This decline, the fourth consecutive annual decrease, resulted in a birth deficit of 352,000, as deaths surpassed births at around 1.01 million. The trend reflects demographic shifts, particularly as smaller birth cohorts from the 1990s reach childbearing age. Regional disparities were noted, with eastern states experiencing a 4.5% decline compared to 3.2% in the west, while Hamburg saw a slight increase. Projections indicate that future birth rates may remain below the 2021 level of approximately 795,000, with detailed statistics expected in July 2026.