Number of Overindebted Individuals Increases - 111,000 More Cases Than in 2024 - Germany’s Over-Indebtedness Rises for the First Time Since 2018
The latest 'Debt Atlas' from Creditreform reveals a worrying trend: over-indebtedness in Germany has risen for the first time since 2018. The national rate has climbed from 8.09 to 8.16 percent, affecting nearly all social groups, including those with middle or above-average incomes.
The analysis, based on anonymized data from official registers, online retailers, and other sources, shows a significant increase. Around 111,000 more adults are now over-indebted, totaling 5.67 million cases nationwide. This marks a two percent rise from the previous year.
Experts categorize over-indebtedness into 'hard' and 'soft' cases. A person is considered over-indebted if they are permanently unable to meet their financial obligations. The highest rates are found in Bremen and Saxony-Anhalt, while Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg have the lowest. Notably, young people under 30 and older adults over 60 have seen the most pronounced increases.
The rise in over-indebtedness is a cause for concern, affecting a wide range of age groups and income levels. As the economy recovers from the pandemic, it's crucial for individuals and society to address this issue and provide support where needed.
