Germany Labor Force Participation
Labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.ZS
Germany's labor force participation was 60.57% in 2025, ranked 97th globally. This represents a 0.6% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Germany's labor force participation stood at 60.57% in 2025, a decline of +0.35pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 60.89% by 2026. Germany ranked 97th globally.
Germany’s labor force participation rate has risen steadily over the 36‑year series, moving from 58.17 % in 1990 to a recent 60.57 % in 2025, which places the country 97th in the world. The upward trajectory peaked in 2019 at 61.31 % before a modest decline to the all‑time trough of 57.46 % in 2004, reflecting the impact of demographic aging and the early 2000s recession. The latest figure is virtually identical to that of Hungary (60.58 %) and only marginally below the Russian Federation’s 61.11 %, underscoring Germany’s position among the higher‑participating European economies. Persistent reforms to extend working life, such as raising the statutory retirement age and encouraging part‑time work for older workers, have helped sustain the post‑trough recovery. Continued policy focus on childcare provision, flexible work arrangements, and integration of under‑represented groups will be crucial to maintain the modest upward trend and avoid a reversal toward the 2004 low.
Data & projection
| Year | Labor Force Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 60.97% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 60.93% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 60.89% | - | - |
| 2025 | 60.57% | −0.35pp | #97 |
| 2024 | 60.92% | −0.13pp | #96 |
| 2023 | 61.05% | +0.21pp | #99 |
| 2022 | 60.84% | +0.44pp | #100 |
| 2021 | 60.40% | −0.08pp | #94 |
| 2020 | 60.48% | −0.83pp | #90 |
| 2019 | 61.31% | +0.45pp | #92 |
| 2018 | 60.86% | +0.20pp | #97 |
| 2017 | 60.66% | +0.25pp | #93 |
| 2016 | 60.41% | +0.19pp | #101 |
| 2015 | 60.22% | −0.16pp | #103 |
| 2014 | 60.38% | +0.10pp | #99 |
| 2013 | 60.28% | +0.32pp | #102 |
| 2012 | 59.96% | +0.10pp | #105 |
| 2011 | 59.85% | +0.54pp | #104 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Germany matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw labor force participation improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Germany's labor force participation was 60.57% in 2025. Ranked 97th globally. This represents a 0.6% decrease from the previous year.
Germany's labor force participation peaked at 61.31% in 2019.
The lowest labor force participation in Germany was 57.46% in 2004.
Germany ranks 97th globally in labor force participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Germany's labor force participation is projected to reach 60.89% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The labor force participation of Germany in 2025 was 60.57%. This ranks 97th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_germany_labor-force-participation,
title = {Germany Labor Force Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/germany/labor-force-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}