German Birth Rate Falls to Lowest Level Since 1997

Germany is experiencing a significant demographic shift as its birth rate plummets to levels not seen in nearly three decades. In 2025, the national average stood at 1.32 children per woman, marking the lowest figure since 1997, according to the Federal Statistical Office.

This decline represents a 2.7% drop from the previous year's rate of 1.35 children per woman. The downward trend has been consistent since 2022, signaling a deepening demographic challenge for the country. The absolute number of births recorded in 2025 was 654,241, the lowest count in the post-war era.

While the national rate is concerning, regional disparities are notable. Saxony recorded the lowest birth rate at 1.16 children per woman, a level not seen there since 1998. In contrast, Lower Saxony maintained the highest rate at 1.38 children per woman, a position it has held since 2018. Generally, the eastern German states continue to have lower birth rates (1.22 children per woman) compared to western states (1.34 children per woman).

Experts suggest that the current low birth rates may be partly influenced by the smaller generation born in the 1990s, who are now in their prime childbearing years. As this generation is numerically smaller, it naturally leads to fewer births overall. The Federal Statistical Office noted that birth rates were even lower in the mid-1990s, but the current situation reflects a different demographic dynamic.