"The economic downturn continues and the labor market remains sluggish. Unemployment and underemployment declined in November, as is typical for the season. The number of people in employment is stagnating and demand for labor remains subdued," said Andrea Nahles, Chairwoman of the Executive Board of the Federal Employment Agency (BA), at today's monthly press conference in Nuremberg.

Unemployment figures for November:
-26,000 to 2,885,000
Unemployment figures compared to the previous year:
+111,000
Unemployment rate compared to previous month:
-0.1 percentage points to 6.1 percent

Unemployment, underemployment, and joblessness 

With the autumn upturn coming to an end, unemployment fell by 26,000 to 2,885,000 in November 2025. Seasonally adjusted, it is slightly higher than in the previous month, at + ,000. The unemployment rate fell by 0.1 percentage points to 6.1 percent. Compared to November last year, the unemployment figure is 111,000 higher. The unemployment rate rose by 0.2 percentage points compared with the same month last year. The unemployment rate calculated by the Federal Statistical Office according to the ILO concept of employment was 3.5 percent in September.

In addition to unemployment, underemployment also includes labor market policy and short-term incapacity to work, and therefore provides a more comprehensive picture. Seasonally adjusted, it fell by 8,000 in November compared with the previous month. At 3,544,000, it was 5,000 lower than a year ago.

Short-time work

Before starting short-time work, companies must submit a notification of the expected loss of working hours. According to current data, from October 1 through October 24, 34,000 people were registered for short-time work due to economic reasons.

Current data on actual usage is available until September 2025. According to preliminary projected data, economic short-time work benefits were paid to 209,000 employees this month. That was 37,000 more than in the previous month, but 8,000 fewer than in September of the previous year.

Gainful employment and occupation

According to the Federal Statistical Office, after seasonal adjustment, the number of people in employment (based on the domestic concept) fell by 2,000 in October 2025 compared with the previous month. At 46.17 million people, this is 55,000 lower than in the previous year. According to projections by the Federal Employment Agency (BA), seasonally adjusted employment subject to social insurance contributions rose by 12,000 between August and September 2025. Compared to the previous year, it was 12,000 higher at 35.23 million employees. 7.63 million people were in low-wage employment in August 2025, 16,000 fewer than in the same month last year. Of these, 4.08 million were employed exclusively and 3.55 million were employed in low-wage side jobs.

Labor demand

In November, 624,000 jobs were registered with the BA, 44,000 fewer than a year ago. The BA Job Index (BA X) – an indicator of demand for personnel in Germany that takes into account both the number of registered job vacancies and new registrations – rose by 2 points to 100 in November 2025. The increase is related to a large order from a single employer. All in all, demand for labor is stabilizing at a low level. Compared to the same month last year, the BA-X is down 5 points.

Cash benefits for unemployment and those in need of assistance

According to projections by the Federal Employment Agency (BA) in November 2025, 986,000 people were in receipt for unemployment benefits, 96,000 more than a year ago. The number of citizens eligible for welfare benefits was estimated at 3,819,000 in November November on 3.819.000. Compared to November 2024, this was a decrease of 122,000 people. 7.0 percent of people of working age living in Germany were therefore in need of assistance.