Germany—Fiscal Balance (% of GDP)
Category: Fiscal & MonetarySource: IMF World Economic Outlook ↗Global Rank: #120 of 192Updated August 2026
Latest Value
-3.7%
2031
YoY Change
+2.6%
2030 → 2031
Global Rank
#120
of 192 countries
Maximum
1.9%
2018
Minimum
-4.4%
2010
Last
-3.7%
Previous
-3.8%
Highest
1.9%
Lowest
-4.4%
Unit
Percent of GDP
Source
IMF World Economic Outlook
Germany's fiscal balance (% of GDP) was -3.8% in 2026, ranking #120 out of 192 countries. This represents a +2.6% change from 2030. Over the past 27 years, the highest recorded value was 1.9% (2018) and the lowest was -4.4% (2010). The IMF WEO projects -3.7% by 2031. Data sourced from the IMF World Economic Outlook.
Actual
IMF Forecast
Source: IMF World Economic Outlook
Historical Data
| Year | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2031 | -3.7% | +2.6% |
| 2030 | -3.8% | +2.6% |
| 2029 | -3.9% | +4.9% |
| 2028 | -4.1% | +2.4% |
| 2027 | -4.2% | -10.5% |
| 2026 | -3.8% | -40.7% |
| 2025 | -2.7% | +0.0% |
| 2024 | -2.7% | -8.0% |
| 2023 | -2.5% | -31.6% |
| 2022 | -1.9% | +40.6% |
| 2021 | -3.2% | +27.3% |
| 2020 | -4.4% | -438.5% |
| 2019 | 1.3% | -31.6% |
| 2018 | 1.9% | +46.2% |
| 2017 | 1.3% | +18.2% |
| 2016 | 1.1% | +22.2% |
| 2015 | 0.9% | +28.6% |
| 2014 | 0.7% | +600.0% |
| 2013 | 0.1% | +200.0% |
| 2012 | -0.1% | +87.5% |
| 2011 | -0.8% | +81.8% |
| 2010 | -4.4% | -37.5% |
| 2009 | -3.2% | -966.7% |
| 2008 | -0.3% | -250.0% |
| 2007 | 0.2% | +111.1% |
| 2006 | -1.8% | +47.1% |
| 2005 | -3.4% | +0.0% |
| 2004 | -3.4% | +10.5% |
| 2003 | -3.8% | +7.3% |
| 2002 | -4.1% | -32.3% |
| 2001 | -3.1% | -82.4% |
| 2000 | -1.7% |
IMF Forecast
Projections from the IMF World Economic Outlook. These are staff estimates, not guarantees.
| Year | Projected Value | Change from Previous |
|---|---|---|
| 2026Forecast | -3.8% | -40.7% |
| 2027Forecast | -4.2% | -10.5% |
| 2028Forecast | -4.1% | +2.4% |
| 2029Forecast | -3.9% | +4.9% |
| 2030Forecast | -3.8% | +2.6% |
| 2031Forecast | -3.7% | +2.6% |
Top Countries — Fiscal Balance (% of GDP)
| # | Country | Value | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kuwait | 27.6% | 2026 |
| 2 | Naoero | 13.1% | 2026 |
| 3 | Norway | 10.2% | 2026 |
| 4 | Oman | 5.2% | 2026 |
| 5 | United Arab Emirates | 4.9% | 2026 |
| 6 | Lesotho | 4.2% | 2026 |
| 7 | Macao SAR, China | 4.2% | 2026 |
| 8 | Singapore | 3.3% | 2026 |
| 9 | Lebanon | 3.3% | 2025 |
| 10 | Liechtenstein | 3.0% | 2026 |
About This Indicator
Definition
General government net lending/borrowing as a percentage of GDP. A positive value indicates a fiscal surplus; negative indicates a deficit.
Methodology
Revenue minus expenditure minus net acquisition of nonfinancial assets, as a percentage of GDP. A comprehensive measure of the fiscal balance.
Unit
Percent of GDP