Germany Female Labor Participation
Female labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS
Germany's female labor participation was 55.29% in 2025, ranked 76th globally. This represents a 0.6% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Germany's female labor participation stood at 55.29% in 2025, a decline of +0.33pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 55.64% by 2026. Germany ranked 76th globally.
Germany's female labor participation rate has experienced a modest increase since 1990, when the indicator stood at 45.17%. The rate peaked at 55.82% in 2023, suggesting a steady rise over the past decade. However, the country still ranks 76th globally, trailing behind several nations, including Malta, which boasts a rate of 55.80%. Notably, the rate has fluctuated over the years, with the most recent figure standing at 55.29% in 2025. This stagnation could be attributed to several factors, including changing workforce dynamics and shifting societal expectations. The slight decline from the peak in 2023 may indicate a plateau in female labor participation in Germany, which could be influenced by ongoing debates surrounding work-life balance and childcare support. A significant shift in government policies or a major economic downturn could potentially alter the trajectory of this trend, with a potential for increased female participation in the workforce if support systems are strengthened.
Data & projection
| Year | Female Labor Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 55.77% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 55.71% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 55.64% | - | - |
| 2025 | 55.29% | −0.33pp | #76 |
| 2024 | 55.62% | −0.20pp | #76 |
| 2023 | 55.82% | +0.28pp | #75 |
| 2022 | 55.54% | +0.52pp | #73 |
| 2021 | 55.02% | −0.09pp | #73 |
| 2020 | 55.11% | −0.60pp | #74 |
| 2019 | 55.71% | +0.50pp | #72 |
| 2018 | 55.21% | +0.07pp | #76 |
| 2017 | 55.14% | +0.33pp | #77 |
| 2016 | 54.81% | +0.37pp | #81 |
| 2015 | 54.44% | −0.03pp | #82 |
| 2014 | 54.47% | +0.27pp | #77 |
| 2013 | 54.19% | +0.51pp | #78 |
| 2012 | 53.68% | −0.03pp | #82 |
| 2011 | 53.71% | +1.18pp | #81 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Germany matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw female labor participation improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Germany's female labor participation was 55.29% in 2025. Ranked 76th globally. This represents a 0.6% decrease from the previous year.
Germany's female labor participation peaked at 55.82% in 2023.
The lowest female labor participation in Germany was 45.17% in 1990.
Germany ranks 76th globally in female labor participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Germany's female labor participation is projected to reach 55.64% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The female labor participation of Germany in 2025 was 55.29%. This ranks 76th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_germany_female-labor-participation,
title = {Germany Female Labor Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/germany/female-labor-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}