Germany’s unemployment figures experienced an increase in August 2025, rising by 153,000 compared to the same month last year. The Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) reported a total of 3.025 million people registered as unemployed, an increase of 46,000 from the previous month. Seasonally adjusted figures, however, show a decrease of 9,000 in unemployment compared to July. This brings the unemployment rate to 6.4 percent, a 0.1 percentage point increase.
Andrea Nahles, Head of the Federal Employment Agency, acknowledged the expected seasonal rise in unemployment due to the summer months, while noting that the labor market continues to reflect the economic slowdown experienced in recent years. She also indicated initial signs of stabilization.
Underemployment – a broader measure encompassing unemployment, labor market policies and short-term incapacity for work – has decreased for the third consecutive month, reaching 3.634 million in August, only 25,000 more than the same period last year.
The number of job vacancies reported to the agency in August stood at 631,000, a decrease of 68,000 year-on-year. The agency’s BA-X index, which gauges demand for personnel, remained unchanged at 98 points but is eight points lower than in August 2024.
As of August 2025, approximately 1.019 million individuals were receiving unemployment benefits, a year-on-year increase of 99,000. The number of citizens eligible for basic income support totaled 3.901 million, representing a decrease of 88,000 from August 2024, meaning 7.1 percent of the working-age population required assistance.
Figures also indicate 430,000 applicants have registered for apprenticeships since October 2024, an increase of 12,000 compared to the previous year. However, 98,000 applicants remained without a placement as of August. The number of registered apprenticeship positions stands at 477,000, down 25,000 year-on-year, leaving 129,000 positions still to be filled.