Germany's birth rate has reached its lowest level since the year 2000, according to data released by the Federal Statistical Office in Wiesbaden. The average number of children per woman, known as the fertility rate, was recorded at 1.32 in 2025. This represents a decline of 2.7 percent compared to the previous year. The lowest fertility rate previously recorded in Germany was during the mid-1990s, when it stood at 1.24 children per woman. According to the statisticians, this period produced a relatively small generation of potential parents, which now contributes to the current low fertility rates.
The number of births in Germany fell to its lowest post-war level last year, amounting to 654,241 babies. There are notable differences between the federal states. The lowest combined fertility rate was recorded in Saxony with 1.16 children per woman, while the highest was found in Lower Saxony at 1.38 children per woman. Lower Saxony has been the state with the highest birth frequency since 2018, but even there, the fertility rate dropped below 1.40 for the first time in 16 years. In eastern Germany, the highest fertility rate was observed in Brandenburg at 1.30 children per woman.
Both German and foreign women experienced a decline in their fertility rates. For women with German citizenship, the fertility rate was 1.20 children, a similarly low figure last seen in 1996 when the average was 1.22 children per woman. This marks a decrease of 2.8 percent compared to the previous year. Women with foreign citizenship had a fertility rate of 1.78 children, representing a drop of 3.3 percent from the prior year. According to the Federal Statistical Office, the fertility rate among foreign women has been declining continuously since 2017, except for the year 2021.
On average, mothers were 31.9 years old and fathers were 34.8 years old during childbirth in 2025, regardless of whether it was the birth of the first child or subsequent ones. This indicates a slight increase in the average age of parents compared to the previous year. Long-term trends show a significant shift in parental age, with mothers' ages increasing by four years and fathers' ages by 3.8 years since 1991.
According to the Federal Ministry of Family Affairs, the low fertility rate in Germany aligns with a broader European trend. Almost all other countries within the European Union and many developed industrial nations worldwide have also experienced a recent decline in their fertility rates. A spokesperson for the ministry noted that studies indicate many individuals are delaying family planning due to economic and social uncertainties. Additionally, the framework conditions for balancing family life and work play a crucial role in decision-making, alongside financial support alone.
The goal of the German government is to create favorable conditions for all men and women to realize their family wishes. This includes further developing reliable childcare services and promoting family-friendly working conditions. These efforts aim to address the challenges posed by the ongoing demographic changes and ensure sustainable population growth in the future.
2 reports
Deutsche Welle (Deutsch)State / PublicCenterFactual 95Objective 903 days agoThe article reports that Germany's birth rate has reached its lowest level in two decades, with an average of 1.32 children per woman in 2025. This marks a decline of 2.7% compared to the previous year. The lowest recorded birth rate since the 1990s was 1.24 children per woman. Regional disparities exist, with Saxony having the lowest at 1.16 children per woman and Lower Saxony the highest at 1.38. Both German and foreign-born women experienced declining birth rates, with foreign-born women averaging 1.78 children per woman. The average age of mothers increased slightly to 31.9 years, while fathers averaged 34.8 years. The Federal Ministry of Family Affairs notes this trend aligns with a broader European and global pattern of declining birth rates.
Bias read (Center): The article presents statistical data and contextualizes the decline in birth rates within a broader European and global trend. It does not take a clear ideological stance, nor does it emphasize particular political narratives. The framing remains neutral, focusing on factual reporting rather than a
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 90): The article accurately reports the birth rate decline to 1.32 children per woman, citing Destatis data. It mentions the lowest level since 1997, the regional differences, and the decrease among both German and foreign women. However, it omits some details like the exact number of births (654,241) an
taz – die tageszeitungIndependentCenterFactual 92Objective 853 days agoThe birth rate in Germany has reached its lowest level since 1997, dropping to 1.32 children per woman in 2025. This marks a continuous decline since 2022 and follows a sharp drop in 2022, attributed to factors such as coronavirus-related restrictions, vaccine hesitancy during pregnancy, and broader societal crises like climate change and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The decline is particularly pronounced among women over 30, who have seen a significant decrease in births despite previously increasing trends. Regional disparities exist, with Saxony recording the lowest birth rate at 1.16 children per woman, while Lower Saxony remains the highest at 1.38, though this too has fallen below previous levels.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual data and contextualizes the decline in birth rates without overtly favoring any political ideology. It references statistical reports and expert opinions but does not take a clear stance on the causes or implications beyond presenting the information objectively. While a
Why these scores (Factual 92 · Objective 85): The article correctly states the birth rate dropped to 1.32, the lowest since 1997, and cites the total number of births (654,241). It notes the regional disparities and the trend of younger women delaying childbirth while older women have seen a sharper decline. However, it adds speculative comment
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