According to the annual survey "The biggest worries of Germans in 2025" conducted by R+V Insuranceung since 1992, escalating living expenses continue to top the list of concerns of German people. This is the 15th time, and the second consecutive year, this concern has held the number one position.
The high price of food, fuel and electricity makes many households find it difficult to balance their monthly spending. Not only that, 3 out of 4 biggest worries are related to money: Risk of tax increases, welfare cuts and housing is no longer affordable.
Housing is becoming a key social issue. People expect more from the social housing construction program, speeding up procedures and expanding affordable home ownership opportunities, said political scientist Isabelle Borucki, a consultant for the survey.
However, she said that the level of fear was less severe: "People focus more on the present instead of just looking at the gloomy prospect. Perhaps it is a breath of relief after many years of continuous crisis.
Second in the worrying rankings is the fear of Germany being "overloaded" by refugees, especially common in the eastern states. Although the number of applications for asylum in the first half of 2025 decreased by nearly 50% compared to the same period, concerns remain.
Borucki said the concern was not only about immigration policy, but also linked to questions about identity and cultural coexistence. This is also a topic that is easily exploited by far-right forces for political mobilization.
The survey noted a small bright spot: People are less optimistic about the social polarization situation than last year. However, the level of dissatisfaction with the politici is still very high. More than half of the population only scored just enough for both the government and the opposition.
there is still a lack of confidence in the ability of the German government to steer through the crisis. Political figures need to work to restore confidence, Borucki stressed.
In addition, the Germans are increasingly afraid of the rise of tough leaders in the world. The impact of US President Donald Trump's foreign policy also increased concerns about global security, ranking 5th and 6th in the survey.
Notably, concerns about climate change and natural disasters have dropped to 15th and 16th place, despite the increasing global disaster reality. This theme has almost disappeared from the political agenda after the Green Party is no longer in government, and is no longer a priority for mature voters.
This year's survey shows that although Germans are less afraid than in the peak years of the crisis, living expenses, immigration and political belief are still the three biggest insecurities associated with contemporary German society.
