Poverty in Germany has reached its highest level since comparable records began in 2020 13.34 million people, 16.1% of the population, were living in poverty in 2025, up from 15.5% the previous year. The number of people in poverty is described as “crisis-like.” Single parents, people living alone, young adults aged 18 to 25 and those over 65 were identified as the groups most affected.