Germany's Jobless Rate Remains at 2020 Highs

2026-10-30 09:03 By Joana Ferreira 1 min. read

Germany’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained unchanged at 6.4% in October 2026, in line with market expectations and holding at its highest level since 2020.

The number of unemployed increased by a smaller-than-expected 4,000 to 3.016 million, marking the highest level since March 2011.

On a non-seasonally adjusted basis, unemployment fell by 40,000 to 2.955 million, down from 2.994 million in September, remaining below the 3 million threshold for a second consecutive month.

Labor Office head Andrea Nahles noted that “the economic conditions are still not sufficient for an improvement in the labor market,” highlighting the continued weakness in employment conditions.

Meanwhile, the number of vacancies registered with the Federal Employment Agency reached 654,000 in October, up by 31,000 compared with the same month a year earlier.



News Stream
Germany's Jobless Rate Remains at 2020 Highs
Germany’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained unchanged at 6.4% in October 2026, in line with market expectations and holding at its highest level since 2020. The number of unemployed increased by a smaller-than-expected 4,000 to 3.016 million, marking the highest level since March 2011. On a non-seasonally adjusted basis, unemployment fell by 40,000 to 2.955 million, down from 2.994 million in September, remaining below the 3 million threshold for a second consecutive month. Labor Office head Andrea Nahles noted that “the economic conditions are still not sufficient for an improvement in the labor market,” highlighting the continued weakness in employment conditions. Meanwhile, the number of vacancies registered with the Federal Employment Agency reached 654,000 in October, up by 31,000 compared with the same month a year earlier.
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2026-09-30
German Unemployment Holds at 2020 High
Germany’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 6.4% in August 2026, in line with expectations and remaining at its highest level since 2020. The number of unemployed rose by a slightly smaller-than-expected 4,000 to 2.996 million, just below the politically significant 3 million mark. On a non-seasonally adjusted basis, unemployment remained above 3 million for a second consecutive month, rising by 36,260 to 3.061 million. Labor Office head Andrea Nahles said the labor market showed “little momentum” beyond normal seasonal patterns, continuing the subdued trend seen in recent months. Unemployment typically rises from July due to the summer break, while Germany’s sluggish economy has added to labor-market weakness. However, recent signs of stronger economic growth could provide some support in the months ahead.
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