Germany
Based on the most recent published official birth records (and Birthgap harmonisation where noted).
Germany experienced a modest shift in its fertility profile in 2024, with childlessness increasing slightly while the proportion of mothers with multiple children rose. The total fertility rate edged down just over one percentage point from the previous year, yet the average maternal age continues its gradual upward trend. Childlessness and generational fertility indicators remain near their recent highs, reflecting ongoing demographic shifts.
- The total fertility rate (TMR) declined slightly to 0.657 in 2024, down from 0.668 in 2023, continuing a slow downward trend observed over recent years.
- Childlessness (TCR) increased to 34.3%, a rise of 1.1 percentage points from 2023, marking a gradual increase over the past five years.
- Despite a slight fall in children per mother to 2.06, the average maternal age rose to 30.4 years, reflecting delayed childbirth trends.
- The Birthgap Generational Indicator (TFG) edged up to 34.8%, indicating a minor rise in generational birth ratios compared to the early 2000s.
In 2024, Germany exhibited moderate fertility indicators, with fertility and children per mother slightly below European averages but stable overall.
- Completed fertility at 65.7%, ranking 11th in Europe
- Children per mother steady at 2.06, slightly below average
- Average maternal age rising, now at 30.4 years, 11th highest in Europe
- Childlessness increasing, ranking 21st in Europe
- Birthgap generational potential moderate, with a 34.8% indicator
Key fertility indicators — Germany
| Childlessness Rate (TCR) | 34.3% |
| Children per Mother (CPM) | 2.06 |
| Average Maternal Age (AMA) | 30.4 years |
| Birthgap Indicator (TFG) | 34.8% |
| TGI (great-grandchildren per 100 parents) | 28 |
Motherhood prevalence (TMR)
In 2024, the total motherhood prevalence in Germany stands at 65.7%, showing a small decline of 1.1 percentage points from the previous year. Over the past five years, the TMR has been on a downward trend, averaging 69.2% between 2020 and 2024. Compared to the average in the 2000s, which was 69.6%, the current rate is roughly 3.9 percentage points lower. Among 38 countries globally, Germany holds the 11th position, and it ranks 11th within a group of 31 European nations.
| Year | TMR | Year | TMR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 70.8% |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 72.4%* |
| 1990 | n/a | 2023 | 66.8%* |
| 2000 | n/a | 2024 | 65.7%* |
Source: Human Fertility Database. *Measure estimated by Birthgap.org based on partial data from Destatis.
Children per mother (CPM)
Germany's children per mother (CPM) stands at 2.06 in 2024, showing a slight decrease of 0.02 from the previous year, 2023. Over the last five years, the CPM has remained relatively steady, averaging around 2.10. This figure is approximately 0.07 higher than the average recorded during the 2000s, which was 1.99. Among 38 countries worldwide, Germany holds the 14th position, while within Europe, it ranks 11th out of 31 nations.
| Year | CPM | Year | CPM |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 2.01 |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 2.11* |
| 1990 | n/a | 2023 | 2.08* |
| 2000 | n/a | 2024 | 2.06* |
Source: Human Fertility Database. *Measure estimated by Birthgap.org based on partial data from Destatis.
Average maternal age (AMA)
The average maternal age (AMA) at birth reached 30.4 years in 2024, showing only a slight increase from 30.3 years the year before. AMA has steadily risen over the last five years, maintaining an average of approximately 30.4 years. This figure marks an increase of 1.7 years compared to the 2000s average of 28.66 years. Germany's position globally is 16th among 38 countries, and within Europe, it holds the 11th spot out of 31 countries.
| Year | BIRTH | Year | BIRTH |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 28.80 |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 30.20* |
| 1990 | n/a | 2023 | 30.30* |
| 2000 | n/a | 2024 | 30.40* |
Source: Human Fertility Database. *Measure estimated by Birthgap.org based on partial data from Destatis.
Birthgap Generational Indicator (TFG)
The Birthgap Generational Indicator (TFG) stood at 34.8% in 2024, corresponding to a total fertility rate of 1.35, showing a slight increase of 1.9 percentage points from 2023. Over the last five years (2020–2024), this indicator has been on an upward trend, averaging 29.7%. When compared to the 2000s average of 33.1%, the current figure is about 1.7 percentage points higher. Regarding its standing, Germany is placed 18th among 38 countries globally and 13th out of 31 within Europe.
| Year | TFG | Year | TFG |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 31.4% |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 26.1%* |
| 1990 | n/a | 2023 | 32.9%* |
| 2000 | n/a | 2024 | 34.8%* |
Source: Human Fertility Database. *Measure estimated by Birthgap.org based on partial data from Destatis.
Societal Half-Life (SHL)
Germany’s SHL stands at 52.5 years years in 2024. It has decreased by 3.7 years compared with 2023. Over the past five years, SHL has been falling, averaging 65.3 years. Compared with the 2000s average (52.8 years), SHL is now close to that long-run level.
Globally, Germany ranks 18 out of 38 countries.Within Europe, it ranks 16 out of 31.
Triple Generation Impact (TGI)
With this Birthgap (TFG) for every 100 people of fertility age in Germany, there would be 28 great-grandchildren, representing a -72.0% drop from the current generation.
Globally, Germany ranks 18 out of 38 countries. Within Europe, it ranks 13 out of 31.
Birth trajectory
According to the 2024 birth pattern, total births are projected to decrease significantly over time, dropping from 677,117 in 2024 to 338,558 by 2077, a decline of 50%. This downward trend continues, with births expected to fall by 75% in 2129 and further decline by 90% to 67,712 in 2199, assuming no migration occurs.
Childlessness rate (TCR)
In 2024, the childlessness rate in Germany stands at 34.3%, marking a modest increase of 1.1 percentage points from the previous year. This rise continues a trend over the past five years, with the average rate from 2020 to 2024 reaching 30.8%. When compared to the 2000s average of 30.4%, there is an increase of about 3.9 percentage points. On the global stage, Germany holds the 28th position among 38 countries, while within Europe, it ranks 21st out of 31.
| Year | TCR | Year | TCR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 29.2% |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 27.6%* |
| 1990 | n/a | 2023 | 33.2%* |
| 2000 | n/a | 2024 | 34.3%* |
Source: Human Fertility Database. *Measure estimated by Birthgap.org based on partial data from Destatis.
Total births
In 2024, Germany recorded 677,117 total births, which is a decrease of 15,872 compared to the previous year. The number of births has been on a downward trend over the last five years, with an average annual total of 732,910. When looking back to the 2000s, the average yearly births were 664,920, meaning the current figures are higher by 12,197 births.
| Year | Births | Year | Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 677.7k |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 773.1k* |
| 1990 | n/a | 2023 | 693.0k* |
| 2000 | n/a | 2024 | 677.1k* |
Source: Human Fertility Database. *Measure estimated by Birthgap.org based on partial data from Destatis.
Birthgap Retirement Indicator (BRI)
Germany's Birthgap Retirement Indicator (BRI) stands at 29.4% in 2024, reflecting a decrease of 3.8 percentage points from the previous year. Over the latest five years (2020–2024), the BRI has shown a downward trend, averaging 34.0%. When compared to the 2000s average of 46.3%, it has dropped by approximately 16.8 percentage points. On a global scale, Germany holds the 23rd position out of 35 countries, while within Europe it ranks 20th among 30 nations.
| Year | BRI | Year | BRI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 47.8% |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 38.8%* |
| 1990 | n/a | 2023 | 33.2%* |
| 2000 | n/a | 2024 | 29.4%* |
Source: Human Fertility Database. *Measure estimated by Birthgap.org based on partial data from Destatis.
