Prices in Germany continue to concern residents
In a survey titled 'The Fears of the Germans,' commissioned by the R+V insurance company and conducted by pollsters between May and July, financial and political concerns have emerged as the top fears for the German population. Around 2,400 people aged 14 and over participated in the survey.
The findings reveal a slight decrease in the level of concern for all fears compared to the previous year, with the exception of two cases. Notably, the fear of a war involving Germany and the fear that authoritarian rulers worldwide will become increasingly powerful have remained constant.
However, concerns related to migration, which have dominated political debates this year, have notably decreased. Only 49% of respondents expressed fear of the state being overwhelmed by refugees, a decrease from 56% in 2024. The fear of tensions caused by foreign immigration has also decreased, with 45% expressing concern, down from 51% in 2024.
The fear of rising living costs has emerged as the top concern for Germans in 2025. Around half of the respondents (52%) are worried that costs such as groceries and rent will increase. This concern is particularly pronounced among women, with 57% expressing worry compared to 47% of men.
Political scientist Isabelle Borucki suggests that this could be due to women being more likely to admit to being afraid. She also notes that the burden of high prices does not seem to have lessened for people. Borucki proposes that explaining decisions in a way that is understandable could help reduce the fear factor.
Another significant concern is the fear that housing in Germany will become unaffordable, ranking fourth among Germans' top concerns this year, with 48% expressing worry.
The survey also reveals regional differences in concerns. In East Germany, migration concerns and integration issues, such as a higher perception of discrimination by refugees in housing and employment, are more prevalent compared to West Germany. East German states like Saxony-Anhalt encounter challenges in retaining well-integrated skilled migrants who often leave after an initial phase, highlighting the need to develop the region as an attractive place to stay for immigrants.
The fear of tax increases or benefit cuts ranks third among Germans' top concerns this year, with 49% expressing worry. Borucki further suggests that a uniform message is not enough, and politics should approach each region very differently and in a nuanced manner.
Despite a significant fall in the inflation rate, the price level remains high, adding to the concerns about rising living costs. The only other time the fear index was this low was in 2021. Everyday fears, such as rising costs, are particularly stubborn because they deeply penetrate people's daily lives.
In conclusion, the survey reveals a shift in Germans' top fears, with financial and political concerns dominating the landscape. The findings also highlight the need for a regional and nuanced approach in addressing these concerns, particularly in the case of migration and integration issues in East Germany.
