A recent study conducted by the insurer R+V has identified the rising cost of living as the primary concern for Germans in 2026. The study, which surveyed approximately 2,400 German-speaking citizens aged 14 and older from early May to late July, found that 59% of respondents cited the cost of living as their greatest fear, up from 52% in the previous year. This annual survey has been conducted since the early 1990s.
Isabelle Borucki, a political scientist from Marburg who consulted on the study, noted that the increase in prices for essential items such as energy, housing, and food has significantly reduced disposable income for leisure and other purchases. The study also highlights concerns regarding Germany's social security systems, with many respondents aware of the financial challenges facing the state pension fund and long-term care insurance.
The fear of rising taxes has also increased, with respondents questioning the fairness of who will bear the costs of modernization. Borucki stated, "Behind the fear of higher taxes and benefit cuts lies the question of fairness, with people wondering who will bear the costs of modernization."
In addition to the cost of living, 52% of those surveyed expressed concern about the number of refugees in Germany, ranking this as the third greatest concern. However, fears regarding global issues have decreased; only 45% of respondents are worried about US President Donald Trump's policies making the world more dangerous, a drop from 69% during his first term.
Concerns about war involving Germany have also declined, with only 34% expressing fear, down from 41% the previous year. Job security appears to be less of a concern, with only 20% of the working population fearing job loss, the lowest recorded figure since 1992.
The study also assessed public opinion on politicians, with an average score of 4.1 on a scale of 1 to 6, indicating dissatisfaction with both the current government led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the opposition. Borucki attributed this dissatisfaction to a perceived gap between political promises and actual results, stating, "There is now a gap between the grand announcements and tangible results. People are disappointed and losing confidence."