Overview

• Approximately 13 million people in Germany, or 15.5% of the population, are living below the poverty threshold, an increase from the previous year.
• High inflation has reduced real incomes for those at risk of poverty, with median incomes falling from €981 in 2020 to €921 in 2025, despite nominal increases.
• Poverty rates vary significantly by region and demographics, with 30% of non-nationals and 25.9% of Bremen residents affected, compared to 12.8% of German nationals and 11.8% in Bavaria.
• Material deprivation is widespread, with 12% of those in poverty unable to afford heating and 49% unable to afford a one-week annual vacation.
• Joachim Rock of the Paritätischer Wohlfahrtsverband has called for raising the citizen’s benefit for single individuals from €563 to over €800 to address the deepening crisis.