Decline in birth rate reaches 1.35 children per woman per mother
Germany's fertility rate has been on a steady decline, with the average number of children born to a woman dropping to 1.35 last year, a decrease of 2% compared to the previous year. This trend is shared by most EU countries, with the average rate for all 27 EU countries in 2023 being 1.38 children per woman, down from 1.51 a decade ago.
The decrease in Germany's fertility rate is influenced by several factors. Economic fluctuations and financial challenges, such as increased housing costs and job security concerns, discourage people from having children. The economic instability following reunification in East Germany also affected family planning. Urbanization, with its higher living costs, makes larger families more expensive. The compatibility of family and work is a significant factor, as many Germans struggle to balance career and family responsibilities, despite improvements in childcare and parental leave policies.
The average age of mothers at the birth of their first child has increased, which can lead to fewer children being born over a woman's lifetime. Societal norms, such as the perception of an "ideal" family size and views on family planning, also influence fertility rates. In Germany, many people desire more children than they actually have.
The low fertility rate in Germany has significant implications for the country's economy and future labor force. Germany's population growth is largely dependent on migration, as indicated by the Federal Statistical Office stating that net immigration is the sole cause of population growth. Without immigration, the population would decline due to a higher number of deaths than births. A lower fertility rate contributes to an aging population and potentially a shrinking workforce, leading to labor shortages in critical sectors and increased burdens on the pension system.
The strain on social security systems and the potential shortage of skilled workers can have long-term economic implications, including increased healthcare costs and reduced economic growth. Regional disparities are also a concern, with certain regions like Thuringia and Saxony seeing more pronounced declines, which could exacerbate regional economic disparities. Wealthier states like Bavaria and Hamburg have seen population growth, but overall, the trend is concerning for the country's economic future.
To turn the desire for children into reality, society needs to create an atmosphere that encourages and promotes a positive image of family. This includes addressing the challenges faced by parents, such as improving the reliability of childcare and supporting work-life balance. Significant investments in family policy, such as parental leave and childcare, have contributed to a subsequent increase in Germany's fertility rate.
Martin Bujard, research director at the Federal Institute for Population Research, warns that the long-term impacts of such a low fertility rate are often underestimated, leading to skilled labor shortages and decreasing pensions despite higher contributions. He advocates for more investment in childcare, which many parents have found unreliable in recent years.
The decline in Germany's fertility rate has slowed down significantly compared to the eight and seven percent decreases in 2022 and 2023, respectively. However, it remains a cause for concern, particularly in light of the current economic challenges, including the war in Ukraine, poor economic development, climate crisis, inflation, and the rise of right-wing populism. Addressing these issues and supporting families could help to reverse this trend and secure Germany's economic future.
- The decrease in Germany's fertility rate has led some to question the impact of economic factors on health-and-wellness decisions, such as concerns about job security and housing costs discouraging people from starting families.
- To counteract the negative effects of the low fertility rate on science and the labor force, it's crucial to invest in policies that support families and improve the compatibility of career and family responsibilities, thereby promoting a positive image of family and encouraging more children to be born.
