Why does the German state take 45% of the value a worker creates, but then generously gives them back in the form of housing and child benefits? Wouldn't it make more sense to just take less from workers, which also saves costs related to bureaucracy?

Germany's birth rate fell to 1.35 in 2024. If you look at the map, none of the usual explanations from housing costs to child care availability holds. These factors vary greatly between East/West and rural/urban, but the birth rate is below 2 kids/woman in every single district.

In 1980, 84% of Germans aged 30-40 were married and 72% had kids Today, this is a minority. I'm lucky & blessed to be part of this minority. To those of you out there still looking for this: Don't give up; it's still possible, despite what social media says. Have a nice weekend