In Germany, an increasing number of people with higher education are facing the risk of poverty, alongside rising unemployment among this demographic.
A recent report, commissioned by the far-left party 'Left Party', highlights a concerning trend in Germany where individuals with higher education are increasingly at risk of poverty. The data indicates that out of 84 million residents, 21 million hold higher education degrees, yet the unemployment rate for this group rose to 3.3% in recent times, up from 2.2% in 2022, according to the Federal Employment Agency. This increase raises alarms about the employment landscape for educated individuals as the country navigates economic challenges.
Despite this upward trend in unemployment among the educated, the report underscores that the risk of poverty remains significantly higher among those with low or medium levels of education. From the 14.3 million people categorized as low-skilled, approximately 4.1 million are deemed at risk of poverty. This statistic starkly contrasts the situation faced by higher education holders, illustrating the broader socioeconomic disparities that persist in Germany.
The definition of poverty in Germany encompasses individuals earning less than 60% of the average income, which was noted as 1446 euros monthly in 2025. The findings raise important questions about the effectiveness of educational attainment in providing financial security and highlight the need for policies to better support individuals across all educational backgrounds in an evolving job market.
