Why People in Germany Have Fewer Children Than They Want

Introduction

A new study from Germany's Federal Institute for Population Research (Bundesinstitut für Bevölkerungsforschung) has found that many people living in Germany would like to have more children than they actually end up having. This gap between aspiration and reality is driven by a range of factors. For expats and immigrants in Germany — who are navigating family planning in a foreign country, often without an extended support network — understanding the landscape can be both reassuring and practically useful.

What the Research Shows

According to the new data, a notable share of people in Germany report a gap between the number of children they would ideally like to have and the number they actually have. The research identifies multiple reasons for this, rather than a single dominant cause. The findings suggest that Germany — like many other European countries — faces a structural challenge in supporting people who want larger families.

What Holds Families Back?

The Bundesinstitut für Bevölkerungsforschung's data points to a variety of reasons why people have fewer children than they wish. While the specific factors are described as diverse, common themes in German family research typically include the cost of living, housing availability, childcare access, and work-life balance. The study underlines that this is not simply a matter of people choosing smaller families, but rather of real-life constraints preventing people from realising their own preferences.

For expats, these pressures can be compounded. Moving to a new country means rebuilding a support network from scratch, navigating an unfamiliar childcare and school system, and managing career and visa considerations alongside family planning.

What Support Exists for Families in Germany?

Germany has a range of family support measures that expats may not be fully aware of:

• Kindergeld: Germany's child benefit payment, available to residents including many expats, helps offset the cost of raising children. Eligibility depends on your residence and tax status — check with the Familienkasse (part of the Bundesagentur für Arbeit) for your specific situation.
• Elterngeld: Parental leave pay supports parents who take time off work after the birth of a child. The amount depends on your previous income.
• Kita (Kindertagesstätte): Germany has publicly subsidised childcare. Availability and cost vary by city and state (Bundesland), and demand often exceeds supply in urban areas.
• Elternzeit: German law entitles employees to take parental leave. This applies to workers regardless of nationality, as long as they are employed in Germany.

If your Aufenthaltstitel or work situation is complex, it is worth consulting your Ausländerbehörde or a qualified adviser to understand how family changes might interact with your permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I entitled to Kindergeld as an expat in Germany?

Eligibility for Kindergeld depends on your residency and tax status in Germany. Many expats who live and work in Germany do qualify, but the rules can be complex depending on your country of origin and permit type. Contact the Familienkasse directly or seek advice from a tax adviser to check your situation.

Does having a child affect my residence permit in Germany?

Having a child in Germany can have implications for your residence status, and in some cases can support applications for longer-term permits. However, the specifics depend heavily on your individual circumstances and permit type. Consult your Ausländerbehörde or an immigration lawyer for guidance tailored to your situation.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Germany's family support system offers real help to expat families, but navigating it takes effort. If you are considering expanding your family, it is worth researching the benefits available to you — Kindergeld, Elterngeld, Kita places — early on. The research from the Bundesinstitut für Bevölkerungsforschung is a reminder that wanting a larger family and achieving it are two different things, and that the barriers are real and varied. Connecting with expat parent communities and consulting the relevant authorities can help you plan more effectively.

Source: tagesschau