Living in Germany

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

Diverse Living Arrangements

New living arrangements are shaping German society. Targeted measures are being introduced to improve the reconcilability of career and family.

Insight

Shaping society together

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

Carefully focussed support for families

With parental leave, the family allowance and good childcare offerings, Germany supports families and fosters equal participation in working life.

Frau im Meeting — © Getty Images/Digital Vision

Gender equality

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

Committed Civil Society

Civil commitment in Germany is high. Lots of people volunteer and the importance of foundations is growing.

Political and social involvement

Many people are involved with political parties and trade unions. Others choose to pursue volunteer work.

Inclusion as an important social responsibility

Enabling self-determination and participation for people with disabilities is part of the fundamental understanding of democracy in Germany.

Enriching Diversity

Germany is defined by a pluralism of lifestyles. Demographic change is set to play a major role in the coming years.

Strong Welfare State

A dense web of state insurances protects citizens against existential risks.

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.

Almost 70 percent

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

1.5 million single parents

Almost nine out of ten single parents in Germany are women.

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

52,000 same-sex married couples

Since 2017, homosexual couples have had the right to full marriage.

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

Up to 14 months

The time period for which mothers and fathers receive paid maternity or paternity leave amounting to 67 percent of their most recent net income.

996 billion euros

The total sum Germany spent on public social security payments in 2018.

Freedom of Religious Worship

Freedom of religion is enshrined in the German Basic Law, while the religious landscape is marked by increasing plurality.

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.