In 2010, the number of private insolvencies reached a new peak. With 139,110 cases in Germany (plus 6.4 per cent and 8.412 more cases compared to 2009), the bankruptcy statistics outperform even the previous record year 2007. Young German citizens are particularly affected. Although the statistical debt total for young adults is below the federal average, the number of creditors is higher than the average bankruptcy. according to which the 18 to 25-year-olds bring it to the highest surplus of all age groups of 27 percent compared to 2009. The average debt level for German citizens in private insolvency amounted to almost 33,000 euros in 2010. But the prospects for 2011 are still clouded: “Case figures are expected to be at the same high level as in 2010,” says Bürgel Managing Director Dr. Norbert Sellin. … Private insolvency is unemployment, permanent low income, failed self-employment, separation and divorce. Moreover, lack of experience in dealing with finances and banks, inappropriate consumption behaviour and decline in income are often statistically leading to the debt trap.