Germany’s unemployment total crossed 3 million in July, reaching 3.007 million as the Federal Employment Agency reported a 71,000 rise compared to June. Daniel Terzenbach, a board member at the agency, said the increase is partly due to seasonal factors but reflects a continuing weak labor market.
The unemployment rate climbed 0.2 percentage points to 6.4 percent. This trend shows the labor market remains under pressure, with Terzenbach noting it reflects a weak pattern over recent months.
The number of unemployed people is 28,000 higher than in July 2025. Despite a rise in job openings—reaching 653,000 in July—overall job availability is still described as “rather reserved.” This increase represents 25,000 more vacancies compared to the same month a year ago.
Benefit claims also rose. In July, 1.108 million people were receiving unemployment benefits, an increase of 107,000 compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, the number of people eligible for citizen's benefit and without work fell by 121,000 to 3.775 million.
Apprenticeship activity shows a mixed picture. Some 418,000 people applied for apprenticeships in July, up 4,000 from a year ago. Of those, 126,000 found placements. However, the agency reported 437,000 registered apprenticeships, 35,000 fewer than in July 2025.