Population of Germany in 2025: Demographics & Statistics

Germany has a population of approximately 84,000,000 as of 2025, making it the 19th most populous country in the world.

Population Overview

With a population of approximately 84,000,000, Germany ranks as the 19th most populous country in the world in 2025. Germany is located in central Europe, bordered by nine countries and stretching from the North Sea and Baltic Sea to the Alps.

Germany is Europe's most populous country and the nineteenth most populous in the world. As the economic powerhouse of the European Union, Germany has one of the world's most productive economies despite a population that is aging rapidly and would be declining without significant immigration.

Population Growth & Trends

The population of Germany is currently growing slowly at an annual rate of 0.12%. This is a relatively low growth rate, typical of more developed economies.

Germany's modest 0.12% growth is driven entirely by immigration, as the country has had more deaths than births every year since 1972. The fertility rate is about 1.5 births per woman. Germany accepted over a million refugees in 2015-2016, which temporarily boosted population growth. Without continued immigration, Germany's population would have already fallen below 75 million. The working-age population is shrinking by about 400,000 per year, creating labor shortages in key sectors.

Largest Cities

The three largest cities in Germany are Berlin, Hamburg, Munich. Urban areas play a critical role in the country's economy, culture, and demographic dynamics.

Berlin, the capital and largest city, has about 3.7 million residents and has experienced a cultural and economic renaissance since German reunification in 1990. Hamburg, with about 1.9 million people, is Germany's second-largest city and the largest port in the country. Munich, with about 1.5 million residents, is the capital of Bavaria and consistently ranks among the world's most livable cities, with a strong economy driven by technology and automotive industries.

Demographics & Society

The official language of Germany is German. The predominant religion is Christianity (Protestant and Roman Catholic). Germany is governed as a federal parliamentary republic.

Germany has one of the largest immigrant populations in Europe, with about 22% of residents having a migration background. German is the official language. About 53% of the population is Christian (roughly evenly split between Catholic and Protestant), 5.5% is Muslim, and about 40% is unaffiliated. The median age of 47 years makes Germany one of the oldest nations in the world, with implications for its pension system and labor market.

Key Population Facts

• Population (2025 est.): 84,000,000
• World Rank: 19th most populous
• Annual Growth Rate: 0.12%
• Population Density: 235 people per km²
• Capital: Berlin
• Largest City: Berlin

Fun Facts

• Germany has been the largest economy in Europe for decades, but its workforce is projected to shrink by 5 million by 2035.
• About one in four Germans is over 60 years old, and adult diapers are one of the fastest-growing consumer products.
• Germany accepted more asylum seekers in 2015 (890,000) than the next four EU countries combined.

Population Projections

Germany's long-term trajectory depends almost entirely on immigration. Official projections from the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) suggest the population could range from roughly 75 to 90 million by 2060, depending on net migration. In a low-migration scenario the population shrinks and ages sharply; in a high-migration scenario it stays broadly stable. Either way, the share of people over 67 is set to climb well above 20%, intensifying pressure on pensions, healthcare, and the labour market. To keep its workforce stable, Germany would need to attract several hundred thousand net migrants every year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Germany in 2025?

Germany's population is approximately 84 million in 2025, making it the most populous country in the European Union and the 19th most populous in the world.

Is Germany's population growing or shrinking?

Germany's population is growing very slowly (about 0.12% a year), and that growth comes entirely from immigration. The country has recorded more deaths than births every year since 1972, so without migration its population would already be falling.

What is the largest city in Germany?

Berlin is both the capital and the largest city, with about 3.7 million residents, followed by Hamburg and Munich. See our guide to the largest cities in Germany.

Why is Germany's population aging?

A low fertility rate of around 1.5 births per woman, combined with rising life expectancy, has pushed Germany's median age to about 47 — one of the highest in the world. Explore the country's wider setting in our Germany geography overview and guide to its neighbours.