Labour market information: Germany

With 83.1 million inhabitants, Germany has the fourth-largest national economy and industrial base in the world, and is the third largest export nation. Germany is renowned for its major companies in the automotive, chemicals and electronics sectors. Among these, Volkswagen, Daimler, BMW (all automotive), BASF (chemicals) and Siemens (electronics) are the main global players. What is less well known is that 61 % of the total workforce in Germany works in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). SMEs in particular, for example in the mechanical engineering sector, are willing to recruit and are looking for staff.

As of December 2020, 33.69 million people were in employment. Compared with the previous year, there was a decrease in the number of employees subject to social security contributions in most Länder, the majority of these being in Saarland (- 1.1 %). In Schleswig-Holstein, the number of persons employed was actually higher than in the previous year (+ 0.7 %).

On the basis of the entire civilian labour force, the unemployment rate in March 2021 was 6.3 %. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the rate has increased by one percentage point compared to the previous year. However, East Germany (7.9 %) continues to be more affected by unemployment than Western Germany (6 %). In recent years, the gap between these employment rates had narrowed significantly. At Land level, Bavaria continues to have the lowest unemployment rate, while Bremen has the highest unemployment rate.

As of February 2021 there were 583 000 registered jobs, 107 000 (15 %) fewer than one year ago. The coronavirus outbreak has had a tangible impact on jobs, particularly in the hotel, culture and retail sectors. At the same time, many companies are unable to fill their posts. While it cannot be said that there is a general shortage of workers or skilled workers, significant tensions and bottlenecks are becoming apparent in technical occupations, construction professions and healthcare and nursing professions.

Almost 400 000 cross-border workers were working in Germany in 2018. These are people who work in one country, but live in another. Given its location at the heart of Europe, Germany has by far the largest number of frontier workers, many of whom come from Poland and the Czech Republic.

The German labour market needs well-educated women and men — i.e. people with a professional qualification (academic studies, vocational training). There are good opportunities for foreign skilled workers in those occupations that are in particularly high demand. In Germany, there is significant demand for the following occupations:

Doctors: despite good earning opportunities and associated high social status, there is an increasing shortage of doctors in private practices, and sometimes in clinics, especially in rural areas.
Requirements: candidates must undergo a recognition procedure, but doctors having obtained equivalent qualifications abroad will be granted a national license to practice as a doctor in Germany.
Nurses: there are plenty of jobs available for nurses and healthcare professionals. Qualified staff are needed in hospitals, old people’s homes and other care facilities.
Requirements: anyone with a nursing qualification from their country of origin can request for that qualification to be recognised in Germany. Medical fitness and knowledge of German are required, either to B2 or B1 level, depending on the Land.
Engineers: as an industrial nation, Germany has plentiful career opportunities and good earning potential to offer engineers. There is a strong demand for experts in electrical and construction engineering, mechanical engineering and vehicle manufacturing. There are currently opportunities available for graduates who wish to cross over from other fields.
Requirements: anyone with a professional qualification equivalent to those in Germany is eligible to be recognised as an engineer/engineering consultant.
Life scientists and computer scientists: vacancies are also abundant in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), both in the private sector and in public research institutes.
Requirements: at the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB), foreign STEM graduates can have their university degrees declared equivalent to German diplomas.

There is also particular demand for childcare workers in municipal and church kindergartens, drivers in freight companies and municipal institutions, chefs, food industry professionals (butchers, bakers) and agricultural workers (harvest workers).
More information can be found at: https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/de/jobs/gefragte-berufe/

Anyone wishing to work in Germany should either:

Have a professional qualification for one of the professions in very high demand. In this case German-language skills are often of lesser importance. Or:
Be planning to achieve a professional qualification in one of the professions in very high demand. It is possible to come to Germany to obtain qualifications. Germany has a ‘dual learning’ system where learners perform paid work while they are training, which allows them to cover some of their living costs. Or:
Have a professional qualification for a less in-demand profession. In this case, excellent German-language skills are essential in order to increase the likelihood of finding a job.

