Germany adds nearly 180,000 service jobs as industry layoffs rise

Industry in Germany lost about 185,000 positions in a single year, but almost the same number of jobs – roughly 181,000 – were created in health care, education and public administration, according to the HRI Institute. This offset kept total employment stable at around 45.6 million people for 2026, a drop of only 157,000 from the previous year, while unemployment rose modestly to 3.01 million.

Germany’s public debt stands at about 63 % of GDP, well below the Euro‑zone average of 88 % and far under the 100 % levels of France and Italy. A highly qualified workforce, strong university‑industry links and productivity above the Euro‑zone average support the economy. After four years of decline, investment is again strengthening, even as the country confronts an ageing population, increasing competition from China and a restructuring of its energy supply.

Overall, the German economy is shifting toward services, with the labor market remaining resilient despite the industrial downsizing.