As Germany ushers in the new year, the construction sector has kicked off 2025 with renewed momentum. According to data released by the German Federal Statistical Office (Statistisches Bundesamt), real (price‑adjusted) order intake in the core construction industry rose by 5.2 % in January compared with December 2024—an encouraging sign after a challenging 2024.
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Robust Growth Across Building and Civil Engineering
• Building Construction (Hochbau): Orders jumped 8.6 %, reflecting robust demand for residential and commercial projects as developers and homeowners accelerate renovations and new builds.
• Civil Engineering (Tiefbau): Even in the infrastructure segment—roads, bridges, and utilities—orders climbed 1.7 %, underscoring continued public and private investment in vital transport and energy networks.
Year‑on‑Year Perspective
Despite this month‑on‑month upswing, January 2025’s order intake remains 8.4 % below the same month last year (calendar‑adjusted). This gap highlights lingering headwinds—from supply‑chain bottlenecks to labor shortages—that the industry must still overcome.
Overall Industry Turnover & Employment
• Turnover: In January 2025, real turnover in the core construction trades reached €51.7 billion, reinforcing the sector’s critical role in Germany’s economy.
• Workforce: The number of people employed in core construction rose by 0.8 % year‑on‑year, signaling that, even amid shifting order volumes, companies are expanding capacity to meet future workloads.
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What This Means for 2025
A 5.2 % quarterly‑adjusted increase is more than a statistical uptick—it’s a vote of confidence from clients and public authorities alike. Yet the notable year‑on‑year decline reminds us that the industry’s recovery is uneven. Key questions for the months ahead include:
• Can supply‑chain improvements sustain momentum? Faster material deliveries and stable prices will be essential to convert strong order books into completed projects.
• Will skilled‑labor recruitment keep pace? With more workers on the books, firms must continue investing in training and automation to bridge any competency gaps.
• How will stimulus and regulatory changes play out? Green‑building incentives, infrastructure packages, and upcoming EU energy‑efficiency mandates will all shape where—and what—gets built.
For contractors, developers, and policymakers, January’s data offer both optimism and caution. By closely monitoring incoming orders, turnover, and workforce trends, stakeholders can better navigate the road to a sustainable construction revival.
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Source: Statistisches Bundesamt (German Federal Statistical Office), January 2025 press release on core construction order intake.