Germany’s 2025 death toll stabilizes after pandemic-driven volatility and COVID-19’s lingering effects
Germany recorded just under 1.0 million deaths in 2025, a figure almost unchanged from the previous year. The slight drop of 4,600 deaths—around 0.5 percent—suggests a return to stability after the sharp fluctuations seen during the pandemic. Experts link this trend to an ageing population and the lingering effects of COVID-19 on mortality patterns.
For two decades, Germany has faced a steady rise in annual deaths as its population ages. Life expectancy had been climbing until the pandemic struck in 2020, causing a sudden spike in deaths and a decline in longevity. The worst years were 2020 to 2022, when mortality rates surged more sharply than in almost any prior period.
By 2023 and 2024, the situation improved as pandemic pressures eased. Deaths fell significantly, and life expectancy rebounded to levels seen before COVID-19. Preliminary data for 2025 confirms this trend, with mortality rates holding steady compared to 2024.
The year began with January figures matching the mid-range of deaths recorded between 2021 and 2024. A slight uptick appeared in late January, followed by a 10 percent rise in February over the four-year baseline. This increase coincided with a surge in respiratory illnesses, though the gap narrowed to 6 percent by March. By April, severe cases of respiratory infections had dropped sharply, marking an early end to the flu season.
Meanwhile, a separate study by the Grantham Institute and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine estimated 24,400 heat-related deaths across Europe during summer 2025. Around 70 percent—approximately 17,000—were attributed to climate change, highlighting an emerging factor in mortality trends.
The latest figures show Germany’s death toll stabilising after years of pandemic-driven volatility. With life expectancy continuing its gradual recovery, the data reflects both demographic shifts and the lasting impact of COVID-19. The findings also underscore the growing influence of extreme weather, as rising temperatures contribute to excess deaths during summer months.
