A recent study by the Paritätischer Gesamtverband reveals that high housing costs are pushing more people into poverty in Germany than previously recognized.

The study highlights that traditional poverty statistics often overlook the impact of rent and associated costs, leading to an underestimation of poverty levels.

In Hamburg, for instance, the poverty rate jumps from 15% to 26.8% when housing costs are considered, affecting nearly half a million people.

Similarly, in Hessen, the rate increases from 15.5% to 23.7%.

Nationwide, 5.4 million more people are considered impoverished when housing expenses are factored in.

The study calls for urgent policy changes to address housing affordability and improve social security measures.