Why do nearly one-third of Germans work part-time?

Germany is witnessing a significant shift in its employment landscape, with part-time work becoming increasingly prevalent. According to the Federal Statistical Office in Wiesbaden, nearly one-third (29%) of all employed individuals aged 15 to 64 in Germany are now working part-time, one of the highest rates in the European Union. This article delves into the statistics, reasons, gender dynamics, and implications of this trend for the German economy and workforce.

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Germany among EU Leaders in part-time employment

As of 2024, Germany ranks third in part-time employment across the EU, following only the Netherlands (43%) and Austria (31%). In contrast, the EU average for part-time employment sits significantly lower at 18%. This growing trend is reshaping the nature of work in Germany and has profound implications on average working hours, gender equality, and policy-making.

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Average working hours: Lower than EU average

While full-time employees in Germany work an average of 40.2 hours per week, the widespread part-time culture brings the overall average down to 34.8 hours, significantly below the EU average of 37.1 hours. Part-time employees in Germany average 21.8 working hours per week.

This shift indicates a broader preference for flexible working models, especially among specific demographics, such as working mothers and caregivers.

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‍‍Gender gap in part-time work: Still stark in Germany

Part-time work in Germany is disproportionately taken up by women. In 2024:

• 48% of employed women worked part-time
• Only 12% of employed men did the same

Across the EU, the gender disparity is less stark: 28% of women and 8% of men worked part-time. Germany’s 36 percentage point gap highlights deep-rooted gender imbalances, often tied to societal expectations and childcare responsibilities.

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Balancing work and family: A key driver for Women

One of the main reasons behind the high rate of part-time work among women is the desire to balance career and family responsibilities. According to the Statistical Office, 74% of women aged 15 to 64 were employed in Germany in 2024, well above the EU average of 66%.

Yvonne Lott, a working time expert from the Hans Böckler Foundation’s Institute of Economic and Social Sciences (WSI), called this development “welcome” and emphasized the need for further policy support to help families manage both work and home life.

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Record Employment rate despite part-time dominance

Despite the rise in part-time roles, Germany saw a record employment rate of 77% among its 15–64-year-old population in 2024. This outpaces the EU average of 71%, underscoring Germany’s strong labor market.

The high employment figures suggest that while part-time work is more common, more people are participating in the labor force overall.

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Policy debate: Encouraging full-time Work vs Flexibility

Politicians and business associations complain that there is too little work in Germany compared to other countries. Critics, including OECD analysts, argue that Germany's part-time culture, especially among women, leads to underutilized labor potential. In its recent country report, the OECD urged the German government to:

• Improve full-day childcare availability
• Abolish the spousal tax allowance, which often discourages full-time employment among secondary earners (typically women)

However, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Katherina Reiche (CDU) rejected the proposal, favoring current family policies and tax incentives that support flexible work models.

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A dual reality of Empowerment and Challenge

Germany’s high rate of part-time employment paints a complex picture. On one hand, it reflects greater labor force participation, especially among women, and promotes work-life balance. On the other, it raises concerns about gender inequality, economic productivity, and future pension security. As the labor market continues to evolve, Germany faces the challenge of balancing flexibility with opportunity

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