Germany faces record poverty with over 13 million people at risk

Germany is confronting its highest poverty levels in recent years, with 13.3 million residents—or 16.1 % of the population—living in poverty or at risk, according to the German Association for Social Equality and the Federal Statistical Office. The rate rose by 0.6 percentage points from the previous year, marking the highest level since 2020.

The most affected groups are single parents, people living alone and pensioners; men are disproportionately impacted, with a poverty rate above 30 %. Regional disparities are pronounced: Bavaria and Baden‑Württemberg have the lowest rates, while Bremen has more than a quarter of its population in poverty, and elevated figures are also seen in Berlin, Hamburg and Saxony‑Anhalt. Under European criteria, households earning less than 60 % of the national average (under €1,446 net per month) are classified as at risk. Social organisations warn that rising utility costs and basic expenses are pushing many families beyond their means and urge the government not to cut social benefits.