When it comes to safety, not every German city ranks the same. The latest Police Crime Statistics (Polizeiliche Kriminalstatistik, PKS), compiled by the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) on behalf of the Interior Ministry, provides a detailed picture of where crimes are most frequently reported — and the results might surprise you.
What the numbers actually show
The PKS records all criminal offences known to the police, including attempted crimes. It only reflects reported and processed cases — meaning incidents that go unreported or remain unsolved are not included.
Importantly, the ranking doesn’t officially label any city as “dangerous.” Instead, it uses a frequency rate, which measures the number of recorded crimes per 100,000 residents.
According to the 2024 Police Crime Statistics, Bremen recorded the highest crime frequency in Germany, with around 15,424 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.
It is followed by Frankfurt am Main (approx. 14,600) and Berlin (around 14,252). Other cities high on the list include Bremerhaven (13,717) and Hanover, which ranks just below.
Where life feels safest
At the opposite end of the table are cities where far fewer offences are recorded.
Among the safest German cities in 2024 are Erlangen, Erfurt, Düsseldorf and Hagen — all of which show crime rates well below the national average.
Experts note that these figures depend on many factors, such as city size, local demographics, tourism and people’s willingness to report crimes. Therefore, a higher number of reported offences doesn’t necessarily mean a city is unsafe — it may simply reflect more active policing or higher awareness among residents.
Why Bremen tops the list
Bremen’s consistently high numbers are partly linked to its dense urban structure, port activity and high commuter traffic, which naturally increase the volume of police-reported incidents.
However, the city also benefits from strong crime-prevention programs and a visible police presence, which locals say helps maintain a sense of security despite the statistics.
A tale of two perspectives: danger vs. happiness
While the crime report focuses on risk, another recent survey paints a more optimistic picture.
According to Time Out’s “Happiest Cities in Europe” list, Seville, Brighton, and Porto rank as Europe’s top feel-good cities — showing how perceptions of safety and quality of life don’t always align.
Within Germany, despite crime fluctuations, many urban areas continue to score highly for well-being, infrastructure, and livability — a reminder that statistics alone can’t capture how safe a city truly feels.
