Almost 1.7 million people work in the German cultural and creative industries and create a value of over 100 billion euros, according to a recent study by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy.
With a gross value added of 102.4 billion euros in 2017, the Cultural and creative industries is one of the most important industries in Germany. The sector ranks behind automotive engineering (€154.1 billion), on a par with mechanical engineering (€102.7 billion), and ahead of financial services providers (€71.1 billion) and the chemical industry (€47.8 billion). The industry generated nearly €160 billion in revenue in 2017. This equates to €622,700 per company. The Parliamentary State Secretary in the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy Christian Hirte says:
"The creative industries are recognized as an economic and social driver. Through innovation, they contribute to the growth of industry and small and medium-sized businesses."
Fewer mini-jobs, more jobs subject to social insurance contributions
Around 1.2 million so-called core workers are employed in the sector—including 256,000 self-employed and 903,000 employees subject to social insurance contributions. In addition, there are more than half a million marginally employed people. In total, almost 1.7 million people work in the German cultural and creative industries.
The number of all employed persons increased by 2.15 percent compared to the previous year. The increase was particularly strong among employees subject to social insurance contributions, at 4.32 percent. There was a decrease of 0.45 percent among marginally employed persons.
