In 2025,
Germany will experience a reduction in working days due to a favorable alignment of public holidays and weekends. Employees will work an average of 248.1 days, a decrease of 0.7 days from 2024. This change results from fewer holidays falling on weekends, which traditionally reduce the number of available workdays.
The reduction in workdays has a potential economic impact, with each lost day estimated to decrease the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 0.1%. This change highlights the economic importance of the calendar's configuration, as seen in previous years. For instance, 1991 had the fewest workdays at 246.9, while 2004 saw the most with 252.8 since German reunification.
The number of working days varies between federal states due to differing public holidays. The elimination of the Day of Repentance and Prayer as a public holiday in all states except Saxony since 1995 also contributes to the fluctuation.
This reduction in workdays is favorable for employees, offering more opportunities for vacation and leisure. Despite challenges like overtourism and climate change, the travel enthusiasm among Germans remains strong. Many plan to travel as often or more in 2025, with some opting for less crowded destinations in off-peak times.
Overall, the favorable holiday schedule in 2025 not only affects work-life balance but also presents considerations for the economy and vacation habits of the German populace.
