Germany's unemployment rate decreases to 6.1% in November

Germany's jobless rate eased to 6.1% in November, according to the Federal Employment Agency's latest figures released on Friday. This marks a 0.1 percentage point decrease from October, with the total number of unemployed people falling by 26,000 to 2.855 million.

Despite the monthly decline, unemployment remains 111,000 higher than in November 2024, reflecting a 0.2 percentage point rise year-on-year. Andrea Nahles, chairwoman of the employment agency, commented, "Economic weakness continues and the labor market lacks momentum. Seasonal trends led to small decreases in unemployment and underemployment in November, but job growth remains flat and demand for labor is subdued."

Germany's economy, the largest in Europe, has struggled in recent years. The third quarter of 2025 did not deliver the anticipated rebound, as US tariffs, global trade challenges, and competition from China continue to impact the industrial sector.

The number of job vacancies fell slightly in November, though there were signs of minor stabilization. The agency reported 624,000 open positions, 44,000 fewer than a year earlier. The number of employees working reduced hours under a government support scheme also declined. Data up to November 12 showed 34,000 people registered for reduced hours from November 1-24, though final figures on actual hours cut will be confirmed later. In September, 209,000 employees received benefits for reduced working hours, an increase of 37,000 from the previous month but 8,000 fewer than in September 2024.

In November, 986,000 people received unemployment benefits, 96,000 more than the same month last year. Meanwhile, recipients of basic citizens' benefits for employable jobseekers numbered 3,819,000, a decrease of 122,000 compared with November 2024. Approximately 7% of working-age Germans were reliant on such assistance.

Author: Sophia Brooks