Nearly a fifth of Germany's populace reside alone within their households - Approximately twenty percent of the German population resides unaccompanied
In a rapidly evolving European landscape, Germany stands out for its high proportion of single-person households. By 2040, it is projected that over 45% of households in the country will consist of one person, according to recent projections.
This trend is primarily driven by several interrelated demographic and social factors. An aging population is a significant contributor, with many older individuals living alone after children move out or a spouse passes away. The trend towards having fewer children, including a fertility rate of about 1.35 children per woman, results in smaller family units and fewer multi-person households.
Moreover, changing family planning and societal norms play a role. Many Germans view marriage as less obligatory before starting a family, or for life planning in general, possibly leading to more individuals living alone for longer periods. The marriage rate remains relatively stable, but marriages may not always lead to larger households.
Economic and social factors, such as urbanization, housing affordability, and lifestyle choices in developed countries like Germany, also encourage independent living among young adults and elderly alike.
Compared to other EU countries, Germany's increase in one- and two-person households alongside shrinking larger households is a common European trend linked to aging populations and declining fertility rates. However, Germany is notable for having one of the highest proportions of single-person households in Europe.
Regarding those living alone in Germany, the risk of poverty is particularly high. Approximately 29% of single-living individuals were at risk in the past year. Among age groups, young adults living alone (under 30) feel lonely most often, at almost 36%, while seniors aged 65 and over feel lonely the least often, at 17.6%. The proportion of single-living individuals among young adults (25-34) in Germany is also above average, at 28%.
In summary, Germany's high share of single-person households is a result of a combination of demographic dynamics and social attitudes that set it apart from other European countries. While specific comparative data for other EU states was not found in the search results, Germany stands out due to these factors.
In Germany, the science of demography sheds light on the increasing number of individuals living alone, a trend driven by factors such as an aging population, smaller family units, and societal norms that discourage marriage or view it as less obligatory. On the health-and-wellness front, mental health has emerged as a significant concern for this segment of the population, with one in five Germans living alone being at risk of poverty and disproportionately experiencing feelings of loneliness, particularly young adults.
