A recent nationwide survey conducted by Infratest Dimap for an ARD documentary has revealed a deeply fractured perception of societal cohesion and individual freedoms within Germany, raising critical questions about the nation’s political climate and evolving social dynamics. The findings, compiled from a representative sample of 1,306 individuals surveyed between December 1st and 3rd, 2025, paint a picture of widespread pessimism and diverging viewpoints sharply aligned with partisan affiliations.
The most striking revelation is the public’s bleak assessment of Germany’s societal unity. A staggering 75% of respondents expressed concerns, indicating they believe social cohesion is “rather poor” or “very poor” while only 22% perceived it as “rather good”. Remarkably, zero percent rated the situation as “very good”. This pervasive sense of division is most intensely felt among supporters of the Alternative for Germany (AfD), with a near-unanimous 91% harboring negative views. Generational divides further complicate the picture, with just 13% of 18-34 year olds expressing a positive view of social cohesion, a stark contrast to the 33% of respondents over the age of 65.
Beyond the general sense of disunity, the survey also probed public sentiment regarding the consideration of minority interests. When asked whether German society demonstrates too much, too little, or just the right level of consideration for marginalized groups – encompassing those with differing origins, languages, religions, or lifestyles – 45% felt the nation is erring on the side of excessive accommodation. A mere 22% believe the balance is “just right” while 26% argue for greater sensitivity. This perception is overwhelmingly prevalent amongst AfD voters (85%), compared to a negligible 8% observed among supporters of the Green Party. The results suggest a growing sentiment that minority considerations are overshadowing broader societal needs, a viewpoint often amplified by right-wing narratives.
Perhaps most concerning, the survey questions the perception of free speech within Germany. Only 50% of respondents believe they can express their views without facing serious consequences. A substantial 46% disagree, highlighting concerns about potential repercussions for dissenting opinions. Once again, the AfD constituency demonstrates a marked difference, with 81% expressing skepticism regarding the state of freedom of expression. The contrast with supporters of other parties is substantial: 78% of Green Party voters, 71% of SPD voters, 62% of CDU/CSU voters and 56% of Left party voters maintained that voicing opinions remains relatively consequence-free.
The survey’s findings provide a sobering analysis of the contemporary German landscape, underscoring the deepening political polarization and exposing anxieties surrounding minority rights and freedom of expression. The pronounced divergence in opinions along party lines signals a potential crisis of consensus, demanding further investigation into the factors driving these divergent perceptions and their impact on the nation’s future direction.