Germany’s Federal Statistical Office in Wiesbaden reported that around 16.1 million people were at risk of poverty or social exclusion in 2025, representing 16.1% of the population, up from 15.5% in 2024.
Of these, 13.3 million people were considered at risk of poverty. The rate of social vulnerability stood at 21.2%, nearly unchanged from 2024 (21.1%).
The data comes from the microcensus, which surveyed more than 47,000 households and 81,000 individuals over the age of 16 about income and living conditions.
The Hans Böckler Foundation, close to trade unions, described the figures as a clear failure of Germany’s welfare state institutions.
Sources - Agencies
