The German federal government spends almost half a billion euros on Microsoft licenses.
- Christian Gaeng
- Feb 09, 2026
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The German federal government’s spending on licenses from the US software company Microsoft has risen significantly in recent years. In 2025, €481.4 million was spent on these licenses, according to a response from the federal government to a written inquiry from Green Party Member of Parliament Rebecca Lenhard, which was obtained by the Süddeutsche Zeitung. In 2023, Microsoft products worth €274.1 million were procured, and in 2024, this figure rose to €347.7 million.
The direct and indirect federal administration, as well as recipients of federal grants, generally obtain their licenses through a framework agreement tendered by the Central IT Procurement Office. The response states that comparability with previous inquiries is limited because the circle of eligible recipients extends beyond the individual ministries and subordinate agencies.
In 2023, Microsoft products worth €274.1 million were procured, and in 2024, this figure rose to €347.7 million. Rebecca Lenhard (Greens) criticizes spending on Microsoft licenses
Rebecca Lenhard (Greens) criticizes spending on Microsoft licenses. Source: picture alliance/photothek.de/Thomas Trutschel
Lenhard criticized the development. “The figures presented show a dangerous trend.” Such sums could be used to specifically promote the development and strengthening of high-performance open-source solutions and European alternatives. “Instead, we are further deepening our dependence on individual non-European providers,” said the Green Party MP.
According to its response, the federal government has no concrete figures on the procurement of Microsoft licenses at the state and municipal levels. This is due to the federally distributed responsibilities in this area. Since the expenditures of the states and municipalities are not included, the actual total volume of public Microsoft procurement is likely to be significantly higher, Lenhard explained.
