Germany's 2025 Report Shows 7.8 million People with Severe Disabilities (9.4% of Population)

At the end of 2025 the German Federal Statistical Office recorded about 7.8 million people with a severe disability, representing 9.4 % of the total population. The gender split was virtually even, with 49.9 % male and 50.1 % female.

Age distribution showed that roughly one‑third (34 %) of those affected were aged 75 years or older, while 45 % were between 55 and 74 years. Children and adolescents under 18 accounted for only about 3 % of the total.

Causes of severe disability were dominated by illness (approximately 91 %), with congenital conditions responsible for 3 %, accidents or occupational diseases about 1 %, and other causes making up the remainder.

The 2025 figures are slightly lower than the 2023 count of 7.9 million, a difference of roughly 27 000 people. The statistical office noted that comparability is limited because of data clean‑ups in the states of Hessen and Saxony, which reduced the recorded number by about 195 000 compared with the previous year. These data serve as a basis for planning accessibility, healthcare, and social‑policy measures across Germany.