Concerns Remain Over Persistent Price Increases Among Germans
In a recent survey conducted by R+V insurance, it has been revealed that the fear of rising living costs is the biggest concern for Germans this year. Around half of the respondents (52%) expressed worry about costs such as food and rent increasing. This fear has been at the top of the ranking since the annual survey, titled 'The Fears of the Germans,' began in 1992. Interestingly, the fear that authoritarian rulers around the world are becoming more powerful has seen a slight increase compared to last year. Financial and political concerns dominate the top 10 fears in this year's survey. The fear of housing becoming unaffordable in Germany is in fourth place, with 48% of respondents expressing concern. Another significant worry is the fear of tax increases or cuts in benefits, which is in third place with 49%. The survey, which was conducted between May and July, involved around 2,400 people aged 14 and over. Women appear to be more worried about rising living costs than men, with 57% of women expressing concern compared to 47% of men. Women in East Germany also express significantly higher concerns about migration and integration, reflecting greater perceived social tensions and structural challenges in the East. This is linked to more pronounced competition and discrimination in the labor market and social environments in East Germany. Concerns about tensions due to foreign influx have decreased from 51% in 2024 to 45% in 2025, and the fear of the state being overwhelmed by refugees has decreased from 56% in 2024 to 49% in 2025. After several years marked by the pandemic, energy crisis, and wars, people have become accustomed to a kind of permanent crisis. This may explain why concerns related to international crises, wars, and high prices have changed in the public's perception. Economic concerns are often more pronounced in Eastern Germany, coupled with cultural insecurity due to immigration. Despite this, concerns about migration have not decreased as much in Eastern Germany as in Western Germany. It's worth noting that both fears related to migration are at their lowest since 2015, excluding pandemic years. The fear of a war involving Germany has remained at the same level. The survey is part of a long-term study aimed at understanding and tracking the fears and concerns of the German population over time. As we navigate through these challenging times, it's clear that the issues of rising living costs and housing affordability remain at the forefront of people's minds.
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