Germany youth NEET rate rises to 10% in 2025, Destatis says
The share of young adults aged 20 to 24 in Germany who were not in employment, education or training reached 10.0% in 2025, climbing from 8.8% in 2022, according to the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis).
Source: Federal Statistical Office Germany · August 17, 2026 at 8:01 PM · AI-assisted report
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KUALA LUMPUR, 18 AUGUST 2026 —
The share of young adults aged 20 to 24 in Germany who were not in employment, education or training reached 10.0% in 2025, climbing from 8.8% in 2022, according to the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis).
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Despite the steady increase, Germany maintained a rate below the European Union average of 12.9%, Destatis reported using comparative Eurostat data. The Netherlands recorded the lowest rate in the 27-member bloc at 5.6%, followed by Sweden at 7.3% and the Czech Republic at 7.6%. Romania posted the highest rate at 22.8%, followed by Bulgaria at 17.3% and France at 16.2%. Data for Luxembourg was unavailable for 2025 after standing at 10.8% in 2024.
Destatis said young women experienced higher disengagement levels than men across most European countries. In Germany, 10.5% of women aged 20 to 24 were out of work and education in 2025, compared with 9.6% of young men. Across the EU, the figures stood at 13.2% for women and 12.5% for men. Destatis added that women were more affected in nearly two out of three EU member states.
Disparities also emerged across regions. In Germany, young people living in major cities faced a disengagement rate of 10.6%, compared with 7.9% in rural areas.
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