Nearly 24,000 companies in Germany filed for bankruptcy in 2025, the highest level in 10 years, according to credit agency Creditreform.
The number of bankruptcies in 2025 increased by 8.3% compared to 2024. However, the trend has slowed compared to the previous two years, when annual growth rates exceeded 20%.
„Many companies are burdened with debt, have difficulty obtaining new loans, and are also facing structural problems such as energy prices and bureaucratic obstacles.“ “As a result, medium-sized enterprises are under enormous pressure and are failing“, said Patrick-Ludwig Hantsch, head of research at Creditreform.
Most of these bankruptcies are small businesses with up to 10 employees. They account for 19,500 bankruptcy applications. Among large companies with more than 250 employees, 140 bankruptcies were registered.
Among individuals, 76,000 filed for bankruptcy, which is 6.5% more than the target for 2024. For individuals, the overall bankruptcy rate is at its highest level since 2016. According to the company, almost 5.7 million Germans rely on debt for their livelihoods. Hanz cited high household expenses and job losses as reasons for this.
Total damages for creditors are estimated at EUR 57 billion, EUR 2 billion less than in 2024.