In January 2026 the number of unemployed people in Germany rose by 92 000 compared with the same month a year earlier, the Federal Employment Agency reported. The figure climbed to 3.085 million, an increase of 177 000 relative to the previous month, while seasonally adjusted data remained unchanged from the month before. The unemployment rate therefore rose 0.4 percentage points to 6.6 per cent.
“Currently there is little dynamism in the labour market. At the beginning of the year, seasonal factors caused unemployment to rise sharply and again pushed the figure above three million” said BA chief Andrea Nahles in Nuremberg on Friday.
Under‑employment-which includes unemployed persons, those subject to labour‑market policy, and short‑term incapacity-provides a broader view. Seasonally adjusted under‑employment fell by 4 000 compared with the previous month, reaching 3.705 million, 8 000 lower than a year earlier.
In January the Agency recorded 598 000 job openings, 34 000 fewer than a year ago. The BA‑X index, an indicator of demand for staff that accounts for both posted vacancies and entry into the market, fell by one point to 100. This index is five points lower than for January 2025.
An estimated 1.142 million people received unemployment benefits in January 2026, 117 000 more than in the same month a year earlier. The number of citizens eligible for basic income was projected at 3.826 million, a decline of 137 000 from January 2025. Thus 7.0 percent of Germany’s working‑age population required assistance.
