Germany's birth rate hit a 20-year high in March 2021

More than 65.000 babies were born in Germany in 2021 - the highest number in over two decades. Could we have a post-corona baby boom on our hands? 

More than 65.000 babies born in Germany in March 2021

In March 2021, mothers in Germany gave birth to a total of 65.903 children, according to preliminary figures from the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis). The last time there were more than 65.000 births in March was way back in 1998. 

The number of births in March this year increased by about 5.900, or 10 percent, compared to the same period last year. There were already signs of an increase in February 2021, when 6 percent more births were recorded than in February 2020. In January 2021, the birth rate was still roughly at the previous year’s level. 

Trend related to flattening of coronavirus curve

The statisticians see the rise as related to the flattening of the first wave of coronavirus in Germany and the easing of restrictions from May 2020 onwards. A similar trend has also been observed in a number of European countries, according to preliminary data from the responsible offices. 

In countries particularly badly affected by the pandemic, such as Spain, France and Belgium, the initially significant decline in birth rates has now mostly stabilised. In several other countries, the rate increased significantly in March 2021 compared to the same month last year: Romania (plus 15 percent), Estonia and Lithuania (plus 13 percent), and the Netherlands, Finland and Hungary (plus 10 percent) all experienced increases.