THE TRUTH ABOUT THE GERMAN "JOB MIRACLE": A REPORT ON THE INNER LIFE OF A "JOB WONDERLAND"

Everywhere in the industrialized and postindustrial countries of the West, unemployment is very high due to the worldwide economic crisis, in some cases 10 percent or more. In early July 2010 the U.S. unemployment rate was 9.5 percent, yet Germany has apparently been enjoying a minor " job miracle." In June 2010 the German unemployment rate was 7.5 percent, with only 3,153,000 officially unemployed-the rate has not been this low in June for eighteen years. How can it be that almost all countries are currently experiencing high unemployment rates, while Germany is enjoying a comparatively low rate? This article examines the reasons for and background of this apparent "job miracle." These include economic developments, statistical idiosyncrasies, such as "improving" the numbers, the liberalization of the labor market, and also psychological factors. That there really is a German "job miracle" can definitely be challenged.