Germany sees 13.3 million people in income poverty, 16% of population

A new report shows that 13.3 million people in Germany live below the income‑poverty line, representing 16.1 % of the population – the highest level in the past five years. The poverty threshold, defined by the EU as income below 60 % of median disposable earnings, corresponds to about €1,378 per month for a single person and €2,893 for a two‑adult, two‑child household.

The crisis affects the elderly most severely, with 19.5 % of those over 65 classified as poor. Single‑person households face a 30.3 % poverty rate, while single‑parent families see 28.9 % below the line. Regional disparities are pronounced: Bavaria records the lowest rate at 12.6 %, whereas Bremen tops the chart at 27.5 %.

Four out of five people living in poverty are not employed. About 70 % of those affected hold German citizenship, with the remaining 30 % originating from other nationalities. The data, compiled by Der Paritätische Gesamtverband and Germany’s Federal Statistical Office and highlighted by Deutsche Welle, warns of a potential deepening of social inequality unless policy measures are strengthened.