Germany poverty risk threshold linked to 60 percent of median income

In Germany, an individual is considered at risk of poverty if their net income falls below 60 percent of the median income. According to data from the Federal Statistical Office, approximately 16.1 percent of the population was at risk of poverty in 2025, while 21.2 percent faced the threat of poverty or social exclusion.

In the German context, the definition of poverty extends beyond mere income to include social participation, such as access to education, housing stability, and healthcare. Groups most frequently affected by income below the poverty threshold include retirees, single parents, and families with many children.