As temperatures rise, so does the interest of German citizens in cool refreshment - in the form of a swimming trip. On average, 29 per cent of the population go swimming at least once a month, although there are noticeable differences between the generations.

Volunteering plays an important role in our society. Around one in four people volunteer regularly - at least once a month - in clubs or charitable organisations, in hospitals or retirement homes, in the neighbourhood or in political parties, for environmental protection projects or the church. The under-30s are particularly active, with one in three of them volunteering.

Reconciling work and family life is a key wish of many employees - but achieving this is not always easy, especially for women. Only 28 per cent of people believe that it will be possible for many women to combine work and family life by 2030.

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.