Links:

International Placement Service (Zentrale Auslands- und Fachvermittlung, ZAV)

www.make-it-in-germany.com

The Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg is a city-state which forms one of the federal states of Germany. With a population of just over 1.84 million, Hamburg is the second largest city in Germany, but rather sparsely populated for a large city. There are numerous parks, and three other rivers in addition to the Elbe. The Alster has been dammed to form a lake in the centre of the city. The Außenalster and Binnenalster lakes are separated by two bridges. The city’s most famous construction is the Saint Michaelis Church, known as ‘Michel’. As a major port city Hamburg is also home to Germany's largest port, one of the biggest in the world. However, Hamburg is also home to many newspapers, television broadcasters and radio stations. Moreover, it boasts several universities.

The unemployment rate in Hamburg was 8.1 % as of March 2021, compared with a national average of 6.3 %, an increase of 1.7 percentage points on the previous year. Compared to the same month last year, male unemployment in February 2021 increased by 10 100 or 26.6 %, whilst female unemployment increased by 9 100 or 30.8 %. Of the total number of people unemployed, 44.6 % were women; in the same month last year this percentage stood at 43.8 %.

As a result of the coronavirus outbreak, the number of people in employment in Hamburg fell slightly for the first time in 16 years. However, compared to November 2020, employment subject to social security contributions has increased again. The various sectors are also feeling the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic:

Employment fell in manufacturing, hospitality, and in the trade and services sectors.
In the rest of the economy, however, employment continues to grow. Large gains have been made in the health sector.

In addition, fewer jobs remain registered than before the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of registered jobs has not yet bounced back following a sharp decline due to the lockdown in spring 2020. However, the number of vacancies posted increased slightly in February 2021 compared to the previous month, adjusted for seasonal and calendar effects.

Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania has a population of around 1.61 million inhabitants and an area of some 23 180 km². This means that Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania has the lowest population density of any federal state. Around 96 000 people live in the capital of Schwerin. The country borders the Republic of Poland to the east, the Land Brandenburg to the south, Lower Saxony to the south-west and Schleswig-Holstein to the west. In the north, the Baltic Sea forms a natural border. Almost two thirds (around 62 %) of the land area is used for agriculture.

With its location between the conurbations of Berlin and Hamburg, its modern infrastructure and the tempting supply of cheap commercial premises, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is an attractive business location.

The unemployment rate in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania was 8.5 % as of March 2021, compared with the national average of 6.3 %, an increase of 1.2 percentage points on the previous year. Compared to the same month last year, male unemployment in February 2021 increased by 5 300 or 14.8 %, whilst female unemployment increased by 3 600 or 13.5 %. Of the total number of people unemployed, 42.2 % were women; in the same month last year this percentage stood at 42.5 %.

As a result of the coronavirus outbreak, the number of people in employment in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania fell slightly compared to the previous year. However, compared to November 2020, employment subject to social security contributions has increased again. The various sectors are also feeling the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic:

Employment fell in manufacturing, hospitality, and in the trade and services sectors. The largest decrease was recorded in the area of temporary agency work.
Jobs are continuing to be created in the civil service and in the care/social care and health sectors in particular.

In addition, fewer jobs remain registered than before the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, growth in the number of posts has been weak since the sharp contraction in April and May 2020. However, the number of vacancies posted increased slightly in February 2021 compared to the previous month, adjusted for seasonal and calendar effects.

Bremen is considered one of Germany's three city states, alongside Berlin and Hamburg. However, in actual fact the Land of Bremen not only encompasses the city of Bremen, but also the city of Bremerhaven, located 60 kilometres away. This makes Bremen a two-city state. Bremen is the eleventh largest city in Germany. However, Bremen is Germany’s smallest federal state in terms of population and surface area. Of its population of almost 683 000 inhabitants, some 569 400 live in Bremen itself with a further 113 600 in Bremerhaven. The Hanseatic City of Bremen is home to the world-famous ‘Town Musicians of Bremen’ statue.

The unemployment rate in Bremen was 11.3 % as of March 2021, compared with a national average of 6.3 %, an increase of 1.3 percentage points on the previous year. Compared to the same month last year, male unemployment in February 2021 increased by 3 100 or 14.9 %, whilst female unemployment increased by 2 700 or 17.1 %. In the reporting month 42.9 % of the total number of unemployed persons were women; in the same month last year this percentage stood at 42.5 %.

As a result of the coronavirus outbreak, the number of people in employment in Bremen fell compared to the previous year. The various sectors are also feeling the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic:

Employment fell in manufacturing, hospitality, and in the trade and services sectors. The largest decreases were recorded in the metal, electronics and steel industries.
In the rest of the economy, however, employment continues to grow. For the first time, employment increased again in the area of temporary agency work. A major growth in jobs can be seen in the field of public services and qualified business services.

In addition, fewer jobs remain registered than before the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, the number of registered jobs has been almost unchanged since June 2020, remaining well below the pre-crisis level. Similarly, there is still little momentum in terms of vacancies posted compared to the previous month, adjusted for seasonal and calendar effects.

Berlin, the federal capital, has about 3.65 million inhabitants, making it the largest city in Germany and the most densely populated federal state. There is an average of 3 950 residents per square kilometre. Berlin is completely surrounded by Brandenburg and is approximately 70 km from the Polish border to the east.

The high quality of life with comparatively low living costs, the vibrant social scene and the international environment attract talent from home and abroad to this city on the Spree River. Each year, the German capital gains around 40 000 new inhabitants, mostly young people aged 18–30.

Berlin’s economy is growing rapidly. In a nationwide comparison, Berlin has been one of the top performers for years. The capital is also at the forefront of job creation and business creation. Companies and start-ups can find excellent conditions here for economic success. The capital is particularly attractive to entrepreneurs in the creative and technology industries.

The unemployment rate in Berlin was 10.5 % as of March 2021, compared with a national average of 6.3 %, an increase of 2.6 percentage points on the previous year. Compared to the same month last year, male unemployment in February 2021 increased by 30 900 or 34.7 %, whilst female unemployment increased by 24 400 or 36.1 %. In the reporting month 43.4 % of the total number of unemployed persons were women; in the same month last year this percentage stood at 43.2 %.

As a result of the coronavirus outbreak, the number of people in employment in Berlin fell compared to the previous year. However, compared to November 2020, employment subject to social security contributions has increased again. The various sectors are also feeling the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic:

The highest increase was recorded in the civil service (+ 6.1 %)
The largest decrease was recorded in the hospitality sector (- 15.6 %).

In addition, fewer jobs remain registered than before the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of vacancies posted also fell compared to the previous month, adjusted for seasonal and calendar effects.

Saxony is a federal state in the east of Germany. It borders the states of Brandenburg to the north, Saxony-Anhalt to the north-west, Thuringia to the west and Bavaria to the south-west. The state also shares a border with the Czech Republic to the south and with Poland to the east. The state capital is Dresden. With a population of some 4.1 million and an area of about 18 400 km², Saxony is one of Germany’s smaller federal states.

Saxony has an extensive tradition as a business location, and it has long had a high-performing industry. Today, the Free State is one of the most dynamic Länder and has the highest job density in eastern Germany (excluding Berlin). Since 2000, Saxony’s economy has grown by 25.3 % (March 2021), the second strongest growth performance among all the German non-city states.

The unemployment rate in Saxony was 6.5 % as of March 2021, compared with a national average of 6.3 %, an increase of 1.0 percentage points on the previous year. Compared to the same month last year, male unemployment in February 2021 increased by 11 300 or 16.0 %, whilst female unemployment increased by 9 500 or 19.2 %. In the reporting month 41.8 % of the total number of unemployed persons were women; in the same month last year this percentage stood at 41.1 %.

As a result of the coronavirus outbreak, the number of people in employment in Saxony fell compared to the previous year. However, compared to November 2020, employment subject to social security contributions has increased again. The various sectors are also feeling the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic:

The largest increase was recorded in the transport and warehousing sector (+ 2.4 %).
The biggest drop was recorded in the hospitality sector (- 5.9 %).

In addition, fewer jobs remain registered than before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the number of vacancies posted increased in February 2021, adjusted for seasonal and calendar effects.

