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Germans are having fewer children. A study shows how sharply the birth rate is declining. The head of the study has a recommendation for politicians.
Dresden – Fewer children are being born in Germany. White one Ifo-Instituts study shows, after several years of growth, the rates in the Federal Republic have fallen “drastically”.
On average, women only give birth to 1.35 children instead of 1.58 three years ago
Between 2011 and 2016, fertility rates across Germany rose from 1.38 to 1.59 children per woman. According to the Federal Statistical Office, this was a result of better conditions for families with children and immigration. However, in 2022, fertility rates fell by 8 percent compared to the previous year and by a further 7 percent in 2023 to just 1.35 children per woman. Preliminary data for the first quarter of 2024 shows a continuation of this trend.
Births are becoming rarer in Germany. (Symbolic image) © Fabian Strauch/dpa
According to branch manager Joachim Ragnitz, childbearing behavior has changed “massively”. Currently there are only 1.35 children per woman; in 2021 it was 1.58 children per woman.
Corona crisis and war in Ukraine as causes of declining birth rate in Germany
And what are the reasons why fewer women want children? “Obviously, the corona crisis, the outbreak of war in Ukraine and the subsequent loss of real income due to high inflation have caused many young families to postpone their desire to have children,” said Ragnitz.
Ragnitz continued: “In total, almost 80,000 fewer children were born in 2022 and 2023 than would have been expected.” According to the institute, it should be noted that the number of women between the ages of 27 and 36 is falling sharply in East Germany. Nevertheless, most births occur in them.
Declining birth rate in Germany – expert advises politicians: “Watch developments more closely”
In total, there were 692,989 births in Germany in 2023, with mothers being on average 30.3 years old when their first child was born. In 2022, the proportion of women who decided against having children was 20 percent. This value has remained relatively constant in Germany since 2012.
An empty playground: There are fewer children in Germany. © Matthias Hiekel
So far, it is too early to say whether the recent changes in birth rates are temporary or permanent. “But politicians would be well advised to monitor these developments more closely, also in order to avoid possible wrong decisions when expanding daycare centers and schools,” said Ragnitz. (cgsc)
