Key Takeaways On average, German men are 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) tall, while women are 5 feet 5 inches (166 cm), placing Germany among the tallest countries in the world. Over the past century, German height has increased by more than 3.9 inches (10 cm). Northern regions like Schleswig-Holstein and Hamburg have slightly taller populations. Proper nutrition, regular physical activity, and good healthcare play a critical role in supporting healthy growth and development in German children and teens. What is the Average Height in Germany? Germany consistently ranks among the tallest countries in the world, a result of genetics combined with strong healthcare, nutrition, and overall living standards. Studying these numbers not only highlights population health but also provides understanding into growth patterns across different groups. According to the latest data from World Population Review (2025), German men and women both stand above the global average [1]. What is the average height for men in Germany? The average height for men in Germany is about 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm), noticeably taller than the global average of 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm). Genetics play a central role, but access to quality healthcare and a nutritious diet further supports this above-average stature. What is the average height for women in Germany? The average height for women in Germany is around 5 feet 5 inches (166 cm), compared to the global average of 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm). This advantage reflects the same factors seen in men, including strong living conditions, balanced nutrition, and robust healthcare systems. How Has German Height Changed Over Time? Since the early 1900s, the average height of Germans has risen by more than 10 centimeters. Back in 1910, the average German man stood about 167 cm tall, but today, that figure is closer to 180 cm. Women have followed a similar height trend, growing from roughly 156 cm a century ago to about 166 cm in 2025. Researchers call this rise a “secular trend”, a long-term shift where each new generation grows taller thanks to better nutrition, healthcare, and living conditions. For much of the 20th century, German height increased at a rate of about 2 cm per decade. In recent decades, however, the pace has slowed to less than 1 cm per decade, suggesting the population may be nearing its natural height potential [2]. Post-war recovery and growth boom Historical events shaped this trajectory. After World War II, widespread food shortages left diets heavily dependent on bread and potatoes. That led to lacking the protein needed for optimal growth. As a result, children’s height gains slowed during the late 1940s. However, the 1950s and 1960s brought a dramatic turnaround. Economic recovery meant more access to protein-rich foods such as milk, meat, and fresh produce. Advances in healthcare, including antibiotics and vaccines, also reduced illnesses that once stunted growth. By the late 1970s, West Germany had produced the tallest generation in its history. The fall of the Berlin Wall When the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, East Germans were still slightly shorter than their Western counterparts. Within a generation, however, the gap closed. Improvements in diet and healthcare in the East helped equalize growth rates, and research confirms that living standards played a major role in this convergence [3]. How Does Germany’s Average Height Compare to Other Countries? Germany consistently ranks among the tallest nations globally, although it’s still a bit behind its northern European neighbors. According to the latest data, the average German man stands about 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm), placing the country near the top globally. By comparison, the Netherlands leads at 6 feet 0.4 inches (183.8 cm), followed closely by Denmark at 6 feet (182.6 cm) [1]. Outside of Europe, American men average 5 feet 9.5 inches (177 cm), while Japanese men measure around 5 feet 7.5 inches (171.2 cm), highlighting the significant variation in average heights across countries. These variations reveal more than just numbers. They reflect decades of differences in nutrition, healthcare, and lifestyle. As of 2025, Germany’s average height has largely leveled off, suggesting the era of rapid gains in Europe may be ending. Still, future shifts in diet, healthcare, or fitness culture could nudge these figures slightly higher in the years ahead. Factors Influencing Height in Germany Germany’s global ranking tells us how tall its people are compared to other nations, but it doesn’t explain why. To really understand these numbers, we need to look at the internal factors like genetics, diet, and lifestyle that shape height within Germany itself. Genetics Regional differences in Germany highlight the role of genetics. For instance, populations in northern states such as Schleswig-Holstein and Hamburg average around 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm), while those in southern regions like Saarland and Saxony are closer to 5 feet 6 inches (171 cm) [4]. These disparities may be partly explained by historical Scandinavian ancestry in the north, which is associated with taller stature. Studies also show that populations with dairy-rich diets, common in northern Europe, tend to be taller than those relying more on cereals and rice [5]. This suggests that genetic predispositions, when combined with environmental influences like diet, contribute to the variation seen across Germany. Nutrition Nutrition is one of the strongest drivers of growth, especially during childhood and adolescence. A balanced, protein-rich diet that includes dairy, lean meats, fish, and legumes supports bone and muscle development. Calcium and vitamin D—whether from food or outdoor activity—help maintain bone density and maximize growth potential. 