Creditreform and the Centre for European Economic Research estimate more than 180,000 German firms ceased operations in 2025, up about 10% YoY and the highest level in nearly 20 years. The total is second only to 2007's roughly 208,000 closures. Exits rose across almost all sectors; accommodation and food services accounted for about 15,000 closures, a 15% YoY increase. A Creditreform economist said the crisis is spreading across the economy and that some previously healthy firms are now choosin

Creditreform and the Centre for European Economic Research estimate more than 180,000 German firms ceased operations in 2025, up about 10% YoY and the highest level in nearly 20 years. The total is second only to 2007's roughly 208,000 closures. Exits rose across almost all sectors; accommodation and food services accounted for about 15,000 closures, a 15% YoY increase. A Creditreform economist said the crisis is spreading across the economy and that some previously healthy firms are now choosing to shut.