Prices in Germany remain a source of concern for many
In the recently published "Fears of the Germans" survey, commissioned by the R+V insurance company, it has been revealed that the fear of rising living costs remains a major concern for Germans this year. The survey, which involved around 2,400 people aged 14 and over, found that the fear of a war involving Germany has remained at the same level.
The survey results show a shift in concerns compared to previous years. While migration-related fears continue to be a concern, particularly in East Germany, the level of concern has decreased slightly. In 2025, 49 percent of respondents expressed fear of the state being overwhelmed by refugees, down from 56 percent in 2024. However, migration-related concerns have not decreased as much in Eastern Germany as in Western Germany, where migration has been a longstanding part of society.
Isabelle Borucki, a political scientist, stated that the price level is still high despite a significant fall in inflation rate. Borucki suggests that women may be more likely to admit to being afraid and that they are more aware of unequal pay, which could explain why women are more worried about rising living costs than men, with 57% of women expressing concern compared to 47% of men.
The fear that housing in Germany will become unaffordable is in fourth place, with 48% of respondents expressing concern. The fear of tax increases or benefit cuts is in third place, with 49% of respondents expressing concern. The ranking of fears is based on scores of 5 to 7 given to topics in the survey.
One notable finding is that the fear of rising living costs has been the top concern in the annual survey since it began in 1992. Borucki mentioned that people don't feel the burden of high prices has disappeared, which could explain why this fear remains so prevalent.
Concerns about tensions due to foreign influx also decreased, from 51 percent in 2024 to 45 percent in 2025. Borucki suggests that different experiential worlds in Eastern and Western Germany contribute to these differences in concern levels.
Lastly, the fear that authoritarian rulers worldwide will become more powerful has increased slightly this year compared to last. The survey results provide valuable insights into the concerns and fears of the German population, and can help guide policymakers in addressing these issues.
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