A recent study by researchers at the Freie Universität Berlin has revealed a surprising degree of regional polarization within Germany, with residents of Berlin ranking lowest in a national popularity contest. The findings, published by the Tagesspiegel newspaper, stem from an analysis of attitudes towards individuals from each of Germany’s sixteen federal states.
Hamburg emerged as the most popular state, followed closely by Schleswig-Holstein and Baden-Württemberg. Conversely, Berlin consistently received the lowest ratings, reflecting, according to political scientist Achim Hildebrandt, a combination of factors including its association with the national government and prevailing stereotypes, such as perceptions of infrastructure challenges. A general aversion to large metropolitan areas also contributed to the negative sentiment.
The study highlighted a significant East-West divide, with several eastern German states, including Saxony-Anhalt and Saxony, occupying the lower rankings. Researchers believe the responses mainly reflect existing prejudices and projections rather than actual experiences.
Hildebrandt emphasized the role of stereotypes in shaping opinions, suggesting that respondents rely on preconceived notions when evaluating others based on their state of origin. The Freie Universität Berlin’s researchers describe this phenomenon as a previously overlooked form of polarization, extending beyond traditional political divides to encompass regional identities – East versus West, Bavaria versus the rest of the country and urban versus rural areas.
The survey, conducted in September 2024 as part of the “Does Near Equal Dear?” research project at the Otto-Suhr Institute for Political Science, polled 1,630 participants aged 18 to 69, asking them to rate their sympathy for residents of all federal states. The project received funding from the British James Madison Charitable Trust.