Fewer fixed-term jobs in Germany – Young workers still disproportionately affected

Above-average rate among the young

Despite this trend, the fixed-term rate among the youngest workers remains far above the average for all employees. As the Federal Office reports, the overall fixed-term employment rate in the entire working population is significantly lower. Young employees therefore remain the group with the highest risk of not receiving a permanent employment contract.

In the view of labour market researchers, the high fixed-term rate among 15- to 25-year-olds reflects structural features. People entering the workforce frequently go through fixed-term phases, for example during vocational training, an internship, or a first job after completing their studies. Probationary periods and fixed-term contracts without objective grounds in the first months are also common.

Structural causes and criticism

At the same time, trade unions see the data as a sign of precarious employment. Fixed-term contracts offer less planning security, for instance when looking for housing, planning a family, or making provisions for old age. Younger employees are also more affected by short contract durations that make long-term career planning more difficult.

The Microcensus is the largest representative household survey in Europe. Around 810,000 people in Germany take part in it each year. The survey provides data on, among other things, employment activity, forms of employment, and the social situation of the population, and is a central basis for labour market reporting.

Outlook for the labour market

The results on fixed-term contracts are part of the annual thematic report on the structure of employment. Destatis points out that the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent economic recovery have influenced labour market dynamics in recent years. Long-term comparisons should therefore be interpreted with caution.

For the coming years, observers expect further changes. The shortage of skilled workers in many sectors could lead employers to offer more permanent positions in order to retain employees over the long term. At the same time, economic uncertainty could mean that companies continue to rely on fixed-term contracts.

The full results of the 2025 Microcensus on fixed-term employment are available to download on the Federal Statistical Office's website. Regional breakdowns and comparisons between federal states, as well as by gender and education level, are also available there.