Record-low birth rates observed in Germany over the past nearly two decades
In a concerning trend, Germany's birth rate has once again decreased, with a fertility rate of 1.35 children per woman in 2024. This marks a 2% decline from the previous year's rate of 1.38 and is part of a broader European Union (EU) trend, where many member states have experienced similar drops in fertility rates.
The fertility rate among German citizens was particularly low, at 1.23 children per woman, representing a 3% decrease from 2023 and the lowest level since 1996. In contrast, foreign women had a higher fertility rate of 1.84, though this also decreased by 2% from the previous year.
The total number of births in 2024 was 677,117, a decrease of 15,872 from the previous year. This decline is contributing to significant demographic shifts in Germany, including an aging population, as fewer young people enter the workforce to support the Social Security system. This trend is exacerbated by increased life expectancy and a commonly delayed age of parenthood—average ages of first-time mothers and fathers were 30.4 and 33.3 years, respectively, in 2024.
The demographic changes caused by the low birth rate pose substantial challenges for both pension and healthcare systems. A shrinking workforce means fewer contributors to pension funds, potentially leading to increased burdens on remaining workers and the state, or reduced pension benefits. An aging population increases the demand for healthcare services, straining resources and often leading to increased healthcare spending.
Despite these demographic challenges, Germany's population growth is currently sustained by immigration, which has been a significant factor in recent years. However, the rate of immigration itself saw a sharp decline in 2024, which may further exacerbate these demographic issues if not addressed through policy changes or adjustments in immigration rates.
It's worth noting that the decline in birth rate in 2024 was slower compared to the 8% and 7% decreases in 2022 and 2023, respectively. While this may be a sign of improvement, the rate remains below the replacement level of 2.1 for decades, raising concerns about economic sustainability and pressure on pension and healthcare systems in Germany.
Countries like Bulgaria, with a fertility rate of 1.81 children per woman, are contrasted with those like Malta and Spain, which have the lowest rates in the EU at 1.06 and 1.12, respectively. As Germany navigates these demographic challenges, policymakers will need to consider strategies to encourage higher birth rates and address the implications for the future of the country's pension and healthcare systems.
The decline in birth rates, as shown by the 3% decrease among German citizens in 2024, raises concerns about the impact on health-and-wellness, as an aging population may increase demand for healthcare services. Additionally, the integration of science could offer insights into addressing the root causes of this trend, such as delayed parenthood and the work-life balance, to improve the science of health-and-wellness and support higher fertility rates.
