Germany’s birth rate has experienced a notable decline between 1993 and 2024, decreasing from 1.58 to 1.35 children per woman, according to a new analysis released Wednesday by the Federal Institute for Population Research (BiB).
Interestingly, the desired number of children remained relatively stable during the same period. Women, on average, express a desire for 1.76 children, while men indicate a preference for 1.74, significantly higher than the current birth rate. Researchers interpret this discrepancy, known as the “fertility gap” as an indication that planned births are increasingly being postponed.
Data reveals a decrease in the proportion of individuals aged 30 to 39 intending to have a child within the next three years. Among women, this figure dropped from 28% to 1993%, while for men, it declined from 28% to 25%.
“Having children remains a central life goal for most young people” stated Carmen Friedrich of the BiB. “The current decline in births therefore doesn’t reflect a decrease in family orientation, but rather a postponement of childbearing.
The study attributes this postponement to a perceived sense of uncertainty among young adults, exacerbated by international crises and unpredictable economic factors. “Uncertainty has a detrimental effect on family planning” explained co-author Martin Bujard. He emphasized the importance of reliable childcare provision, affordable housing and effective policy decisions to foster a sense of security for young people, which are crucial for encouraging family formation.
