FRANKFURT (Germany), January 31, 2025 – The unemployment rate in Germany saw a slight increase in January after remaining stable for three consecutive months, according to an official estimate released on Friday.
The rate rose by 0.1 percentage points month-on-month, reaching 6.2%, based on seasonally adjusted data published by the Federal Employment Agency. Additionally, the number of unemployed individuals increased by 11,000, also reflecting seasonally adjusted figures.
In raw data, which are less reflective of underlying trends but provide a reference point for public discourse, the number of jobless individuals surged by 186,000 in December compared to the previous month, approaching nearly 3 million people.
“At the start of the year, both unemployment and underemployment have traditionally risen significantly in January,” commented Andrea Nahles, president of the Federal Employment Agency, noting that the winter break typically has a negative impact on the labor market.
“While employment growth continues to trend upward, it is losing momentum,” she added.
