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In 2025, Germany counted **** craft businesses. This includes businesses of all classes under the Crafts Code.


Annexes of the Crafts Code

The Crafts Code (abbrev.: HwO), in force since 1953, provides the legal framework for practicing a craft and for vocational and continuing craft training. It distinguishes the licensable professions of Annex A, for which a master craftsman's certificate is required to practice the trade, the other craft professions of Annex B1, for which holding a master craftsman's certificate is optional for independent practice, and the “crafts-related trades” of Annex B2. Most craft businesses in Germany are assigned to Annex A.

Trade groups of the crafts sector

Crafts in Germany are also divided into trade groups. Since the 2016 reporting period, the Central Association of German Crafts (ZDH) has used the classification for conjunctural reporting (KGr). The finishing trades account for the largest number of businesses, with around ** establishments — these include, among others, painter and varnisher businesses, carpenters, and tilers, slab, and mosaic setters.