Saarland is the smallest non-city state and with just under 1 million residents is the second-smallest federal state in Germany in terms of population. It borders Rhineland-Palatinate to the north and east, France to the south and Luxembourg to the west. The state capital is Saarbrücken. The Saar-Lor-Lux region, comprising Saarland, Lorraine and Luxembourg, is a prime cross-border commuting area. Saarland is one of the warmest regions in Germany.

Saarland relies on research competence and innovation as a driver for growth and competitiveness. It has systematically built up a strong and diverse academic and research base in recent years and has been successful in many fields of technology, both nationally and internationally. Saarland-based IT, healthcare and medical technology, pharmaceutical and active substance research, nanotechnology and biotechnology, but also materials science, mechatronics and automotive and supply technology have an excellent reputation in research and teaching.

The unemployment rate in Saarland was 7.2 % as of March 2021, compared with a national average of 6.3 %, an increase of 0.6 percentage points on the previous year. Compared to the same month last year, male unemployment in February 2021 increased by 2 300 or 11.2 %, whilst female unemployment increased by 2 200 or 15.7 %. In the reporting month 41.6 % of the total number of unemployed persons were women; in the same month last year this percentage stood at 40.6 %.

As a result of the coronavirus outbreak, the number of people in employment in Saarland fell compared to the previous year. However, compared to November 2020, employment subject to social security contributions has increased again. The various sectors are also feeling the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic:

The largest increase was recorded in the information and communication sector (+ 10.5 %).
The biggest drop was recorded in the hospitality sector (- 10.8 %).

In addition, fewer jobs remain registered than before the COVID-19 pandemic. In a seasonally and calendar-adjusted month-on-month comparison, there was no increase or decrease in the number of vacancies posted in February.

Rhineland-Palatinate lies in the south-west of Germany and is home to some 4.1 million residents. The state borders North Rhine-Westphalia to the north, Hessen and Baden-Württemberg to the east, the French region of Alsace to the south and the Saar-Lor-Lux region (Saarland, Lorraine and Luxembourg) to the south and west. Rhineland-Palatinate is the German state with the largest area of territory on the left bank of the Rhine. The state capital is Mainz.

Rhineland-Palatinate has one of the highest export volumes of all the Länder in the Federal Republic of Germany. Rhineland-Palatinate lies at the heart of Europe, and has borders with France, Luxembourg and Belgium. As a result of its location, this Land is heavily focused on cross-border cooperation, such as cross-border vocational training projects as well as common strategies on demographic change, education policy, energy transition, healthcare or spatial development that enable cooperation across borders and encourage outreach and exchange.

The unemployment rate in Rhineland-Palatinate was 5.4 % as of March 2021, compared with a national average of 6.3 %, an increase of 0.8 percentage points on the previous year. Compared to the same month last year, male unemployment in February 2021 increased by 10 700 or 17.7 %, whilst female unemployment increased by 9 500 or 20.9 %. Of the total number of people unemployed, 43.7 % were women; in the same month last year this percentage stood at 43.0 %.

As a result of the coronavirus outbreak, the number of people in employment in Rhineland-Palatinate fell compared to the previous year. However, compared to November 2020, employment subject to social security contributions has increased again. In the year-on-year comparison between sectors, the predominant picture was of growth across the board.

The largest increase was recorded in the construction sector (+ 2.8 %).
The biggest drop was recorded in the hospitality sector (- 9.1 %).

In addition, the number of registered jobs continues to be lower than before the COVID-19 pandemic, although there was an increase in the number of registered jobs in February 2021 compared to the previous month in seasonally adjusted terms. The number of vacancies posted fell further compared to January 2021, adjusted for seasonal and calendar effects.

Baden-Württemberg is situated in the south-west of Germany. The state capital is Stuttgart. In terms of both population (11 million) and surface area (35.7 km²), Baden-Württemberg is the third-largest of the German federal states.

Baden-Württemberg is a highly industrial federal state with a large export volume, and is one of the leading economic regions in Germany and Europe. Daimler, Bosch and IBM Germany all have their headquarters here. Structurally, however, the economy is characterised by a large number of medium-sized enterprises, which are often world leaders in their respective product segments. In addition to the automotive industry, the mechanical and plant engineering, metal, chemical, pharmaceutical and optical industries play an important role. Baden-Württemberg remains the most innovative region within the European Union.

