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US vs Germany Life expectancy
Germany overtook United States in 1964. In 1960 United States stood at roughly 101% of Germany’s Life expectancy; today the figure is about 98%, and the pair was closest in 1963 (100%).
| Year | United States | Germany | Germany as % of US |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 69.06 | 69.77 | 101% |
| 1970 | 70.45 | 70.81 | 101% |
| 1980 | 72.8 | 73.61 | 101% |
| 1990 | 75.09 | 75.21 | 100% |
| 2000 | 77.93 | 76.64 | 98% |
| 2010 | 79.99 | 78.54 | 98% |
| 2020 | 81.04 | 76.98 | 95% |
| 2024 | 80.79 | 78.89 | 98% |
Frequently asked questions
When did Germany pass United States in Life expectancy?
In 1964. Germany’s published Life expectancy rose above United States’s that year and the lead has held since.
How do United States and Germany compare today?
Germany is ahead: 80.79 against 78.89 — the trailing economy stands at about 98% of the leader.
Are these Life expectancy figures nominal or adjusted?
They are exactly as the World Bank publishes them — years — with no interpolation or estimation for missing years.
Full series
Every published year for both economies, with charts, downloads and citations: