German unemployment surpasses three million as summer hiring slows

Germany’s Federal Employment Agency released July figures showing unemployment climbing by 71,000 to a total of 3.007 million, lifting the national rate to 6.4%—the first breach of three million since April. The agency attributes the seasonal surge to the conclusion of many apprenticeships and employers postponing recruitment until after the summer break. Job advertisements numbered 653,000, a modest rise over the same period in 2025, while the number of people receiving unemployment benefits rose to 1.108 million.

Able-bodied welfare recipients fell to 3.775 million, though not all are unemployed. Interest in apprenticeships grew slightly, with 418,000 seekers. In parallel, market researcher NIQ noted that portable air-conditioner sales in Germany doubled in the first half of 2026, reflecting heightened demand amid a hot summer.