Rising suicide rates in Germany

Germany is experiencing a significant rise in suicide rates, marking the fourth consecutive year of increase and reversing a downward trend that had lasted nearly forty years. Official data shows 11,334 deaths in 2025, a 9.3 percent increase from the previous year. On average, approximately 28 people die by suicide daily, a figure that now exceeds the combined deaths from traffic accidents, violence, and illegal drug use.

The demographic most affected is older men, particularly those in the 55 to 65 age group, with further increases noted among those aged 80 to 90. While men account for 69.2 percent of cases, suicide rates among women have also seen recent increases.

In addition to completed suicides, the National Suicide Prevention Program estimates over 100,000 suicide attempts occur annually in Germany. Furthermore, the German Association for a Humane Way of Dying reported that 1,287 individuals utilized organized assisted dying services, representing 11.4 percent of all suicides in the country.