The number of births and marriages in Germany has hit its lowest point since 2013, according to new data released by the Federal Statistics Office, known as Destatis. The birth and marriage rate is falling the fastest in the East of the country. 

Germany's birth rate is declining sharply

Much like in many other developed economies, Germany is seeing its birth rate fall considerably in recent years. Around 693.000 children were born in Germany in 2023, the lowest level since 2013, according to the figures. This number is 6,2 percent lower than just one year before, in 2022. 

In the eastern part of Germany, the number of births in 2023 fell by 9,2 percent compared to in 2022, from 86.227 to about 78.300. This decline is significantly steeper than that seen in western Germany, where the number of children born in 2023 fell by 5,9 percent from 616.863 to around 581.000.

Overall, Germany's population grew by around 300.000 people throughout 2023, even with the decline in birth rate. At the end of 2023, Germany's population was 84,7 million according to Destasis. 

Number of German marriages fell by 7,6 percent in 2023

The number of marriages in Germany also fell significantly in 2023. According to the data, 7,6 percent fewer people got married in 2023 compared to in 2022, totalling around 361.000 marriages last year in Germany. 

The number of marriages in eastern Germany also fell more sharply than in western Germany, falling from 9,1 percent from 56.971 in 2022 to around 51.800 in 2023. In western Germany, the number fell by a smaller 7,4 percent. According to Destasis, 2023 was the second-lowest number of marriages since records began in 1950 - only 2021 saw a lower number of marriages, following the implementation of COVID-19 lockdown measures.