niedersachsen had the highest birth rate at 1.42 children per woman in 2024, while Berlin had the lowest at 1.21[2]. All federal states in Germany reported a decline in birth rates in 2024. Thuringia experienced the sharpest decline in birth rates among all federal states, with a seven percent decrease.
The final child number for women has not been explicitly mentioned for any other birth year apart from 1968 and 1975. The final child number for women born in 1975, calculated by the German Federal Statistical Office, is 1.58 children[4].
The German Federal Statistical Office did not provide data for the final child number for women born after 1975. However, the increase in the fertility rate to 1.62 in 2024, albeit marginal (0.25% increase), suggests potential stabilization or slight improvement in birth rates[3].
The recent change in dual citizenship policy might influence birth rates among foreign nationals, as it could affect their decision to settle long-term in Germany[2]. The birth rate among women with German citizenship was slightly higher in 2024 than it was in 1996 (1.22 children per woman)[5]. In total, 677,117 babies were born in 2024, compared to 692,989 in 2023[6].
It is essential to monitor these trends closely, as a sustained decline in birth rates could have significant societal and economic implications for Germany in the long term.
[1] Source: German Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) [2] Source: German Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community [3] Source: German Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) [4] Source: German Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) [5] Source: German Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) [6] Source: German Federal Statistical Office (Destatis)
Women in science might explore factors influencing the lower birth rate in Germany, such as family-health and womens-health, including the impact of later parenthood and the average age of mothers on the birth rate. The health-and-wellness of mothers, children, and families could be of particular importance in this regard. Additionally, as the recent change in dual citizenship policy might influence the birth rates among foreign nationals, the parenting decisions of women with foreign citizenship could be a key area of study in this context.
