In 2024, insolvencies in
Germany surged by 16.8%, reaching their highest level since 2015. This alarming increase has been largely attributed to an economic downturn affecting both businesses and consumers. Corporate bankruptcies have risen significantly, with sectors such as transportation, construction, and hospitality being particularly hard hit. Consumer insolvencies also climbed, rising by 10.8%.
Experts predict that the situation could worsen in 2025, as escalating energy costs, bureaucratic hurdles, and persistent political uncertainty continue to strain the economy. The expiration of pandemic-related exceptions, which had previously provided some relief, has only intensified financial pressures.
Creditor claims have more than doubled, now totaling 3.8 billion euros, indicating a deepening crisis. In October alone, the number of company insolvencies spiked by 35.9%, marking the highest monthly total in a decade. Analysts warn that the cumulative effect of these factors could lead to insolvency levels not seen since 2009, with estimates suggesting around 32,000 cases may be on the horizon.
The data reveals that the insolvency applications often precede official statistics by about three months, highlighting a growing urgency among businesses grappling with financial instability. As the economy continues to struggle, industry leaders are calling for urgent measures to alleviate the burden of high energy costs and tax pressures, emphasizing that immediate action is essential to avert further financial distress.
