More space for the family

In 2025, Germany’s fertility rate reached a historic low of 1.32 children per woman on average, reflecting the trend seen in most industrialised countries. Against this backdrop, numerous countries have expanded their family policies in recent years. However, even countries with well-developed childcare systems, high female labour-force participation and generous family benefits, such as the Nordic countries and France, have recorded declining fertility rates. 

The decline in births observed in Germany since 2021 has partly been attributed to an increase in pregnancies during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by a resumption of the previous downward trend. A longer-term cause is thought to be a shift in social values associated with growing gender equality and the introduction of the contraceptive pill. Since the 1970s, this shift has contributed to a move away from the former ideal of having a large family. Other factors include trends towards individualisation and social atomisation trends, accompanied by a decline in partnerships and marriages being formed. 

In Germany, the desire to have children and start a family is considered a deeply personal life choice and largely exempt from state interference due to the right to free personal development enshrined in the Basic Law. However, research shows that social and economic conditions also influence fertility behaviour. Although the average desired number of children has remained stable at 1.75 since 2021, the fertility rate continues to decline. Demographers refer to this discrepancy as a ‘fertility gap’. One factor contributing to this discrepancy between desired and actual family size is the underestimation of the age-related decline in fertility. Consequently, plans to have children are postponed, only to be abandoned later due to declining fertility. Furthermore, young adults find the task of balancing family and career as well as facing uncertain future prospects challenging, resulting in fewer births. Financial and job insecurity, concerns arising from crises, and rising housing and living costs are playing an increasingly important role in decisions about whether and when to have children. 

Against this backdrop, the question arises what needs young people have regarding family planning and which policy measures could support the realization of their desire to have children. While family policy cannot reverse the declining birth rates, it can help reduce the barriers to parenthood. International experience can provide valuable insights for the further development of family policy instruments that address these needs.  

Read the full analysis: ‘Mehr Raum für Familie – Familienfreundliche Politik im internationalen Vergleich‘ here. Please note, to date the analysis is only available in German.