Religion in Germany 2025: Complete Guide for Internationals

What Religions Are Practised in Germany?

Germany is home to a wide range of religions, reflecting both its historical roots and the impact of immigration. While Christianity remains the largest faith, Islam, Judaism, and other religions have thriving communities. At the same time, many Germans identify as agnostic, atheist, or simply non-religious.

Christianity in Germany

Christianity is the main religion in Germany, with approximately 45% of the population being Christians as of 2024. 24% of them were Roman Catholics and 21% of them Evangelical Christians. A small percentage (around 1.5%) of the German population are practise Orthodox Christianity.

The catholic and evangelical denominations have shaped German culture, philosophy, and art, leaving a legacy that is still visible in architecture, music, and education. The Catholic Church is especially strong in the south and west of Germany, particularly in Bavaria and North Rhine-Westphalia. Protestant communities are more concentrated in the north and east, with traditions linked to Martin Luther and the Reformation.

Although, many Germans identify culturally with Christianity, a significant number of them do not actively attend services. Major Christian holidays such as Christmas and Easter are celebrated nationwide, often more as cultural festivities than strictly religious events.

Islam and the Muslim Population in Germany

Germany is home to a growing Muslim community, primarily due to immigration. As of 2024, the Muslim population in Germany was around 4%, making Islam the second largest religion in Germany.

The largest group of Muslims in Germany comes from Turkey. This migration began in the 1960s with the Gastarbeiter (guest worker) programme to fill labour shortages. More recent immigrants and refugees from countries such as Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan also contribute to the growing Muslim population in Germany.

The Muslim population is concentrated in urban areas, with significant communities in cities such as Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt, and Munich. Mosques are present in major cities, and Islamic religious education is also available in some schools.

Judaism in Germany

Judaism has a long history in Germany, marked by both flourishing cultural life and tragic persecution. Before the Second World War, Germany had one of the largest Jewish populations in Europe, but the Holocaust nearly eradicated Jewish life in the country.

Today, Germany is home to more than 100,000 registered Jewish community members. Synagogues, cultural centres, and schools operate in many major cities, with Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich being important hubs. Jewish cultural festivals, art exhibitions, and academic programmes further highlight the community’s resilience and contributions.

Other Religions in Germany

Beyond Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, Germany is also home to smaller but growing religious communities. Hindus, Buddhists, and Sikhs have established temples and cultural centres, particularly in urban areas where international communities are strongest. These faith groups often organise festivals and events that attract both followers and curious visitors.

Buddhism has found a following not only among Asian communities but also among Germans seeking spiritual alternatives. Meditation centres and retreats are increasingly popular, offering practices rooted in mindfulness and well-being. Hindu temples, meanwhile, serve as community hubs for Indian and Sri Lankan diaspora families.

Why Are There So Many Agnostics and Atheists?

Germany has one of the highest proportions of non-religious people in Europe with around 46% of the population identifying as atheist or agnostic. Many people turned away from faith in the 20 ^th  century due to industrialisation and the split between East and West Germany.

In East Germany, the communist rule made atheism more widespread, while West Germany maintained some of the same religious practices as before. However, this is expected as trends from other countries show that the more affluent a country is, the less religious it becomes over time.

Many Germans prefer cultural traditions over active religious participation. Germany’s religious landscape has diversified extensively in recent years, mainly due to increased migration and asylum seekers. With the growing diversity of Germany and its religious practices, many people wonder how the nation handles faith.

How Is Religion Handled in Germany?

Considering how diverse Germany is today, Germany handles religion as separate from the government. It is officially a secular state, where the separation of church and state is the norm. This is a common practice around the world and seeks to allow for further freedom of faith for people living in Germany, both for citizens and non-citizens.

Even more so, the German government committed itself to treating all faiths and worldviews the same. Germany has no identifying religion or worldview, nor does the government ever seek to adopt or impose one upon the people. The premise of “ constructive neutrality ” is how Germany approaches religion to support people of all faith backgrounds.

However, religion still influences public life. Religious education is part of the school curriculum, though students can opt out. Churches and religious groups also receive funding through the church tax system ( Kirchensteuer ), which practising members pay alongside regular taxes.

Religious Holidays in Germany

Even though religion is treated as separate from the government, Germany does not disregard common holidays for its citizens and residents. The German Constitution protects holidays like Christmas and Easter.

People have days off for these holidays, and many shops are closed to celebrate them. So, if you visit Germany during Christmas, don’t be surprised if you see shops closed and people at home with their families, even if they may be atheists or agnostic.

Other religious holidays in Germany include Ascension Day, Whit Sunday, Corpus Christi and Assumption Day.