In Lower Saxony Around 700,000 adults in Lower Saxony are over-indebted, according to an analysis published on 12 November 2026. That was about 28,000 more than the mathematically adjusted figure for the previous year. Credit reference agency Creditreform calculated a rate of Debtor Atlas 10.59 per cent of the adult population. The reference date was 1 October 2026.
There are considerable differences within the state. The highest proportion was recorded in the independent city of Wilhelmshaven at 19.55 per cent. It was followed by Emden at 16.34 per cent and Delmenhorst at 15.97 per cent. The rate represents the share of over-indebted adults living in each area; it says nothing about the cities’ own debts.
Among the rural districts, Holzminden recorded 14.26 per cent, Goslar 14.10 per cent and Hameln-Pyrmont 12.87 per cent. The figures were considerably lower in Osterholz, at 7.69 per cent, and in Ammerland, at 7.71 per cent. The range between regions shows that the state average only gives a limited picture of local levels of financial strain. However, the rates alone do not show why people in a particular area fell into payment difficulties.
Across Germany, Creditreform recorded 7.36 million over-indebted adults. According to the company, that was 293,000 more than in the adjusted comparison with the previous year. The nationwide rate was 10.58 per cent, almost the same as in Lower Saxony. A person is considered over-indebted if they are unable to meet their financial obligations over an extended period.
A methodological caveat is important when comparing years: Creditreform changed its calculation method. The new figures are therefore not directly comparable with data published earlier. To allow a comparison, the company says it recalculated the 2025 figures retrospectively using a mathematical and statistical method.
The credit reference agency uses anonymised information from official registers, as well as data from online retailers and other sources, for its analysis. It distinguishes between various indicators of over-indebtedness, including debt collection and reminder proceedings, garnishments and personal insolvencies. A single reminder does not automatically mean that someone is classified as over-indebted. The analysis is therefore a statistical approximation, not a complete account of the financial circumstances of every affected household.
Creditreform cites rising living, energy and housing costs, as well as a weakening labour market, as sources of pressure. Nationwide, the number of over-indebted adults under 30 rose at an above-average rate, according to the analysis. The company’s economic research team does not expect conditions to improve and forecasts a further increase in 2027. This is a forecast, not a foregone conclusion.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).