A recent study by the Competency Center for Skilled Workforce (Kofa) reveals a significant shift in the dynamics of the German labor market, particularly highlighting the eastern states. Over the 15-year period leading up to 2025, the number of unfilled positions in eastern Germany has expanded at a faster rate than in the western portion of the country.
The study, reported by the “Rheinische Post” indicates an increase of almost 122 percent in open positions in eastern Germany between 2011 and 2025, reaching a current total of 277,000. While western Germany also experienced growth, the increase was comparatively smaller, at 86.1 percent. This translates to a rise from approximately 609,000 unfilled positions in 2011 to nearly 1.134 million anticipated by 2025.
Despite the robust growth in job openings, eastern Germany continues to trail western Germany slightly regarding socially insured employment. During the same period, the number of socially insured jobs increased by 19.6 percent in western Germany, versus 18.6 percent in the east.
The study’s authors characterize this trend as economically positive, emphasizing that the growth in open positions has coincided with an overall expansion of employment in both eastern and western Germany. This suggests a growing demand for skilled labor rather than simply reflecting a widening skills gap.
Kofa conducts these analyses regularly on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy and works closely with the IW, an institute representing employer interests.
