Unemployment rises to 3.061 million in August
The number of unemployed people in Germany rose by 54,000 to 3,061,000 in August. This is 36,000 more than in August of the previous year. The unemployment rate increased by 0.1 percentage points to 6.5 percent, while seasonally adjusted unemployment rose by 4,000. The Federal Employment Agency attributes the increase primarily to the ongoing summer break. BA head Andrea Nahles commented: "Even in August, there is little momentum in the labor market beyond the usual seasonal patterns."
Behind the total figure are two opposing trends. An estimated 1,133,000 people received unemployment benefits in August, which is 109,000 more than a year ago. Conversely, the number of employable persons eligible for basic security, i.e., those receiving citizen's benefits (Bürgergeld), stood at 3,754,000, which is 116,000 lower than in August 2025. In total, 6.9 percent of people of working age living in Germany were in need of assistance.
For families with school-age children, the most important figure is a different one. Since October, 433,000 young people have registered with employment agencies and job centers for an apprenticeship. 156,000 had received an offer by August, but 102,000 have yet to find an apprenticeship or an alternative. At the same time, 451,000 apprenticeship positions have been reported, many of which remain unfilled. The training year has just begun, and the placement services of the Federal Employment Agency will continue into the autumn. Anyone who does not yet have a position should contact career counseling now instead of waiting until next year.
One point particularly affects foreign employees and does not appear in any of the reports. If your residence permit is tied to employment, such as with the EU Blue Card or a permit for gainful employment, the loss of your job is not just a financial issue. Report the termination of your employment to the immigration office immediately and obtain written confirmation of how much time you have to look for a new position. Furthermore, register as a job seeker no later than three days after becoming aware of the termination, otherwise you risk deductions from your unemployment benefits.