Daily Lifestyles of Germans Revealed
The typical size of households in Germany shows a strong trend toward smaller households. In 2023, there were 17.01 million one-person households, while three-person households numbered only about 4.94 million. This shift towards smaller households is influenced by aging, urbanization, and lifestyle choices, with many older or single individuals living alone.
Regarding family size and composition, official OECD data indicates that couple households with children generally have a larger average size than single-parent households, due to the presence of two adults and usually more children. However, Germany specifically has seen a rise in single-person households.
Most Germans live in rented apartments rather than owned homes, reflecting urbanization and economic factors. The typical home composition thus often reflects smaller households or individual living arrangements.
Demographically, the largest age group in Germany in 2024 was people aged 40 to 59 years. This is followed closely by the population 65 years and older, indicating a significantly aging population profile. The total population of Germany was about 83.6 million as of the end of 2024.
Life expectancy in Germany is among the highest globally, with women typically living longer than men by several years. While the precise current life expectancy figures are not listed, it generally fluctuates around 80 years or more, consistent with developed European countries. The life expectancy difference between men and women is approximately 4.6 years, with women living 8.7 years longer than the average man.
Housing costs vary widely by region, but Germans often face high rental expenses, especially in urban centers. Home prices and costs for owning a home are rising, contributing to the trend toward renting and smaller household sizes. The average rent per square metre for an apartment in Germany in 2024 is EUR 7.28, excluding ancillary costs. The average cost of renting a square metre of an apartment in Germany in 2024 is not provided.
In summary, the trends in German household sizes, demographics, and life expectancy reflect social and economic changes in the country. The aging population and increasing numbers of one-person households have implications for housing demand, healthcare expenditure, and social policy.
Fashion-and-beauty companies may find specific marketing strategies appealing to the growing number of one-person households in Germany, catering to individual needs and lifestyle choices. Home-and-garden industries might observe this trend in smaller households as an opportunity to develop space-saving and versatile products for urban apartments.
