Currently, 100 women in Germany have 147 children. In an EU comparison, Germany ranks 17th, significantly behind countries like France, Sweden, and the UK. Women in predominantly Catholic countries like Italy, Spain, and Poland have even fewer children. When asked why they are not having children, Germans primarily cite the high financial burden, the loss of personal freedom, and the difficulty of balancing work and family life. These are the findings of a study presented today in Hamburg by the BAT Foundation for Future Issues, for which over 2,000 people were interviewed in a representative sample.

As Main reason against their own children the high costs The Federal Statistical Office cites these costs as a major factor. According to calculations by the Federal Statistical Office, these costs amount to over €600 per month or around €130,000 by the time a child reaches the age of 18. Therefore, it is not surprising that, regardless of age, income, gender, or size of place of residence, almost two-thirds of the population (631,300) cite financial burdens as the reason for remaining childless. Compared to five years ago, this figure has increased by around ten percent (2011: 581,300).
In second place – roughly the same as in 2011 – is the Concern about losing one's own freedom (61%). While in the past it was disproportionately many men who did not want to restrict themselves personally, now more women cite this argument. 
Women also lead more frequently than men. the missing right partner and difficulties in the Reconciling career and family Furthermore, a comparison over time shows that the efforts of companies to offer more family-friendly structures have not yet yielded the desired results. In fact, the figure for the total population even increased by another three percentage points to 51 percent.
Furthermore, the aspect of remains important. Future security. Nearly half of the citizens (46%) are worried about future social developments, be it in terms of job development, economic growth, climate change or terrorism – and therefore cite the uncertain future as a reason to decide against having children.

Germans are complaining less frequently than in 2011 about the lack of state prerequisites (41%). The numerous government projects and measures appear to be slowly paying off. The Federal Government points to over 150 different family policy benefits in this context, and over 60 billion euros are allocated annually for direct cash benefits such as child benefits, parental leave benefits, and childcare allowances alone. 
It is noticeable within the population, that childless couples aged 25 to 49 fewer arguments against children They cite reasons such as being parents or single. Reasons like the desire for freedom, for example, are mentioned significantly less often (-5 percentage points compared to the general population). There is only one point on which childless couples agree more frequently than average: It's never the right time for children (+11 percentage points compared to the total population). Between work and leisure, travel, friends and relationships, many feel unable or unwilling to meet the diverse demands and expectations.
Conclusion and Outlook of the Scientific Director Professor Dr. Ulrich Reinhardt:
„The often cited German Angst This trend is also evident in the area of childbearing. A comparison over time clearly shows the increasing concerns – values have risen in eight out of ten areas. To alleviate these worries and fears, both policymakers and businesses, as well as citizens themselves, are called upon to act. Policymakers must continue to consistently improve the framework for starting a family. Companies should not only offer work-life balance in theory, but also put it into practice. For example, by offering more part-time leadership positions or reducing career interruptions due to parental leave. Ultimately, however, every citizen must decide for themselves whether, despite all the anxieties and worries, limitations and compromises, children do not nevertheless contribute significantly more to quality of life and personal happiness than money, freedom, or a career. An increasing number of Germans seem to share this view: Last year, 737,575 children were born – around ten percent more than five years ago.“