German corporate insolvencies reach highest level in 13 years
In the first half of 2026, German courts reported 12,812 corporate insolvencies, despite signs of economic recovery.
The number of corporate insolvencies in Germany rose to its highest level in 13 years in the first half of 2026. According to preliminary figures from the German statistics office Destatis, the number of applications increased by 6.7 per cent year on year.
Local courts registered 12,812 applications for corporate insolvency between January and June, Reuters reports based on Destatis figures. This refers to applications, not a count of companies that have already definitively ceased trading. The figures do indicate how many businesses are seeking protection or an arrangement through the insolvency court.
The development fits a broader picture of continuing pressure on German companies. In June, the number of corporate insolvencies was 15.8 per cent higher than a year earlier. Destatis recorded 2,266 applications for that month. This made June one of the most difficult months in the recent series.
In the first half of the year, creditors had claims of approximately €18.5 billion registered. According to Reuters, that amount was lower than the €28.2 billion recorded in the same period of 2025. The fall does not mean that corporate problems are less serious; the scale of individual insolvencies can vary considerably.
Transport and storage were among the sectors hardest hit, according to Reuters. This is relevant for Germany and for Dutch companies that are part of the same production chains. Problems at German clients or suppliers can lead to longer payment terms, fewer orders and additional risks for logistics partners.
The figures do not support a straightforward conclusion about the state of the German economy. An economy can recover at macroeconomic level while many companies are simultaneously no longer able to bear their costs, debts or financing. Businesses that have already been struggling with high energy prices, weak demand or structural changes for some time may in particular lag behind the broader recovery.
Germany is the Netherlands’ most important trading partner. The new figures are therefore mainly a warning signal for companies with significant exposure to German industry, logistics and business services. Whether the increase is temporary or heralds a longer wave will have to become clear from the coming monthly figures and data on production, orders and employment.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- The number of German corporate insolvencies was higher in the first half of 2026 than a year earlier.
- The figures concern applications filed with courts.
- The increase alone does not indicate how the German economy as a whole is developing.
Left
Arguments The government should prevent temporary economic shocks from turning into mass job losses. Targeted support, retraining and investment in energy and sustainability can help workers and regions.
Values Job security, social protection and an active government.
Consequences Support can preserve jobs, but it costs public money and may keep companies with an unsustainable business model afloat for longer.
Centre
Arguments The priority should be predictable policy, access to finance and an orderly winding-up of non-viable companies. The market must be able to restructure without unnecessary shocks to supply chains.
Values Stability, efficiency and institutional reliability.
Consequences A gradual approach can make the economy more resilient, but offers no immediate solution for companies currently facing liquidity problems.
Right
Arguments From this perspective, a rise in insolvencies shows that regulation, taxes and energy costs place too heavy a burden on entrepreneurship. The government should give companies room to invest and take risks themselves.
Values Entrepreneurship, responsibility and a smaller government.
Consequences Fewer regulations may improve competitiveness, but could also mean less protection for workers and creditors.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The main figures were checked against Destatis and a Reuters report summarising the half-year figures. Interpretations of possible causes are phrased as uncertain or prospective.
- confirmed German courts registered 12,812 corporate insolvencies in the first half of 2026. — The Reuters report bases this figure on Destatis. source
- confirmed The number of applications rose by 6.7 per cent year on year. — Reuters reports this based on German statistics. source
- confirmed In June, the number of corporate insolvencies rose by 15.8 per cent year on year. — Destatis lists this change in the monthly table. source
- confirmed Transport and storage were among the sectors hardest hit. — This sector reference appears in the Reuters summary. source
Editor's note
The numbers and growth rates relate to the first half of 2026 and June 2026. The text distinguishes between insolvency applications and definitive business closures.Sources
- Insolvencies — Statistisches Bundesamt (Destatis)
- German corporate insolvencies hit 13-year high in first half — Reuters via MarketScreener
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- FD — „duitsland faillissementen”