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Germany vs France Unemployment
France moved above Germany in 2003. In 1991 Germany stood at roughly 58% of France’s Unemployment; today the figure is about 49%, and the pair was closest in 2008 (102%).
| Year | Germany | France | France as % of Germany |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 9.13% | 5.32% | 58% |
| 1970 | 9.13% | 5.32% | 58% |
| 1980 | 9.13% | 5.32% | 58% |
| 1990 | 9.13% | 5.32% | 58% |
| 2000 | 10.22% | 7.92% | 77% |
| 2010 | 9.28% | 7.04% | 76% |
| 2020 | 8.01% | 3.88% | 48% |
| 2025 | 7.54% | 3.71% | 49% |
Frequently asked questions
When did France move above Germany in Unemployment?
In 2003. France’s published Unemployment rose above Germany’s that year.
How do Germany and France compare today?
France is ahead: 7.54% against 3.71% — the trailing economy stands at about 49% of the leader.
Are these Unemployment figures nominal or adjusted?
The series is a share expressed in % of total labor force, exactly as the World Bank publishes it; movements are percentage points, not percent.
Full series
Every published year for both economies, with charts, downloads and citations: