How open to change is Germany?

»How open to change is Germany?« This is the main topic of the »Deutschland-Monitor« 2025, which has just been released. The study, which is co-published by the Institute of Political Science at the University of Jena, focuses on both society’s general willingness to change and its willingness to change in specific policy areas. Among other things, the study analysed whether changes are perceived as too extensive, too rapid or too far-reaching, or whether they are perceived more as an opportunity or a risk.

In addition, the study examined the conditions that must be met in order for citizens to be willing to support social change or even actively shape it. As it does every year, the »Deutschland-Monitor« also surveys and examines key attitudinal concepts established in social and political science, such as satisfaction with democracy, trust in political institutions and populist attitudes.

Social attitudes, such as those relating to social cohesion and individual life satisfaction, are also recorded. The findings of the current »Deutschland-Monitor« are based on three closely linked survey formats: a representative population survey, a regional in-depth study in structurally strong and structurally weak districts in eastern and western Germany and focus group discussions.

Selected key findings

There is no general aversion to change.

Eastern and western Germany show high similarities overall.

A general willingness to change shapes attitudes in individual policy areas.

Impositions are predominantly considered acceptable-with the exception of pensions.

Confidence strengthens willingness to change.

Security and fairness increase the acceptance of change.

Democracy is generally seen as capable of transformation.

Democracy is popular, but its implementation is controversial.

Populism reinforces scepticism towards democracy.

Life satisfaction is predominantly shaped by social factors.

Regional influences and differences are particularly evident in eastern Germany.

The immediate environment is rated significantly better than »society as a whole«.

Background

The »Deutschland-Monitor« is a newly developed, annual scientific study on political attitudes and social moods in Germany. The study is conducted by a consortium of researchers from the Centre for Social Research Halle (ZSH), the Institute of Political Science at the University of Jena and the GESIS Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences in Mannheim.