A significant majority of Germans are expressing concern over the rising cost of living, according to a new study released Thursday in Berlin. The “Fears of Germans 2025” report, compiled by the R+V Insurance Info Center, found that 52 percent of respondents believe living expenses will continue to increase.
Concerns surrounding the potential strain on the state due to the number of refugees remain prevalent, ranking as the second most significant worry for almost half of the population (49 percent). This represents a decrease from 56 percent in the 2024 survey.
Financial anxieties broadly dominate this year’s findings. Fears of tax increases or cuts to social benefits occupy third place (49 percent), followed closely by the apprehension of unaffordable housing (48 percent). Political anxieties also continue to play a notable role.
Despite ongoing global crises and uncertainties, the study reveals a surprisingly modest decline in overall anxieties across the board this year. The “Fear Index” which represents the average value of all measured anxieties, has fallen considerably to 37 percent, down from 42 percent in 2024. This figure mirrors the level recorded in 2021, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Concerns regarding the potential impact of former US President Donald Trump’s policies have also lessened. Currently, 45 percent of those surveyed fear that Trump’s political actions could make the world more dangerous, a notable decrease from his previous term. The level of concern has significantly diminished since 2018, when it reached a peak of 69 percent. Concerns about the rise of authoritarian leaders globally rank just ahead of the Trump-related anxieties, with 47 percent expressing worry.
The R+V Insurance Info Center has conducted this annual survey since 1992, regularly polling approximately 2,400 men and women from the German-speaking population aged 14 and older to gauge their anxieties pertaining to political, economic, social and environmental issues. This year’s survey was conducted between May 12th and July 22nd.
