Construction sector order intake experienced a slight decline in May 2025, according to data released by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis). Calendar- and seasonally-adjusted, the volume of new orders decreased by 0.5 percent compared to April 2025.
A notable divergence emerged within the sector. Orders received for building construction (Hochbau) fell by a significant 18.3 percent, while civil engineering projects (Tiefbau) saw a rise of 17.4 percent.
Examining a three-month comparison, the calendar- and seasonally-adjusted order intake from March 2025 to May 2025 registered a gain of 7.6 percent compared to the preceding three months. Building construction increased by 0.6 percent during this period, while civil engineering saw a robust rise of 13.9 percent.
Year-on-year comparisons revealed a more positive picture overall. The real, calendar-adjusted order intake in the construction sector increased by 5.3 percent in May 2025 compared to May 2024. However, this overall increase masked contrasting trends, with building construction orders declining by 10.4 percent and civil engineering orders rising by 20.2 percent. The nominal (unadjusted for price changes) order intake was 9.5 percent higher than the same period last year.
Construction sector turnover (revenue) also showed growth. Real turnover increased by 4.1 percent in May 2025 compared to May 2024, while nominal turnover rose by 7.0 percent to €9.8 billion.
Over the first five months of 2025, real turnover increased by 2.8 percent compared to the same period in 2024, with nominal turnover rising by 5.3 percent.
The number of people employed in the construction sector increased by 1.0 percent in May 2025 compared to May 2024, according to Destatis.