The unemployment rate in Baden-Württemberg was 4.3 % as of March 2021, compared with a national average of 6.3 %, an increase of 0.9 percentage points on the previous year. Compared to the same month last year, male unemployment in February 2021 increased by 33 100 or 26.6 %, whilst female unemployment increased by 29 300 or 31.5 %. In the reporting month 43.7 % of the total number of unemployed persons were women; in the same month last year this percentage stood at 42.7 %.

As a result of the coronavirus outbreak, the number of people in employment in Baden-Württemberg fell compared to the previous year. However, compared to November 2020, employment subject to social security contributions has increased again. The various sectors are also feeling the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic:

The agriculture, forestry and fishing sectors saw the highest increase (+ 9.4 %).
The biggest drop was recorded in the hospitality sector (- 9.6 %).

In addition, fewer jobs remain registered than before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the number of vacancies posted increased substantially compared to January 2021, adjusted for seasonal and calendar effects.

The Free State of Bavaria is geographically the largest of all the German states, and has the second-largest population (13 million). The state capital is Munich. Bavaria borders the Czech Republic to the east, Austria to the south, Baden-Württemberg and Hessen to the west and north-west, and Thuringia and Saxony to the north and north-east.

Bavaria’s economy is one of the strongest in Europe. Eight out of the thirty corporations that feature in the DAX stock index, including Siemens, Adidas and BMW, are based in the Free State. International corporations such as Microsoft, Intel and Google have established their German headquarters and laboratories here. Many of the small and medium-sized enterprises are ‘hidden champions’ and world leaders in their field. Automotive and mechanical engineering are among the strongest industries in the federal state. Key industries such as biotechnology, environmental and energy technology, and aerospace are also firmly rooted in Bavaria.

The unemployment rate in Bavaria was 3.9 % as of March 2021, compared with a national average of 6.3 %, an increase of 0.8 percentage points on the previous year. Compared to the same month last year, male unemployment in February 2021 increased by 39 200 or 26.8 %, whilst female unemployment increased by 33 600 or 34.6 %. In the reporting month 41.4 % of the total number of unemployed persons were women; in the same month last year this percentage stood at 39.9 %.

As a result of the coronavirus outbreak, the number of people in employment in Bavaria fell compared to the previous year. However, compared to November 2020, employment subject to social security contributions has increased again. The various sectors are also feeling the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic:

The largest increase was recorded in the civil service sector (+ 4.8 %).
The biggest drop was recorded in the hospitality sector (- 11.2 %).

In addition, the number of registered jobs continues to be lower than before the COVID-19 pandemic, although there was an increase in the number of registered jobs in February 2021 compared to the previous month in seasonally adjusted terms. The number of vacancies being posted also increased significantly compared to January 2021, adjusted for seasonal and calendar effects.

Labour market information: Germany

Short overview of the labour market

Where are the available jobs?

Where are the available workers?

Short overview of the labour market

Where are the available jobs?

Where are the available workers?

Short overview of the labour market

Where are the available jobs?

Where are the available workers?

Short overview of the labour market

Where are the available jobs?

Where are the available workers?

Short overview of the labour market

Where are the available jobs?

Where are the available workers?

Short overview of the labour market

Where are the available jobs?

Where are the available workers?

Short overview of the labour market

Where are the available jobs?

Where are the available workers?

Short overview of the labour market

Where are the available jobs?

Where are the available workers?

Short overview of the labour market

Where are the available jobs?

Where are the available workers?

Short overview of the labour market

Where are the available jobs?

Where are the available workers?

Short overview of the labour market

Where are the available jobs?

Where are the available workers?

Short overview of the labour market

Where are the available jobs?

Where are the available workers?

Short overview of the labour market

Where are the available jobs?

Where are the available workers?

Short overview of the labour market

Where are the available jobs?

Where are the available workers?

Short overview of the labour market

Where are the available jobs?

Where are the available workers?

Short overview of the labour market

Where are the available jobs?

Where are the available workers?

Short overview of the labour market

Where are the available jobs?

Where are the available workers?