opinion poll
The vast majority of Germans want to abolish the time change
The time change is discussed again and again. Photo: Sina Schuldt/dpa
© dpa-infocom GmbH
It’s a recurring discussion: twice a year, Germans complain about the time change. Most would like to abolish them – but don’t think that will happen.
Forward in spring and back in autumn: For the majority of people in Germany, the time change is a superfluous regulation.
In a representative Forsa survey commissioned by the health insurance company DAK, 72 percent stated that the time change should be abolished. Only 23 percent of the participants considered them to be useful in general.
Time change problems
In about a week it will be time again – then the time will be turned forward by one hour throughout Germany. Even if around three-quarters of Germans feel that this is superfluous, they have had far fewer health problems so far. For the vast majority of 73 percent, the change between summer and winter time has so far had no consequences. According to the survey, 27 percent of the participants had problems at some point – women are affected here significantly more often at 34 percent than men at 21 percent.
Most often, those affected felt tired or listless (80 percent), 65 percent also complained about problems falling asleep. According to the survey, the time change has even led to depressive moods for 16 percent.
Nevertheless, most of those surveyed are convinced that the six-monthly change will stay with us for a while. Only 25 percent think that the time change will be abolished in the foreseeable future – that’s 8 percentage points less than last year. 72 percent don’t think so.