📌 Supplementing essential vitamins can also help fill nutritional gaps, particularly for teens. Findings from the DONALD Study showed that German adolescents who regularly consumed dairy and fish tended to be taller as adults than those with low calcium intake, underscoring the long-term role of nutrition. Regional diets also play a role in shaping height differences across Germany. Northern Germany’s coastal diets, rich in fish, dairy, and vegetables, provide more growth-supporting nutrients. Meanwhile, southern diets, traditionally heavier in meats and potatoes, may lack the same balance of micronutrients needed for optimal height development. Physical activity and sports Alongside nutrition, physical activity is deeply embedded in German life. Children are encouraged to join sports clubs from an early age, with popular options including swimming, basketball, and track. These activities not only build fitness but also stimulate growth hormones that support height development. In fact, about 65% of secondary school students in Germany participate in organized sports, and 61% of adolescents aged 12–16 are active members of sports clubs [6]. This widespread involvement highlights how structured physical activity helps promote health and growth nationwide Healthcare and medical support Germany’s healthcare system also plays a central role in monitoring and supporting growth. Routine checkups ensure that height and weight are tracked, while easy access to pediatric specialists allows early detection of growth issues When necessary, medical interventions such as growth hormone therapy have proven effective in children with short stature, with outcomes in Germany comparable to those in other advanced healthcare systems [7]. In conclusion, Germany’s impressive average height underscores the powerful role of genetics, nutrition, lifestyle, and healthcare in human growth. As future generations face changing diets and lifestyles, these factors will continue to influence how populations evolve. If you are curious to learn more or share your thoughts, drop a comment below—we’d love to hear from you. FAQs Is 180 cm short in Germany? 180 cm is not short in Germany because the average for men in Germany is 180 cm (5 feet 11 inches). Meanwhile, the average for women in Germany is 160 cm (5 feet 5 inches). Is 5’8” tall in Germany? 5’8” is slightly below the average German male height (5 feet 11 inches) and a bit above the average German female height (5 feet 5 inches). What country has the tallest men? The Netherlands has the tallest men in the world, with an average height of about 6 feet 0.4 inches (183.8 cm). Who are the tallest Europeans? The tallest Europeans are generally found in the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, and Montenegro, with the Netherlands leading at an average male height of 6 feet 0.4 inches (183.8 cm)—the tallest in the world. Is 6ft short in the Netherlands? 6ft is not short in the Netherlands. It’s actually the average height for Dutch men (6 feet 0.4 inches), who are the tallest population globally. References [1] Average Height by Country 2025. World Population Review. Retrieved September 19, 2025, from https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/average-height-by-country [2] Gohlke B, Woelfle J. Growth and puberty in German children: is there still a positive secular trend? Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2009 Jun;106(23):377-82. doi: 10.3238/arztebl.2009.0377. Epub 2009 Jun 5. PMID: 19623318; PMCID: PMC2712240. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19623318/ [3] Grasgruber P, Cacek J, Kalina T, Sebera M. The role of nutrition and genetics as key determinants of the positive height trend. Econ Hum Biol. 2014 Dec;15:81-100. doi: 10.1016/j.ehb.2014.07.002. Epub 2014 Aug 7. PMID: 25190282. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1570677X14000665 [4] Tallest, Healthiest, Best-Paid States in Germany – Numbers for 2019." IamExpat. Retrieved from https://www.iamexpat.de/expat-info/germany-news/tallest-healthiest-best-paid-states-germany-numbers-2019 [5] P. Grasgruber, M. Sebera, E. Hrazdíra, J. Cacek, T. Kalina, Major correlates of male height: A study of 105 countries, Economics & Human Biology, Volume 21, 2016, Pages 172-195, ISSN 1570-677X, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ehb.2016.01.005. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1570677X16300065 [6] Demetriou, Y., Beck, F., Sturm, D. et al. Germany’s 2022 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Adolescents. Ger J Exerc Sport Res 54, 260–275 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12662-024-00946-6 [7] Pfäffle R, Land C, Schönau E, Holterhus PM, Ross JL, Piras de Oliveira C, Child CJ, Benabbad I, Jia N, Jung H, Blum WF. Growth Hormone Treatment for Short Stature in the USA, Germany and France: 15 Years of Surveillance in the Genetics and Neuroendocrinology of Short-Stature International Study (GeNeSIS). Horm Res Paediatr. 2018;90(3):169-180. doi: 10.1159/000492397. Epub 2018 Sep 10. PMID: 30199857. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30199857/ Related posts Key vitamins for men’s health Supplements for enhancing teenage growth Average height for a 15 year old in feet
