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Significant Increase in Construction Orders in November
Germany’s construction industry recorded a substantial rise in orders in November 2025, signaling a positive trend for the sector and broader economy. The German Statistical Office reported an 8.5 percent increase in real order intake compared to October, with orders in building construction (Hochbau) up by 7.2 percent and civil engineering (Tiefbau) rising even more sharply by 10.1 percent. Comparing the three-month period from September to November 2025, orders in building construction increased by 5.1 percent and in civil engineering by 2.6 percent. The number of employees in the main construction trade also grew by 1.3 percent year-on-year. The total turnover for companies with 20 or more employees reached approximately 108 billion euros in November, reflecting strong business performance [Source 1][Source 3][Source 4].
The Central Association of the German Construction Industry (ZDB) noted that the residential construction segment, which belongs to the building construction category, showed marked stabilization throughout the year with new orders rising by about 12 percent in November alone. This recovery and growth in residential construction have been attributed to state incentives such as the EH55 subsidy program and calls for policy adjustments to better support new construction projects and energy standards [Source 1][Source 4].
Construction Sector as a Key Economic Growth Factor in 2026
Economists view the robust order figures as an encouraging indication that the construction sector can play a pivotal role in Germany’s economic recovery. Sebastian Dullien, scientific director at the Institute for Macroeconomics and Economic Research (IMK) of the Hans Böckler Foundation, highlighted that construction might become a “growth engine” supporting the country’s exit from recession. Despite some fluctuations, the trend is improving with substantial increases in both residential and infrastructure-related projects. IMK projects that construction investments could rise by 2.5 percent in 2026, exceeding the forecasted 1.2 percent growth in Germany’s overall gross domestic product (GDP) [Source 1][Source 2][Source 5].
Additional economic data from early 2026 suggest broader economic momentum, with the purchasing managers index for Germany’s private sector rising above the growth threshold, assisted by state fiscal measures in defense and infrastructure spending. This context further supports optimistic expectations for the construction industry’s contribution to economic expansion [Source 8].
Implications for Expats, International Students, and Foreign Workers in Germany
For expatriates, international students, and foreign workers residing in Germany, the construction upturn may affect multiple aspects. Those employed in the construction sector could observe increased job opportunities, with the workforce size having already increased by 1.3 percent year-on-year. The heightened demand for construction services may create prospects not only in manual labor but also in related roles such as project management and technical trades.
Moreover, the growth in residential construction might lead to a gradual easing in housing availability pressures, potentially influencing rental markets and living costs over time. However, expats planning to invest in property or rent in metropolitan areas should monitor local market trends closely as demand and prices may still fluctuate depending on regional dynamics and subsidies like the EH55 energy efficiency program.
Additionally, those engaged in businesses servicing the construction sector or in infrastructure-related fields may find increased business activity and opportunities. It is advisable for foreign workers and companies to stay informed about new regulations and subsidy programs impacting the construction and housing markets to fully leverage emerging opportunities.
Further details on the construction industry’s growth are available via the original report by Tagesschau [Source 1].
