They are emotional anchors, provide structure, and have a positive impact on well-being: Pets have a significant social role in Germany that is often underestimated. The figures show that over 35 million pets live in German households, and their influence on our daily lives and our mental health is enormous. This week's chart explores how pets have become an important part of our lives and what role they might play in the future.

Caring for relatives often goes unnoticed, but is increasingly becoming a pillar of our social system. Almost one in five Germans now regularly performs care work – often unpaid and alongside their job. In light of demographic change, the urgent question arises as to how this service can be recognized and supported through new models in the future.

German citizens are increasingly skeptical of their willingness to take civic initiative. Currently, only 28 percent agree with the statement that many people are prepared to take action themselves instead of leaving problems to the state. Compared to 2009, when 40 percent held this view, this is a significant decline. This reveals a striking discrepancy between how others perceive and how people assess themselves.