Life expectancy in Germany rises for first time since 2019

Life expectancy in Germany is once again on the rise, according to new figures from the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis). 

Life expectancy in Germany rises in 2023

The average man in Germany can now expect to live to the age of 78,6, Destatis announced in a press release in August. For women, life expectancy rose to 83,3 years in 2023. This represents an increase of 0,4 years for both men and women compared to the previous year, and is the first time it has risen since 2019.

Life expectancy overall is still lower than it was before the coronavirus pandemic. Between 2020 and 2022, life expectancy in Germany fell by 0,6 years for both men and women compared to 2019. “The level from 2019 has therefore not yet been reached again - but there is a clear catching-up effect," Destatis said. 

West German men live longer than men in eastern Germany

In 2023, life expectancy rose in both the western and eastern federal states of Germany, but slightly more sharply in eastern Germany. Women now have approximately the same life expectancy in both east and west, but west German men live on average 1,4 years longer than east German men. 

During the coronavirus pandemic, this life expectancy difference rose to a high of 2,3 years in 2021.