“German Angst” reflects a pervasive sense of fear among Germans impacting their choices, particularly concerning security. The “Security Report 2025” reveals rising insecurities related to war, inflation, and the influx of refugees. Public sentiment favors increased military investment and conscription, especially among older citizens. Trust in the U.S. has waned, leading to a desire for stronger national defense. Concerns about the Ukraine conflict and varying perceptions of threats between East and West Germany complicate unified security policies.
Understanding “German Angst” and Its Implications
“German Angst” is a distinctive term that has found its place in global discussions, encapsulating a prevalent characteristic among Germans: a persistent undercurrent of fear influencing their decisions and actions. This anxiety manifests in various existential concerns, including worries about societal changes and potential threats to personal safety.
Shifting Attitudes Toward Security in Germany
The recently unveiled “Security Report 2025” underscores this pervasive apprehension, revealing that citizens of Germany, Europe’s largest and most powerful economy, are increasingly feeling insecure. Concerns about war, inflation, and refugee influx dominate public sentiment. Even the traditionally steadfast United States is viewed with skepticism since Donald Trump’s presidency, causing many to perceive it as a potential source of instability.
Interestingly, this growing unease has led to a notable shift in the public’s attitude toward national security. There is a robust consensus among citizens advocating for heightened investment in military and police forces, with many supporting the reinstatement of a twelve-month conscription service. This shift indicates that public sentiment may be outpacing political action, as Defense Minister Boris Pistorius struggles to gain traction within his own Social Democratic Party on the issue.
According to Klaus Schweinsberg from the Center for Strategy and Higher Leadership, the need for conscription is becoming increasingly evident given the current geopolitical climate, particularly in light of Russia’s military advancements. He emphasizes that the strong public backing for military service highlights a gap in political leadership and responsiveness.
Support for military service varies significantly across age groups. While younger individuals (ages 16 to 29) tend to view conscription critically, older citizens, especially those over 60, largely favor it. This divergence may stem from the fact that younger generations would be directly impacted by such policies, while older generations often associate military service with a sense of duty and contribution to the nation.
Moreover, it appears that Germans are becoming more supportive of increased defense spending. A significant shift has occurred, with 62 percent now advocating for substantial budget increases for the military. However, opinions differ on funding this increase, with some citizens proposing to lift the debt limit, while others suggest cutting social programs or raising taxes.
There is also a noticeable change in the willingness to engage in military conflicts. Support for participating in military operations has risen from 37 percent to 42 percent over the past year. Concurrently, the percentage of those preferring to avoid military conflicts has decreased, suggesting a growing readiness among Germans to take a more active role in European security matters.
A change in perception towards the United States accompanies this shift. Trust in the US as a reliable ally has diminished, with only 23 percent of Germans viewing it positively. This decline in faith signals a need for Germany to bolster its own defense capabilities and reassess its role within NATO, according to Schweinsberg.
Concerns about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine also weigh heavily on the minds of Germans. While a portion of the population supports the prior chancellorship of Olaf Scholz, believing it effectively kept Germany out of conflict, a substantial percentage still prioritizes peace, even at the potential cost of territorial concessions in Ukraine.
The perception of a potential Russian threat varies significantly between East and West Germany, with a higher percentage of West Germans fearing military aggression. This divide complicates the government’s ability to present a unified approach to security policy, according to Schweinsberg.
In summary, the findings highlight a marked decline in the sense of security among Germans over recent years. The perception of safety in their own country has dropped from 76 percent in 2022 to 60 percent this year, with an alarming increase in concerns about becoming victims of violent crime. This growing insecurity emphasizes the critical need for a consistent and effective approach to citizen safety, as noted by Renate Köcher, managing director of the Allensbach Institute.