Germany Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Germany's youth unemployment was 6.86% in 2025, ranked 41st globally. This represents a 3.9% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Germany's youth unemployment stood at 6.86% in 2025, a rise of +0.26pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 6.72% by 2026. Germany ranked 41st globally.
Germany’s youth unemployment rate stood at 6.86 % in 2025, placing it 41st worldwide. The indicator has been recorded for 35 years, with the lowest level of 5.51 % recorded in 1991, the year of the all‑time trough, and a dramatic surge to an all‑time peak of 15.46 % in 2005 during the global financial crisis aftermath. Since that peak, the rate has more than halved, reflecting the country’s strong vocational training system and active labor‑market policies, yet it remains modestly above the level recorded at the trough. Among peer economies, Singapore posted a comparable rate of 6.78 % and Malawi a slightly higher 6.95 % in the same year, underscoring Germany’s relatively favorable position within a diverse group of countries. Continued emphasis on apprenticeship programmes, digital skill development and flexible work arrangements could further compress youth unemployment, steering the trend downward in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 6.91% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 6.82% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 6.72% | - | - |
| 2025 | 6.86% | +0.26pp | #41 |
| 2024 | 6.60% | +0.58pp | #39 |
| 2023 | 6.02% | −0.03pp | #35 |
| 2022 | 6.05% | −0.62pp | #30 |
| 2021 | 6.67% | −1.20pp | #31 |
| 2020 | 7.86% | +2.00pp | #36 |
| 2019 | 5.86% | −0.36pp | #31 |
| 2018 | 6.22% | −0.55pp | #31 |
| 2017 | 6.77% | −0.31pp | #35 |
| 2016 | 7.08% | −0.25pp | #38 |
| 2015 | 7.33% | −0.28pp | #40 |
| 2014 | 7.61% | −0.21pp | #42 |
| 2013 | 7.83% | −0.29pp | #45 |
| 2012 | 8.12% | −0.81pp | #44 |
| 2011 | 8.93% | −1.49pp | #56 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Germany matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Germany's youth unemployment was 6.86% in 2025. Ranked 41st globally. This represents a 3.9% increase from the previous year.
Germany's youth unemployment peaked at 15.46% in 2005.
The lowest youth unemployment in Germany was 5.51% in 1991.
Germany ranks 41st globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Germany's youth unemployment is projected to reach 6.72% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Germany in 2025 was 6.86%. This ranks 41st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_germany_youth-unemployment,
title = {Germany Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/germany/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}