A recent survey conducted by Forsa for “Stern”, RTL and n-tv reveals a complex and arguably concerning landscape of public trust in German institutions. While doctors continue to hold the highest esteem, enjoying the confidence of 81% of respondents – a figure consistent with last year – the data highlights a broader trend of waning faith across several pillars of German society.
The enduring respect for medical professionals, mirrored by similarly high levels of trust in the police (80%, a slight decline), suggests a continued reliance on these institutions amidst ongoing societal challenges. The Federal Constitutional Court, traditionally a bedrock of stability, has seen a noticeable drop in public confidence, falling two percentage points to 76%. This appears to be directly linked to the controversy surrounding judicial elections earlier in the year, raising questions about the perception of impartiality and potential politicization within the judiciary.
Universities (75%) and courts (69%, also down) maintain reasonable levels of trust, though the latter’s decline warrants attention. Significantly lower ratings persist for social media and advertising agencies, reflecting widespread skepticism towards these sectors. The image of Islam also remains fragile, with only 7% expressing trust, a slight increase, while the Catholic Church demonstrates a marginal improvement, drawing a cautious 14% confidence.
However, the most stark revelation lies in the continued lack of faith in German political parties. Currently, only 16% of Germans express trust in political parties – a figure that, while marginally up from the previous year, represents a precipitous decline over the longer term. This erosion of trust, a loss of nine percentage points since 2020, is a troubling indicator of broader disaffection with the political class and underscores the need for urgent reform and renewed engagement with citizens. The survey, based on responses from 4,025 individuals collected between December 3rd and 12th, 2025, paints a picture of a society grappling with questions of accountability and legitimacy within its core institutions.
