A study of the social circumstances of self-employed people in Germany

DIW Econ has successfully completed the BMAS research project ‘Investigation of the social situations of self-employed persons in Germany’, in collaboration with infas – Institute for Applied Social Sciences. As part of the project, a nationwide survey of over 2,000 self-employed individuals in main and secondary employment was conducted in 2024. The survey covered topics such as their employment situation and history, income, finances, and social security provisions.

A study of the social circumstances of self-employed persons in Germany
This provides a broader evidence base for debates about the precarious conditions of self-employed people.
The final report, which is now available, clearly shows that the vast majority (80.7 per cent) are self-employed exclusively in their main occupation. The study also describes ‘hybrid’ self-employed individuals (15.9 per cent), who are both self-employed and employed. On average, self-employed individuals in Germany are in a favourable economic and social situation with regard to their employment status, household income, assets, and living situation. However, at the same time, 15–25% of self-employed individuals are in a poor social situation. This group primarily comprises solo self-employed individuals, women, self-employed individuals with a direct migration background, and individuals who are exclusively engaged in secondary employment. Similar patterns emerge with regard to social security: the majority of self-employed individuals have insurance for old age, loss of income, illness and other risks. However, a significant proportion have inadequate cover and do not feel sufficiently protected. The ability to utilise social security instruments is closely related to social status. Those in a poorer social situation are also more likely to have inadequate social security cover. Study of the social status of self-employed people in Germany.

German Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs

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