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Germany vs UK Unemployment
United Kingdom moved above Germany in 1996. In 1991 Germany stood at roughly 62% of United Kingdom’s Unemployment; today the figure is about 78%, and the pair was closest in 2009 (103%).
| Year | Germany | United Kingdom | UK as % of Germany |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 8.55% | 5.32% | 62% |
| 1970 | 8.55% | 5.32% | 62% |
| 1980 | 8.55% | 5.32% | 62% |
| 1990 | 8.55% | 5.32% | 62% |
| 2000 | 5.56% | 7.92% | 142% |
| 2010 | 7.97% | 7.04% | 88% |
| 2020 | 4.47% | 3.88% | 87% |
| 2025 | 4.75% | 3.71% | 78% |
Frequently asked questions
When did United Kingdom move above Germany in Unemployment?
In 1996. United Kingdom’s published Unemployment rose above Germany’s that year.
How do Germany and United Kingdom compare today?
United Kingdom is ahead: 4.75% against 3.71% — the trailing economy stands at about 78% 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: