Business · Economy · 1 hr ago
German industry lost 496,000 jobs between 2019 and 2025
German industry had 496,000 fewer jobs at the end of 2025 than at the start of 2019, according to an Ifo Institute study.
That was a 7.1% drop in industrial employment over the period.
The biggest cuts were in autos and suppliers, metals and machinery, with the auto sector losing 123,500 jobs.
In contrast, services added more than 2.2 million jobs, especially in health, social care and public administration.
The study linked growth in health and social care jobs partly to Germany's aging population.
Ifo economist Joachim Ragnitz said the shift could weaken Germany's future growth potential because many new jobs are not in highly productive and innovative sectors.
German industry had about 496,000 fewer jobs at the end of 2025 than at the start of 2019, an Ifo study found.
The decline amounted to 7.1 percent of industrial employment.
The automotive industry and its suppliers lost 123,500 jobs, while metal products manufacturers shed 115,600 and mechanical engineering lost 64,500.
More than 2.2 million jobs were added in the service sector, including in health care, social services and public administration.
Ifo deputy branch head Joachim Ragnitz warned that the shift could curb Germany’s future growth potential.
- Who
- German industry and its workers; the figures come from an Ifo Institute study.
- What
- Industrial companies had about 496,000 fewer workers, a decline of 7.1 percent.
- When
- From the beginning of 2019 to the end of 2025.
- Where
- Germany.
- Why
- The sources do not state why industrial jobs were lost. They say service-sector job growth was driven mainly by an ageing population.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The period used as the starting point for the employment comparison.
German industry had about 496,000 fewer workers than at the beginning of 2019.
- Industrial employment change
- About 496,000 fewer workers
- Overall industrial decline
- 7.1 percent
- Automotive industry and suppliers
- 123,500 jobs lost; decline of 13 percent
- Metal products manufacturing
- 115,600 jobs lost
- Mechanical engineering
- 64,500 jobs lost
- Service-sector employment
- More than 2.2 million jobs added
4 sources
What people are saying
The very industries that have so far supported our prosperity are shrinking.
This could curb our growth potential in the future.