A majority of Germans report that interactions with official agencies and bureaucratic procedures have become more complicated in recent years, according to a survey commissioned by the news broadcaster ntv and conducted by Forsa. In the survey, 53 percent of respondents reported that, based on their personal experience, regulations, filling out forms, applying for permits, or dealing with public offices have become more difficult and complex. In contrast, only 13 percent perceive a simplification, while 29 percent noticed no change.
Older individuals particularly frequently voice complaints regarding increasing bureaucracy. While 41 percent of respondents between the ages of 18 and 29 found dealing with authorities complicated, this figure rises significantly for older age groups: 60 percent of those aged 45 to 59, and 58 percent of those over 60. Among individuals over the age of 60, only six percent felt that bureaucratic processes had become easier.
Significant differences in perception are also visible depending on educational qualifications. Among those with only a basic school diploma, 62 percent feel that regulations and administrative processes are more complicated, and this figure stands at 58 percent for those with a secondary school leaving qualification. Conversely, among those who hold an Abitur or a university degree, the percentage reporting complexity is 46 percent; within this group, a notable 19 percent did perceive a simplification.
The survey dataset comprised 1,009 respondents, and the polling period ran from October 21 to October 26, 2026.
