According to the study, young people in Germany are more pessimistic than ever before

A new study with more than 2,000 respondents shows: The young generation in Germany is looking bleakly into the future. Many complain about mental stress and are politically dissatisfied. Apparently the AfD in particular benefits from this.

“Our problems are simply not seen by politicians,” says Niklas and kicks the soccer ball at the goal. The 16-year-old is standing with his friends on a football field in the south of Cologne. “Of course we’re stressed about school. But it’s also frustrating every time I read messages on my phone.”

The uncertain world situation, the wars, the climate, that would all put a lot of strain on them. “I have no idea what my life will look like in 20 years. We have no idea what our world will look like then.” Niklas and his friends are not alone with these thoughts. This is shown by the “Youth in Germany” study, which has been carried out regularly by youth researcher Simon Schnetzer since 2020.

The mood seems to be changing

Compared to previous studies, the mood currently seems to be changing. This is reflected in the high level of psychological stress such as stress, reported by 51 percent of those surveyed. Similar to exhaustion (36 percent) and helplessness (17 percent), which have continued to rise over the past three years despite the coronavirus pandemic subsiding. Eleven percent of those surveyed stated that they were currently being treated for mental disorders.

The economic situation is also depressing them. The majority of those surveyed assume that the economic situation in Germany will worsen. “Our study documents a deep-seated mental insecurity with a loss of trust in the ability to influence personal and social living conditions,” says study author Simon Schnetzer.

Positive vision?

“The prospect of a good life is dwindling. The big question for all actors in society will be how they can inspire young people to have a positive vision in the country and involve them in change processes,” said Schnetzer.

Niklas and his friends say on the football field that they were at a few demonstrations in Cologne, including Fridays for Future. “Climate change is already worrying us and I can’t understand why no one is doing anything and taking action now,” says Niklas. They are interested in the topic, like many at their school. But he doesn’t want to get involved in a political party.

Almost half of those surveyed are worried about climate developments and believe that too little is being done to protect the environment in Germany.

Fear of inflation and poverty in old age

Young people in Germany are very worried about inflation (65 percent), expensive housing (54 percent) and poverty in old age (48 percent), but also the division in society (49 percent) and the increase in refugee flows (41 percent). high dissatisfaction of the young generation with their living situation and the political situation.

The potential for right-wing populist attitudes among the younger generation has increased significantly, as a comparison with previous studies shows. “We can speak of a clear shift to the right among the young population. This is reflected in the political preferences of 14 to 29 year olds. While the parties in the traffic light government continue to decline in popularity, the AfD is particularly popular,” says Study author and educational researcher Klaus Hurrelmann from the Hertie School Berlin.

AfD as the strongest party

The AfD has succeeded in presenting itself as a protest party for the traffic lights and as a presumed problem solver for the current concerns of young people. According to their survey, the AfD is currently at the top of the vote among those under 30 with 22 percent (2022: 9 percent). The AfD and CDU/CSU have gained a lot of popularity, while the government parties have lost enormously.

Accordingly, 20 percent would choose the CDU (2022: 16 percent). All other parties are losing votes among the younger generation: The Greens are currently favored by young voters at 18 percent (2022: 27 percent), the SPD at 12 percent (2022: 14 percent), the FDP at eight percent (2022 : 19 percent). A quarter described themselves as undecided.

“It is striking how soberly young people in Germany assess their opportunity to influence political life,” says Simon Schnetzer. “The young generation lacks a motivating perspective for the future.”

Niklas from Cologne doesn’t describe it quite as drastically. The 16-year-old wants to complete his high school diploma and then study environmental sciences. “As an engineer, I can change something for society. That’s important to me,” he says. “With the crises, my life is different and more demanding than that of my parents.” But that is no reason to give up and no reason not to even start. It starts to rain and the four friends continue to play football on the soccer field.