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The number of people struggling with over-indebtedness in Hamburg has increased significantly this year. According to the latest ‘Debt Atlas’ (Schuldneratlas) published by the economic research institute Creditreform, approximately 190,000 adults in the city are now classified as over-indebted.
Rising Debt Statistics
This new data indicates an increase of roughly 8,000 cases compared to 2025. The over-indebtedness rate in Hamburg has risen by 0.5 percentage points over the past year. Currently, 12.1 percent of the adult population in Hamburg is considered over-indebted, meaning they are unable to meet their financial obligations over a sustained period.
With this figure, Hamburg ranks above the national average of 10.58 percent, placing it in 6th position among all German federal states. For comparison, the lowest rates of over-indebtedness are found in Bavaria (7.58 percent) and Baden-Württemberg (8.73 percent).
Young Adults Particularly Affected
The report highlights a concerning trend regarding younger demographics. There has been a notable increase in over-indebtedness among individuals under the age of 30. Many of these cases involve ‘soft’ indicators of debt, such as reminders or collection proceedings, rather than formal court-ordered insolvency procedures.
Context of the Data
The ‘Debt Atlas’ 2026 provides a comprehensive overview of financial distress across Germany. The report notes that over-indebtedness has been rising for the second consecutive year in various regions. For instance, in neighboring Lower Saxony, one in ten adults is now affected, while in Schleswig-Holstein, approximately 260,000 people are reported to be unable to meet their long-term financial commitments.
Financial experts suggest that the ongoing economic pressures continue to impact household budgets, making it increasingly difficult for many residents to manage their debt effectively.
Source: NDR.de
