Status: 07/08/2021 2:46 p.m.
Abroad, Germans have been perceived as less tolerant and open in recent years. Hundreds of people in other countries were interviewed for a study. On the other hand, Germany scores well in business and education.
What impression does Germany make in other countries? A joint study by the Goethe Institute, the Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) dealt with this question. The result: In many respects the Federal Republic is considered a strong country, but when it comes to openness to other cultures and migration, trust is dwindling.
For the survey, the participants questioned around 620 people from 37 countries who have many years of experience with life in Germany. In addition, there were further interviews with 48 respondents in 24 countries.
Less tolerance and friendliness
From the perspective of the respondents, populism and extremist tendencies are increasing in Germany. Several participants in the online survey stated that they felt less welcome and sometimes discriminated against during their stay in Germany. They were treated with less tolerance and friendliness.
The respondents attributed this growing rejection to problems such as the social division within German society or, for example, concerns about losing their job. Germany is also still having a hard time finding its own identity. In this regard, the country is “torn apart”, the study says.
The people questioned expressed the hope that Germany would develop more into an “open country with open hearts”. “Germany should approach other cultures and diversity with open arms”, the study quoted the statements of the survey participants.
Strong democracy, reliable health system
At the same time, the political system in Germany is perceived as a functioning democracy in which the rule of law principles are observed and implemented. The respondents also rated the nationwide health care, the German education system and the economic strength of the country positively. As an international interlocutor, the Federal Republic is given a high level of credibility. Therefore, Germany must take on international responsibility and stand up for a strong Europe.
The respondents see some catching up to do in the areas of digital infrastructure and climate protection. In some cases, innovation in these areas is not yet capitalized in German companies. Germany must play a pioneering role in the fight against climate change.
In dealing with the corona pandemic, respondents attribute efficient action to Germany during the first wave. In the further course, however, they see “less and less discipline in the population and problems with the procurement, logistics and organization of the vaccination campaign”.
Merkel: The study should provide an incentive for improvements
In a video message, Chancellor Angela Merkel thanked the institutes and organizations responsible for the study for their commitment. The survey showed many positive aspects in the perception of Germany, but the critical points must also be “incentives” to “work on improvements”.