In Germany, the number of temporary employment contracts has continued its decline, with around 2.2 million people currently working under such agreements. This represents a reduction from previous years, marking a shift in the structure of the labor market. Temporary jobs remain predominantly associated with younger workers, particularly those aged between 15 and 25, who accounted for nearly one-fifth, 18.3 percent, of all employed individuals in this age group during the past year. By contrast, among all working-age individuals not engaged in education, training, or voluntary service, only six percent were employed on a temporary basis. The trend reflects a broader pattern of change in atypical employment forms. According to data released by the Federal Statistical Office, approximately 6.4 million people were working in non-standard arrangements in 2025, including temporary contracts, mini-jobs, short-term part-time work, and agency positions. These figures represent a decrease from 2015, when the proportion of such workers stood at 20.8 percent of the workforce. The current rate stands at 17.2 percent, indicating a gradual but consistent movement away from more flexible employment models. Among the different types of atypical employment, the share of part-time workers with up to 20 weekly hours has dropped significantly, falling from 13.4 percent in 2015 to 10.9 percent in 2025. Similarly, the percentage of casual workers, those employed for less than 40 hours per week, has declined from 6.5 percent to 4.1 percent over the same period. Only temporary agency work showed a slight increase, rising from 1.8 percent to 2.0 percent. Temporary contracts remain especially common in the education sector, where they account for 11.2 percent of all employment, and in the hospitality industry, which reports an 8.8 percent usage rate. Both sectors exhibit higher rates of temporary employment compared to the overall economy. Few individuals actively choose temporary employment. Just 2.7 percent of those working on temporary contracts stated they had made a conscious decision to accept such terms. A majority of these contracts lasted less than a year. Educational attainment plays a role in determining the likelihood of being employed temporarily. Those without professional qualifications had a 11.6 percent chance of holding a temporary contract, while those with highly qualified degrees, such as master’s titles or university diplomas, saw the rate drop to 6.4 percent. Individuals with intermediate vocational qualifications had the lowest rate at four percent. The German government has introduced reforms aimed at changing the rules surrounding temporary employment. One key change involves extending the maximum duration of temporary contracts without a specific reason from two years to four years. This adjustment could have implications for students and new entrants to the job market, potentially altering how they navigate their initial career steps. As these changes take effect, further analysis will be needed to assess their impact on employment patterns and worker stability.
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