In 2025, Germany registered approximately 655,000 births, marking the lowest figure since World War II. This decline in birth rates has now persisted for four consecutive years, according to preliminary data from the Federal Statistical Office of Germany (Destatis).
The number of births in 2025 decreased from 680,000 the previous year. Concurrently, the country experienced over one million deaths, leading to a natural population decline of around 350,000.
The fertility rate stands at 1.35 children per woman, significantly below the 2.1 required for population replacement. This figure has been decreasing since 2022, as the generation born in the 1990s, which is relatively small, is now reaching their early 30s, the age at which women typically have children.
In eastern Germany, the birth rate fell by 4.5% in 2025 compared to the previous year, while western regions saw a decrease of 3.2%. The only exception was Hamburg, where births increased by 0.5%.
Long-term forecasts from Destatis indicate that Germany’s population could decrease by approximately 10% by 2070. The agency has noted that migration is unlikely to offset this decline.
Germany's birth rate has reached its lowest level since World War II, with significant implications for the country's demographic trends. The decline, coupled with rising mortality rates, suggests a challenging future for population growth.