More women than men live in Germany. At the end of 2025 there were 1,027 women for every 1,000 men nationwide, the Federal Statistical Office in Wiesbaden announced on Monday. Among the younger age groups, however, there was a clear surplus of men. At the end of 2025, the ratio among 18- to 29-year-olds averaged 912 women per 1,000 men.
Among under-18s the ratio stood at 947 women per 1,000 men, and among 30- to 49-year-olds at 969. One reason for the male surplus in the younger age brackets is that around five percent more boys than girls are born in general. In addition, slightly more men than women have immigrated to Germany.
From the age of 50 onwards, the ratio reverses. Among 50- to 64-year-olds there were 1,011 women per 1,000 men nationwide. Among those aged 65 and over, the figure was 1,260 women per 1,000 men. The main reason for this is women's higher life expectancy. The stronger rate of emigration among men in this age group also plays a role, according to the statisticians.
Clear regional differences emerged as well. Overall, there were more women than men living in every federal state at the end of 2025. The largest surplus of women, however, was recorded in Schleswig-Holstein at 1,044 women per 1,000 men, followed by Mecklenburg-Vorpommern with 1,043 and Hamburg with 1,042. The most even balance was found in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria and Bremen, with between 1,016 and 1,019 women per 1,000 men.
The male surplus among younger people, by contrast, was particularly pronounced among 18- to 29-year-olds in the eastern German states outside the city-states. In Saxony-Anhalt there were only 856 women per 1,000 men, in Brandenburg 862 and in Thuringia 867. Among 30- to 49-year-olds, men were likewise in the majority in every state, though the differences were smaller.
From breaking news to thought-provoking opinion pieces, our newsletter keeps you informed & engaged.
By subscribing, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
