Ten years ago, one in five citizens took more than one vacation trip. Last year, that number more than doubled. Almost one in four traveled twice, more than one in ten three times, and one in twelve even more frequently. Travel frequency increased with rising income: the proportion of those taking multiple trips was more than three times higher among higher earners than among lower earners.
Global challenges such as wars, climate change, and economic uncertainties are weighing heavily on Germans. Added to this are unresolved national issues and early elections. Nearly two-thirds of citizens are approaching the new year with fear and worry, while only 37 percent express optimism. In this episode, you'll learn not only which issues are most important to whom, but also where the opportunities and challenges for politics lie in 2025. We'll also take a look at small glimmers of hope, such as the desire for greater unity in Germany and Europe. This episode not only examines Christmas and New Year's traditions in Germany and shares surprising facts, but also offers some tips on how to truly relax and start the new year.
The majority of Germans are looking ahead to the next twelve months with concern. 63 percent of the population express fears and uncertainties, while only 37 percent are optimistic about the future. Differences emerge between various population groups: women are more pessimistic about the future than men (+6 percentage points). The difference is particularly striking with regard to income: low-income earners express concerns more frequently than higher-income earners (+9 percentage points).
Global challenges - from wars and climate change to unresolved national problems, economic uncertainties, persistent inflation and migration issues - characterise the mood of German citizens. Additional political uncertainties, such as the early elections, reinforce this impression. A recent representative survey by the non-profit BAT Foundation for Future Studies shows that almost two thirds of citizens are worried and anxious about the coming twelve months. Only 37 per cent express confidence.
Almost half of Germans (49 %) report being more dependent on paid leisure activities than they would like. This finding illustrates that the financial aspect plays an increasingly significant role in leisure activities and represents a tension between desires and possibilities for many. Striking differences exist between age groups...
Leisure time means relaxation, experiences, and time for oneself – or does it? For many, it also means spending money, and more than they'd like. The leisure industry is booming and growing rapidly, raising the question: How free are we really in how we spend our free time when the budget often dictates the pace? In this episode, find out what lies behind the "I'm doing this for myself" illusion, what the (free) leisure desires of Germans look like, and what we as a society can do to shape the future of leisure according to our needs. This episode will not only explain why selfishness is often irrational and how it increases mistrust between people, but also explore approaches to fostering compassion and working together towards a more equitable future.
The last few weeks of the year are a time for contemplation and tranquillity - at least in theory. But how do Germans actually spend the festive season? Is the focus on the family, or are more and more people packing their suitcases to celebrate under palm trees?
The last weeks of the year are a time for reflection and peace – at least in theory. But how do Germans actually spend the holidays? Is family the focus, or are more and more people packing their bags to celebrate under palm trees? In this episode, we not only take a look at Christmas and New Year's traditions in Germany and share surprising facts, but also give a few tips on how to truly start the new year relaxed.
The call for more cohesion in society is becoming increasingly clear. For example, 89 out of 100 respondents believe that there is less and less room for selfishness in our society and that greater cohesion is needed. Compared to 2016, when 86 per cent were already of this opinion, the desire for solidarity has intensified further. Agreement is particularly high among the over 65s: In this age group, 95 out of 100 respondents agreed with the statement.
Egoism has no place in our society anymore – more and more Germans agree on this. But what drives selfish behavior, and how can we break free from it? In a time when prosperity often triggers fear of loss and a competitive mindset, solidarity becomes a key skill. In this episode, you'll learn not only why egoism is often irrational and how it reinforces mistrust between people, but also what approaches exist to foster compassion and work together towards a more equitable future.
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