German Living Habits: Exploring the Daily Lives of the German Population
In the heart of Europe, Germany stands as a bustling nation with a population of 83.6 million people, with an average age of 44.9 years by the end of 2024. The country is witnessing a shift in household dynamics, as one-person households become the largest and fastest-growing segment.
The typical German lives in a small household, with an average family size of 3.4 members. The average man in Germany is 43.5 years old, while the average woman is 46.2 years old. Interestingly, women in Germany have a life expectancy of 83.5 years, which is approximately 2.7 years longer than the average life expectancy for men, who live until 78.9 years of age. This gender gap in life expectancy in Germany is approximately 4.6 years.
When it comes to housing, the average dwelling in Germany spans 94.4 square meters, although apartments commonly range around 50 sqm for couples or singles living comfortably, especially in major cities like Berlin. The net rent per square meter for dwellings in Germany is 7.28 euros, although prices are significantly lower outside city centers and in smaller towns.
The lifestyle in Germany tends to emphasize work-life balance, with a focus on recreation, family time, and cultural activities. Many Germans follow structured workweeks and benefit from strong labor protections, with a significant proportion of employees working in urban areas, commuting from surrounding suburbs or smaller towns.
The rising trend toward one-person households, coupled with high property costs and mobility needs, has led to a higher prevalence of renting over owning, especially in cities. In desirable urban areas such as Berlin, net rent for a 50 sqm apartment ranges between 800€ and 1200€ per month (warm rent including utilities), which equals roughly 16 to 24 euros per square meter warm rent. Without utilities, net rent would be somewhat lower, generally estimated around 12 to 20 euros/m² in desirable neighborhoods.
As Germany continues to urbanize and its population ages, it will be interesting to see how these trends evolve in the coming years. The nation's commitment to work-life balance, coupled with its focus on sustainable living and innovation, ensures that it remains a vibrant and dynamic place to live and work.
In the realm of residence, many Germans opt for renting apartments, particularly in urban areas like Berlin, due to the increasing prevalence of one-person households and the desire for mobility. These apartments serve as their homes, blending personal lifestyle choices with the ambiance of home-and-garden, creating comfortable living spaces that cater to their individual lifestyles.
