Result
Trust is an essential basis for social coexistence. Currently, a small majority of the population trusts most of their fellow citizens. At 60 per cent, the proportion of people under the age of 35 is higher than that of older generations, of whom only around one in two express trust in their fellow citizens.
A look at the development over the years shows a changing dynamic. In 2000, the share was just 36 per cent and rose steadily to a high of 60 per cent by 2019. This was followed by a decline to 45 per cent in 2022, before the figure recovered to its current level of 54 per cent.
Reasons
For the individual, trust forms the basis of their ability to relate and act. Initially, this primarily relates to their family ties, but later also to interactions with their social environment, their working environment and their fellow citizens. The strongest trust is generally placed in people who share similar experiences, provide identity and support or are in a comparable social environment.
The increase in confidence between 2000 and 2019 should be viewed primarily in the context of social and economic developments. These include, for example, a relatively stable economic situation with low unemployment over the entire period and the sustained confidence that emerged even after the 2008/2009 financial crisis. The experience of surviving these times of crisis unscathed had a profound impact on people's social trust in one another. It fostered a sense of security and stability and thus strengthened trust in society in general and in fellow human beings.
Other social challenges were also overcome, such as promoting equality and diversity, improving the fight against crime and measures to combat climate change. All of these aspects contributed to a growing sense of community, which was reflected, among other things, in the increased voluntary commitment of the population - be it in the form of neighbourhood help, participation in sports clubs or in aid organisations.
The intense interaction between the perception of social stability and personal trust was clearly demonstrated in 2022, when German citizens' trust not only in institutions and political actors, but also in their fellow citizens, fell by a total of 15 per cent. This decline can be explained by the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, among other things, as well as frustration with political measures and contradictions, some of which were not transparent. Other factors included the war in Ukraine with its economic and social uncertainties, the energy crisis, rising inflation and the higher cost of living, increasing dissatisfaction with political decisions (e.g. energy policy, arms supplies), growing social inequality (e.g. energy price cap or gas levy), social divisions, the rise of populist forces and the spread of fake news and disinformation.
In comparison, trust between German citizens has risen again by almost ten percentage points to 54 per cent since 2024. This can be explained, among other things, by citizens coming closer together in what feel like uncertain times. This can be observed, for example, in the increase in neighbourly help, community campaigns, offers of help for Ukraine refugees and the use of swap meets. In particular, the experiences of the coronavirus pandemic with isolation, a lack of social contact and social polarisation have prompted many citizens to network more intensively on a personal level, actively combat social division and seek out social interaction more consciously. Similarly, the war in Ukraine has strengthened the willingness of citizens to reflect on common values, appreciate social stability and become more involved. As a result, interpersonal relationships as a whole have experienced a new appreciation, which has ultimately also led to an increase in mutual trust.
The differences between younger and older citizens reveal different realities of life. Younger people show a higher level of trust in their fellow human beings, which is fuelled by greater networking and openness to social contact. Digital platforms enable this age group to build diverse relationships and gain positive experiences. The stage of life also plays a decisive role: younger people find themselves in an environment that is more focused on cooperation and exchange, for example at school, university or when starting a career. They also tend to have a more optimistic and idealised attitude, are more open to new things, are often integrated into social communities and are in constant contact with others. These factors lead to an increased willingness to trust. As younger citizens have less economic responsibility and are less often confronted with difficult decisions, their mistrust of others is lower.
The middle and older generations, on the other hand, are more frequently exposed to professional, financial or personal challenges and therefore experience more interpersonal disappointments. These experiences encourage restraint and greater caution in dealing with others. Negative social developments such as polarisation and insecurity further reinforce this attitude.
The reasons why citizens currently do not trust their fellow citizens are also important. The reasons for this often lie in personal disappointments or negative experiences, such as a lack of willingness to help or conflicts in everyday life. Social factors such as social division, economic uncertainty or the influence of disinformation further increase this mistrust. Such a climate makes it difficult for many citizens to reach out to others and promotes isolation and reservations. The perception of inequality also plays a role: citizens who feel disadvantaged or have the impression of being treated unfairly are more likely to develop mistrust towards others. The decline in community activities such as club work or neighbourhood projects and the increasing anonymity in urban areas also contribute to this, as personal contacts become rarer and the feeling of community dwindles.
Forecast
A high level of trust in others is a key resource for living together. Trust facilitates cooperation, reduces conflict and strengthens social cohesion. Societies with a high level of trust are characterised by greater stability and resilience, as citizens are willing to take on responsibility and actively participate in community projects. The willingness to approach others and develop joint solutions to problems also increases with growing trust.
Younger generations in particular offer potential for building a trusting society due to their higher level of trust. Their increased networking and openness to new contacts can help to build bridges between different social groups. Digital platforms enable them to build relationships across geographical and cultural boundaries. This networking should be used in a targeted way to promote dialogue and break down prejudices. Younger people are also often in phases of life that are characterised by cooperation, such as training, starting a career or starting a family. These environments offer ideal conditions for establishing trust as the basis for long-term social relationships.
A decline in trust, on the other hand, harbours considerable risks for the social fabric. Mistrust makes it difficult to build social relationships and promotes isolation and polarisation. In a society with low levels of trust, the willingness to cooperate decreases, which has a negative impact on both social and economic life. In addition, a climate of mistrust would reinforce social divisions and reduce citizens' willingness to get involved.
Promoting trust requires targeted measures at an individual and social level. Encounters between different social groups create opportunities to break down prejudices and promote mutual understanding. Community projects or neighbourhood initiatives provide spaces for positive interactions and strengthen the sense of belonging. Educational institutions can lay the foundations for trusting relationships at an early stage through programmes to promote social skills and intercultural sensitivity. Politics could also strengthen trust in institutions through greater transparency in decision-making processes and improved communication, which in turn would have a positive impact on interpersonal trust.
It is therefore important to create structures that facilitate encounters and guarantee social security. A future society with a high level of trust is not only more stable, but also better equipped to tackle future challenges together. The promotion of trust should be understood as a continuous process that requires both individual efforts and institutional support.
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