Average Height in Germany (2026 Data)
The average height in Germany is approximately 5'10" (179 cm) for men and 5'5" (166 cm) for women, based on KiGGS study and German microcensus health data. Germany ranks among the taller European nations.
Average Height in Germany: Men and Women
Adult height in Germany reflects decades of genetics, childhood nutrition, healthcare access, and living conditions. The most recent national health surveys provide the best estimates for current average stature among adults.
For men, the population mean is about 179 cm (5'10"); for women, about 166 cm (5'5"). These figures represent adults aged 18 and older and are typically measured barefoot in health surveys.
Height varies by region, ethnicity, and birth cohort within Germany. The averages below describe the national picture; individual heights span a wide range above and below these means.
Average Height by Age Group in Germany
| Age Group | Men (cm / ft-in) | Women (cm / ft-in) |
|---|---|---|
| 18–25 | 181 cm (5'11") | 167 cm (5'6") |
| 26–35 | 180 cm (5'11") | 167 cm (5'6") |
| 36–50 | 179 cm (5'10") | 166 cm (5'5") |
| 50+ | 178 cm (5'10") | 165 cm (5'5") |
Age-group estimates derived from KiGGS study and German microcensus health data. Younger cohorts typically measure slightly taller than older groups due to secular height trends.
How Germany Compares to the World and the US
Globally, the approximate mean adult height is about 171 cm (5'7") for men and 159 cm (5'2.5") for women, based on NCD-RisC pooled estimates covering hundreds of population studies. Compared to this, Germany men are 8 cm taller and women are 7 cm taller.
The United States averages about 175 cm (5'9") for men and 162 cm (5'4") for women (CDC/NHANES). Germany men are 4 cm taller than US men on average; Germany women are 4 cm taller than US women.
Germany's position relative to global and US averages reflects its combination of Central European genetics, robust welfare-state nutrition programs, and high living standards.
Why Heights Differ: Genetics, Nutrition, and Trends
Height is roughly 80% genetic and 20% environmental, but those environmental factors—especially nutrition in the first 1,000 days of life—matter enormously at the population level. Germany's average stature is shaped by Central European genetics, robust welfare-state nutrition programs, and high living standards.
East-West reunification brought convergence in height between former East and West Germany.
Comparing your personal height to Germany's average is informative, but percentile rankings depend on which reference population you use. Our calculator compares against US CDC/NHANES data, which may differ from Germany's national distribution.
Data source: KiGGS study and German microcensus health data. For US percentile comparisons, see our methodology page.
Frequently Asked Questions
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