The social economy comprises all economic activities for delivering social services. With about two million employees and value added of around 200 billion euros, it is one of Germany's largest economic sectors – often underestimated yet central to public welfare and social cohesion.
Providers include free welfare associations, municipal institutions, church-affiliated bodies, charitable associations, foundations and socially oriented private companies. Fields span care and hospitals, nurseries, schools and vocational training, plus disability, youth, family, homelessness and migration support.
The sector is above-average covered by collective agreements, often AI-safe and co-determined. At the same time it struggles structurally with skills shortages, refinancing pressure and bureaucracy. Entrants typically find strong meaning, predictable careers and solid social benefits.
Lunigi focuses strongly on the social economy – curated roles with clear collective coverage and values alignment.