February data from the German labor market confirms the ongoing stagnation of Europe's largest economy. The number of unemployed persons remained above the psychological barrier of three million, and the unemployment rate remained unchanged at 6.3%. Although in some regions, such as Hamburg and Thuringia, there are initial signs of spring revival, the overall economic picture remains pessimistic due to a lack of dynamism in the private sector.
Unemployment Exceeds Three Million
The number of unemployed persons in Germany did not fall as expected, remaining at a level exceeding the 3 million barrier.
Stagnation Instead of Revival
The traditional spring activation of the labor market is almost invisible due to the weak condition of German industry and high energy costs.
Military as a Key Employer
In regions such as North Rhine-Westphalia, the armed forces have a growing share in job offers, resulting from new budgetary priorities.
The latest data from the Federal Employment Agency for February 2026 illustrate the difficult situation of the German economy, which cannot break free from the grip of stagnation. The number of registered unemployed still exceeds three million, a result of weak economic conditions and high business costs. Experts emphasize that the traditional spring revival, which usually begins at this time of year, is almost invisible nationwide. Employers show great restraint in creating new jobs, stemming from geopolitical uncertainty and structural problems in the industry, which has been the pillar of German prosperity. In many states, such as Bavaria and Saxony, pressure on the labor market does not ease, and the number of offers in the commercial sector remains unsatisfactory. A regional analysis, however, reveals some discrepancies that offer a glimmer of hope for improvement in the coming months. In Thuringia and Saxony-Anhalt, an increase in job vacancies was noted, which may herald a slow breakthrough of the deadlock. Meanwhile, in North Rhine-Westphalia, where nearly 800,000 people are unemployed, a specific trend was observed: a significant portion of new offers is generated by the public sector, including the Bundeswehr. The military is becoming one of the key employers, a direct effect of increased defense spending. Meanwhile, in Hamburg and Rhineland-Palatinate, the number of unemployed fell, though this is accompanied by a concerning rise in the number of young people seeking employment, calling into question the effectiveness of current youth activation programs. The German labor market has been based on stability since the Schröder reforms at the beginning of the 21st century, but current demographic challenges and the energy transition are forcing a deep redefinition of the previous economic model.The situation in smaller administrative units, such as the Viersen or Kleve districts, is assessed by local offices as stable, even though the nationwide unemployment rate of 6.3% remains a cause for concern for the federal government. The dual education system, which has been Germany's pride, is facing a lower willingness of companies to accept apprentices due to concerns about future profits. A lack of strong stock market impulses and a decline in domestic consumption mean analysts do not expect a sharp improvement in statistics before the end of the second quarter. Growth in offers in the service sector may be the only real mitigating factor for the negative trends in heavy industry and construction, which are feeling the effects of the current economic flatline most acutely. 3,04 mln — people in Germany remain unemployed