Only in one in ten couples is the woman the main breadwinner - Germany's gender pay gap persists—especially in families with children
New figures reveal a persistent gender gap in household earnings across Germany. While men remain the main breadwinners in the majority of couples, the share of women taking the lead has grown over time. The differences become even sharper when children are part of the family.
Official data shows that in 2023, only 9.9% of German couples had a woman as the primary earner. In contrast, 55.8% relied on a man as the main income provider. The remaining 34.3% of couples reported roughly equal earnings.
The picture shifts further when children enter the equation. Among families with kids, just 7.7% of women are the top earners, compared to 64.6% of men. For couples without children, the numbers adjust slightly: 11.4% of women lead in earnings, while 50.1% of men do.
Historical trends indicate progress, though. In the 1980s, women were the main earners in only about 15% of households. By 2023, that figure had risen to around 45%, according to the Federal Statistical Office. Factors like expanded education for women, parental leave policies, and shifting gender roles have played a role. Yet, mothers still work part-time more often than women overall, widening the pay gap in families.
The data highlights ongoing disparities in household earnings, particularly when children are involved. While more women now take the lead in income compared to past decades, men still dominate as primary earners in most couples. The gap remains most pronounced in families with children, where part-time work among mothers contributes to the imbalance.
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