Comparing Germany and Japan by Economy

Germany and Japan are among the world's five largest national economies. As of 2026, Germany and Japan rank 3rd and 4th, respectively, among the world's largest national economies on a nominal GDP basis. On a PPP basis, Japan ranks 5th, while Germany ranks 6th. Together, the two countries account for 7.79% of the world's total GDP in nominal terms and 6.14% on a PPP basis.

In 1971, the nominal GDP of Germany and Japan was almost equal. Thereafter, Japan took the lead and remained ahead until 2022. In 2026, Germany's GDP of $5,453 billion is 1.25 times that of Japan, at $4,379 billion. On an exchange-rate basis, Japan crossed the $1 trillion mark in 1978, while Germany reached the milestone nine years later, in 1987.

In PPP terms, Japan was slightly ahead of Germany in 1980, and the gap widened thereafter. Japan's GDP of Int. $7,262 billion is 1.13 times Germany's Int. $6,408 billion in 2026.

Both countries have remained closely competitive in terms of GDP per capita. From 1960 to 2012, Japan had a higher GDP per capita than Germany in 28 years, while Germany was ahead in 25 years. Since 2013, the gap has consistently favored Germany.

In 2026, Germany's GDP per capita of $65,303 is almost 1.83 times that of Japan, at $35,703, in nominal terms. On a PPP basis, Germany's GDP per capita is 1.30 times higher than Japan's. In nominal terms, Germany and Japan rank 18th and 43rd, respectively, in the world. On a PPP basis, Germany ranks 24th, while Japan ranks 39th.

Germany recorded its highest GDP growth rate of 7.42% in 1969 and its lowest of -5.54% in 2009. Japan reached an all-time high of 12.88% in 1968 and a record low of -5.94% in 2009. From 1961 to 2025, Japan recorded GDP growth of more than 10% in six years, while Germany's never exceeded 10%. GDP growth was negative in ten years for both countries.