Currently, more than one in three citizens regularly sets aside time for reading and dedicates themselves to a book at least once a week. In addition to traditional reading material, roughly one in seven uses digital versions of their reading material in their free time and reads an e-book. Compared to 2019, significantly more citizens are enthusiastic about both formats.

Many Germans are concerned about the development of future rents. 44 per cent expect warm rents to be twice as high as cold rents within the next 20 years. There are hardly any differences in the approval rate in terms of location or income, but there are differences in terms of age and east/west comparison.

Zoos and animal parks have long been popular destinations for day trips. This year alone, almost one in two Germans (45%) will embark on an expedition into the animal kingdom at least once. Around one in ten (9%) are regular zoo visitors and stroll past leopards, fur seals and the like at least once a month.

Nine out of ten German citizens expect an increasing divide between rich and poor in Germany in the future. There is hardly any evidence of differences within the population. Compared to 2012, this concern has increased significantly from 75 to 91 per cent.

Courage, as an abstract concept, evokes many associations; it can be understood as a form of behavior, a desire, or a value, but also as something connected to people, events, and decisions. But when do citizens describe their own behavior as courageous? In what situations do they act fearlessly? However different these aspects may be, they all derive their strength from the same source.

Above all, being courageous requires self-confidence, a willingness to take responsibility, a willingness to take risks and optimism. Depending on the situation, it is also important to stand up for your own convictions or values. Courageous behaviour is realised particularly within the personal environment. But what prevents many Germans from carrying out this behaviour, which is perceived as positive, more often and also outside their immediate environment?

A large majority of citizens associate courage with four characteristics in particular: self-confidence, a sense of responsibility, the willingness to overcome resistance and standing up for values. Other key characteristics from the citizens' perspective are optimism, creativity, a willingness to take risks and striving for change.

The younger and older generations prioritise their wishes for role models differently. This applies to both the order and the percentage of approval or rejection. For example, the over 55s favour people from the political sector and „ordinary citizens“ as courageous role models much more than the under 35s. Older people also place more trust in people from the worlds of business and science and recognise their high potential for courageous decisions and actions.

The question of role models and their significance for society is not new. However, it takes on particular importance in times of great change, uncertainty, and challenges. Role models can help provide clear guidance and point the way to a positive future. Yet, there is a significant discrepancy between the desire for courageous role models and the reality experienced.