Approximately twenty percent of the population in Germany resides singly.
In recent years, the number of people living alone in Germany has seen a significant increase, reaching approximately 20.6% of the population, according to the latest statistics. This figure is significantly above the EU average of 16.2%.
One of the key factors contributing to this trend is demographic change. Germany's aging population, coupled with rising divorce rates, has led to an increase in the number of older adults living alone. Among seniors aged 65 and over, every third person lives in a one-person household, with more than every second person aged 85 and over living alone.
Economic stability and individual wealth also play a crucial role. Germany's economic prosperity allows more individuals to afford living alone, a luxury that is not always possible in other European countries due to economic constraints.
Cultural and social trends have also influenced solo living in Germany. There is a growing emphasis on personal independence and individualism, encouraging more people to choose solo living over traditional family setups. Urbanization has further supported this trend, with urban environments offering smaller housing units and catering to lifestyle preferences that often suit solo living.
Immigration has had a complex impact, but it may not directly contribute to solo living rates in the same way as economic and cultural factors. However, it can indirectly support solo living by influencing urbanization and economic conditions.
Government policies and welfare systems may also contribute to solo living in Germany. While specifics on how these policies directly influence solo living rates are not well-documented, they do provide support for individuals who choose to live alone, such as housing assistance and social services.
However, living alone does come with its challenges. People living alone are particularly at risk of poverty, with around 29% of this group at risk compared to 15.5% for the total population. Approximately one in four people living alone (26%) often feel lonely, according to the Federal Office's time use survey from 2022.
It is important to note that living alone and feeling lonely are not necessarily linked. As Dr. Langenkamp points out, these two phenomena are only loosely connected. It is possible to live alone and be happy, just as it is possible to live with others and feel lonely.
This trend of solo living is not unique to Germany. In several European countries, including Lithuania, Finland, Denmark, Estonia, and Sweden, a larger proportion of the population lives alone compared to Germany. On the other hand, countries like Slovakia, Ireland, and Poland have the lowest proportion of people living alone.
Young people in Germany are finding it easier to become independent and set up their own households. This is due to factors such as demographic change, individualization, high professional mobility, and the expansion of education. As a result, among young adults aged 25 to 34, the proportion of people living alone is above average at 28%.
In conclusion, the increase in solo living in Germany is a complex issue influenced by a combination of demographic shifts, economic factors, cultural trends, and urbanization. While it presents some challenges, it also reflects a growing emphasis on personal independence and individualism in German society.
The increased emphasis on personal independence and individualism in Germany's cultural trends leads more people to choose a lifestyle that includes home-and-garden arrangements suited for solo living. Economic stability and individual wealth, due to Germany's economic prosperity, enable more individuals to afford a home-and-garden setup that caters to their solo lifestyle.
