More than half of Germans now believe that children are almost unaffordable. A recent Insa survey commissioned by ”Bild am Sonntag” found that 55 % of respondents agreed with the statement that “in Germany you can no longer afford children”. Thirty‑four percent disagreed, and eleven percent were undecided.
The main reason cited was the high cost of living: 81 % pointed to rising expenses for housing, food and energy. Fifty‑nine percent see high taxes and charges as a significant burden, while 48 % feel the state’s financial support for families is inadequate. Forty‑eight percent also complain about a lack of nursery and childcare places (58 % of respondents specifically mentioned this shortage).
In the western part of the country, roughly 15 % of children under three still lack access to licensed childcare. In the east, a decline in birth rates has led to occasional closures of childcare facilities. Four‑tenths of respondents (40 %) highlighted income losses due to parental leave or part‑time work as a decisive factor.
Insa director Hermann Binkert told the “Bild” that the scepticism is especially pronounced among people aged 30 to 49: more than 60 % of respondents in this age group consider children financially difficult to sustain. He said this reflects a political warning sign amid decades of low birth rates.
The survey was conducted by Insa in the period February 19-20 2026 and included 1,003 participants. Respondents were asked: “What is your opinion on the statement that one can no longer afford children in Germany? What do you think is the reason for this?” They could choose multiple answers from the following options: high cost of living (including housing, food, everyday expenses); high taxes and charges; insufficient nursery/childcare places; insufficient state financial support; income loss due to parental leave/part‑time work; other reason; or “don’t know / no answer”.
