Life expectancy rises once again in Germany

The average life expectancy in Germany has risen once again, with girls born in 2020 expected to live until the age of 83,4, on average, whereas new-born boys have a life expectancy of 78,6 years. 

Girls in Germany live longer than boys 

According to statistics published by the Federal Statistical Office, life expectancy for both boys and girls in Germany has risen once again, with girls born in Germany this year expected to live approximately five years longer than boys, on average.

This difference in life expectancy between the sexes is not specific to Germany. The higher life expectancy for women is normal in most countries, and can be explained by an "inherent biological advantage" for females, coupled with behavioural and situational differences between men and women, according to the WHO. 

Women tend to consume less alcohol and cigarettes than their male counterparts, which likely contributes to their higher life expectancy. Men, on the other hand, are subject to greater hazards at work, and tend to participate in riskier behaviour overall. 

Germans live longest in Baden-Württemberg

Aside from gender differences, the data shows that there are also regional differences in life expectancy in Gemrany. Residents of Baden-Württemberg have the longest life expectancy in the country, with women expected to live 84,2 years, and men living 79,8 years, on average. 

The state with the lowest life expectancy for women is Saarland, where the average woman lives 82,2 years. For men, the state of Saxony-Anhalt has the lowest average life expectancy, with men living for 76,4 years, on average.