So many people look optimistically towards the new year - Germans start 2026 with rising optimism but deep economic fears persist
As 2026 begins, Germans show a mix of cautious hope and deep concern about the future. While more than half now look ahead with optimism, worries over the economy and political trust remain widespread. Young people, in particular, are balancing fear with growing resilience in the face of ongoing challenges.
A recent survey reveals that 57% of Germans feel optimistic about 2026—up by 15 percentage points from the previous year. This shift contrasts sharply with economic anxieties, as 80% still expect conditions to deteriorate. Similarly, 89% believe trust in politics will keep declining.
The BAT Foundation’s research found that 60% of the population views the new year with apprehension. Yet among 14- to 24-year-olds, 75% express hope, a significant jump from earlier findings. Despite this optimism, young people facing crisis-related fears are 3.4 times more likely to experience psychological distress. Futurist Horst Opaschowski notes that Germans are adapting to prolonged uncertainty. Since 2023, 52% have consistently worried about their personal finances. Meanwhile, children and adolescents remain deeply affected by issues like war, terrorism, economic instability, migration, and climate change. Many are now developing stronger coping mechanisms to manage their concerns.
The start of 2026 highlights a divided outlook among Germans. Optimism is rising, especially among the young, but economic and political fears persist. With resilience growing alongside anxiety, the year ahead will test how well society adapts to ongoing instability.
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