Religions in Germany

Germany is an intercultural and multi-religious country. It's important to understand that apart from main Christian religions (Protestantism and Catholicism) and several minority beliefs, around a third of the people in Germany are atheists. Christian church, including both Catholicism and Protestantism, is the dominant church in Germany. Still, there are many other religious practices such as Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, and Hinduism that are popular in Germany.  

Christianity in Germany

What is the main religion in Germany?

The main religion in Germany is Christianity, with around two-thirds of the population identifying as Christian. The number that actively practices Christianity in the form of church attendance, however, is significantly lower.

You can find more information about religious (and other) national and regional holidays on our German Holidays and Celebrations page.

Are Germans Catholic or Protestant?

Unlike most European countries, which tend to be either largely Catholic (e.g. Ireland, Spain) or largely Protestant (e.g. Sweden, UK), German Christians are split almost evenly.

Around half of Germany's Christians are from the Evangelical Church of Germany (a combination of Protestant religions including Lutheranism and Protestant Calvinism) and half are Roman Catholic. Around 2% of the country practice other Christian religions - mainly Orthodoxy, including both Eastern and Oriental Orthodoxy.

Which part of Germany is Catholic?

Although you will find followers of both Catholicism and Protestantism in all regions of Germany, the religions are more distinct in certain regions. As a rule, you will encounter more Catholics in the South and West of the country, including Bavaria, Rhineland, Westphalia and Saarland. In the North and East of the country, more of the population identify as protestant.

Here you can find an overview with some interesting facts about Catholicism in Germany. 

Minority Religions in Germany

Islam is the biggest non-Christian religion practiced in Germany, with followers accounting for about 5% of the population (approximately 4 million people). Most Muslims in Germany are Turkish or of Turkish descent and follow the Sunni tradition. You will find that mosques are in most major cities in Germany, but also in some smaller towns too.

How to find mosques in Germany

You can find your nearest mosque and more about practicing Islam in Germany on the Central Council of Muslims in Germany website.

What are the different religions in Germany?

Christianity is the dominant religion in Germany while Islam is the biggest minority religion. There are a number more faiths, however, that together account for the religions of around 3-4% of the population. Further religions practiced in Germany include:

• Judaism
• Buddhism
• Hinduism
• Sikhism
• Yazidi