Immigration continues to top the list of issues troubling German society, according to a new poll that also highlights widespread public insecurity and dissatisfaction with the government.

The latest “DeutschlandTrend” survey by the Infratest dimap institute for ARD, Germany’s public broadcaster, found that just 50% of Germans say they feel safe in public spaces — down sharply from 75% in 2017. Meanwhile, 48% now report feeling unsafe, compared to 40% in July 2024.

Beyond personal safety, pessimism about the future is spreading. Only 27% of respondents feel optimistic about their children’s prospects — a dramatic 24-point drop since 2015. Confidence in their own circumstances is also falling:

• 80% feel secure about their home (-11 points vs. 2015)
• 79% about their job (-8)
• 66% about their standard of living (-15)
• 48% about financial security in old age (-14)

When asked to name the most pressing national issue, 32% cited immigration (-1 point), followed by economic concerns (28%, +7), social inequality and poverty (18%, +2), climate change (14%, +2), pensions and old-age security (10%, -1), and armed conflict (9%, -6).

Uncertainty extends well beyond domestic issues:

• 58% express anxiety about Germany’s foreign policy,
• 69% about its global economic position,
• 72% about social stability at home.

Public confidence in the federal government remains deeply eroded. Only 1% of respondents say they are “very satisfied,” and 21% “somewhat satisfied,” while 76% express dissatisfaction to varying degrees.

In terms of voting intentions, the Christian Democratic/Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) leads with 27% (+1), just ahead of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) at 26% (unchanged). The Social Democrats (SPD) follow with 14%, the Greens with 12%, and The Left with 10%. Both the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) and the Free Democrats (FDP) remain at 3%.