Living in Germany

Society in the Federal Republic is diverse and cosmopolitan. Many people are actively involved in public life.

People from all over the world shape German society.

Enriching Diversity

People from all around the world live together in Germany, bringing together highly diverse beliefs, ideals and aspirations.

Insight

Shaping society together

How German people live today – and how they contribute to the common good.

Medical care for all

Why everyone in Germany has access to medical care, regardless of their income.

TAT-2020-Diverse-Living-Arrangements — © AdobeStock

With a family, on their own or with others: how people live in Germany

Which new living arrangements are shaping German society and how targeted measures are being introduced to improve the reconcilability of career and family.

Strong Welfare State

How Germany protects its citizens against threats to critical aspects of their lives.

Families and equality

How Germany supports families and helps parents to participate equally in working life.

Committed Civil Society

How volunteering and foundations strengthen social cohesion in Germany - and why more and more people are taking responsibility.

Freedom of Religious Worship

How freedom of religion is enshrined in the Basic Law in Germany and why the religious landscape is marked by increasing plurality.

Inclusion as an important social responsibility

Why enabling participation for people with disabilities is part of the fundamental understanding of democracy in Germany.

Political and social involvement

Social engagement: how active people are in Germany

A woman in a meeting — © Getty Images/Digital Vision

Gender equality

Society, business, politics: how the Federal Government is strengthening the role of women in all areas of public and private life.

Commemorative sites in Germany keep memories of the Nazi crimes and the injustice of the GDR system alive.

Vibrant Culture of Remembrance

The memory of the crimes committed by the Nazis and of the injustice of the system in the German Democratic Republic is kept alive by numerous memorials.

Background

Living and leisure

Around three quarters of German people live in towns and cities, where there are many different sports and cultural facilities as well as hospitality offerings.

Riding waves in the city: Munich’s Eisbach wave is popular with surfers. — © Unsplash

Urban Quality of Life

Why German cities do very well in urban quality-of-life rankings and ever more people now want to live in an urban environment.

Sporting Challenges

How successful Germany is at sport - at both the elite and mass participation levels.

Leisurely Enjoyment

What sets German cuisine and German wines apart internationally and which culinary trends there are.

Around 70%

Married couples with children under 18 are still the most common family unit in Germany today.

3 million single parents

Over 80% of single parents in Germany are women.

Ehe für alle — © Pixel-Shot/stock.adobe.com

9,000

More than 9,000 same-sex marriages in 2023.

Familie liest zusammen — © Halfpoint/stock.adobe.com

Up to 14 months

Mothers and fathers can claim parental allowance during this period. The level depends on parents’ incomes before the birth of their child.

1.25 billion euros

was used for public social spending in 2020.

In the Global Peace Index, Germany is regularly among the highest-ranked countries.

Security in Germany

The rates of criminality are comparatively low in Germany, and there are well-established investigation authorities that are networked world-wide.

Germany has a well developed rail network.

Getting around in Germany

From visa to voltage: Useful information and important telephone numbers for travellers in Germany.