February data from the German Federal Labor Market indicates deep stagnation. The number of unemployed persons remains above the 3 million barrier, and the traditional spring revival has not arrived. The unemployment rate stayed at 6.3 percent, reflecting the weak condition of Europe's largest economy. Although some regions, like Thuringia, show a slight increase in job offers, the overall picture of the market remains pessimistic.
Unemployment above three million
The number of unemployed persons in Germany has not fallen below the psychological threshold of 3 million people for the third consecutive month.
Lack of spring revival
Analysts are alarmed that the traditional, seasonal decrease in the number of job seekers was not observed in February.
Bundeswehr as a key employer
In North Rhine-Westphalia, a significant portion of new job offers comes from the military sector.
Increased checks for undeclared work
Customs authorities have intensified inspections at workplaces in northern and western regions of Germany.
The latest data from the Federal Employment Agency confirms that the German labor market is in a phase of stagnation, a direct result of the economic slowdown. In February 2026, the unemployment rate remained at 6.3 percent, meaning the number of people without work still exceeds the symbolic threshold of 3 million. Experts indicate that the lack of the so-called spring revival, which usually becomes visible by the end of February, is an alarm signal for the government in Berlin. Companies, grappling with high energy costs and demand uncertainty, are showing great restraint in recruitment processes. Historically, the German labor market was considered the driving engine of the eurozone, and the number of unemployed below 3 million in the years 2010–2020 was a symbol of the country's economic stability. The regional situation in Germany is, however, varied. In North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), the number of unemployed reaches almost 800,000 people, and interestingly, a significant portion of new job offers comes from the defense sector, specifically from the Bundeswehr. Meanwhile, in Thuringia and Saxony-Anhalt, the first, albeit very slight, signs of improvement have been noted in the form of an increase in the number of vacant positions. Nevertheless, in Saxony, unemployment remains at a relatively high level, and local employment agencies report growing pressure on HR departments. An additional problem noted by customs authorities in the Heinsberg districts and in Schleswig-Holstein is the intensification of undeclared work, which has prompted the offices to carry out large-scale inspections in companies. Analysts emphasize that without a clear investment impulse, a breakthrough in the coming months is hard to expect. The labor market, which typically reacts to changes in GDP with a delay of several months, is now fully feeling the effects of the technical recession from the previous year. The lack of new investments in the private sector means that the only active recruiter in many regions is the public or defense sector, which in the long term may lead to further structural imbalances in the German economy. „Der Arbeitsmarkt hat sich im Februar als stabil erwiesen, aber die schwache Wirtschaft hinterlässt ihre Spuren.” (The labor market proved stable in February, but the weak economy is leaving its mark.) — Federal Employment Agency
Perspektywy mediów: Liberal media emphasize the need for reforms and support for the unemployed in the face of a lack of offers in the private sector. Conservative media highlight the growing importance of the Bundeswehr as an employer and the necessity of combating undeclared work.