The statistically adjusted order intake in the construction industry rose by 3.3% in May 2026 compared to April 2026, after adjusting for calendar and seasonal fluctuations, according to data released by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis). Specifically, the residential building sector (Hochbau) saw a slight decrease of 3.1%, while civil engineering (Tiefbau) experienced a robust increase of 8.7%.
Looking at the less volatile three-month comparison, the calendar- and seasonally adjusted order intake for the period between March and May 2026 was 2.6% higher than the preceding three months. This positive trend was driven by growth in the residential sector (+5.3%) and a modest increase in civil engineering (+0.3%).
Comparing May 2026 to the same month last year (May 2025), the real, calendar-adjusted order intake in the construction industry grew by 3.5%. In the residential building segment, this growth was 6.7%, while civil engineering saw an increase of 1.2%. Meanwhile, the nominal (non-price adjusted) order intake reached 4.5% above the prior year’s value.
In terms of financial performance, real turnover in the construction industry was 2.1% lower in May 2026 compared to May 2025. However, the nominal turnover did rise by 2.4% during the same period, reaching €10.1 billion.
Furthermore, the number of people employed in the construction industry increased by 1.5% in May 2026 year-over-year, totaling approximately 545,000 individuals. These figures pertain exclusively to establishments within companies that employ 20 or more people.
