A recent study conducted by researchers at the Freie Universität Berlin (FU) has revealed a surprising pattern of regional sentiment within Germany. The findings, reported by “Der Tagesspiegel”, indicate that residents of Berlin currently rank lowest in national popularity.
The study, part of the broader “Does Near Equal Dear?” research project at the Otto-Suhr Institute for Political Science, analyzed perceptions of residents from all 16 German states. Hamburg emerged as the most popular, followed closely by those from Schleswig-Holstein and Baden-Württemberg.
Political scientist Achim Hildebrandt, based in Stuttgart, attributes Berlin’s unfavorable ranking to a combination of factors. He suggested the city’s role as the seat of government contributes to associations with perceived shortcomings, including the long-delayed opening of the Berlin Brandenburg Airport and reinforcement of a “failed state” stereotype. A broader “aversion to metropolises” also plays a role.
The research uncovered a distinct East-West divide within Germany. Several eastern states, including Saxony-Anhalt and Saxony, occupy the lower end of the popularity spectrum.
Researchers emphasize that the survey reflects prevailing stereotypes and projections rather than objective assessments. “One needs a stereotype in mind to answer the question of sympathy” Hildebrandt explained. The FU researchers describe the findings as a form of previously under-examined polarization, extending beyond traditional political affiliations to encompass regional identities – including distinctions between East and West, Bavaria versus other regions and urban versus rural areas.
The study, funded by the James Madison Charitable Trust, involved surveying 1,630 participants aged 18 to 69, asking them to rate their sympathy for residents of each German state.
