Why young Germans are leaving: political frustration and mental health

Young Germans flee frustration as political shifts and mental health crises grow

BERLIN – Germany's younger generation feels overruled, politically ignored, and pushed to the margins of society—so much so that many are now considering leaving the country for good. This is the stark message of the new trend study "Youth in Germany 2026," a representative survey of 14- to 29-year-olds. The findings also reveal a troubling shift in political attitudes: young people are becoming increasingly radicalized.

The study exposes a deep generational divide. Many young Germans see themselves as a societal minority pitted against an older majority that dominates political decision-making. Simon Schnetzer, the study's lead researcher, described this dynamic in an interview with Die Zeit: "The fundamental experience for many young people is that the majority shapes politics—and that majority is old. No matter what issues the younger generation raises—mental health struggles, generational conflicts—they feel their concerns fall on deaf ears as a minority."

The numbers are clear—and politically explosive. "One in five young people—21 percent—are actively planning to leave Germany in search of better living conditions abroad," says social researcher Kilian Hampel of the University of Konstanz, one of the study's authors. Overall, 41 percent of respondents could imagine emigrating in the long term.

Many cite destinations like Switzerland, Spain, or Scandinavian countries—regions they associate with greater stability and future security. Economic factors aren't the only driver; political disillusionment also plays a key role. Schnetzer frames the issue bluntly: "When a young generation no longer identifies with its country's politics, society has a problem. By 2036, around 19.5 million people will exit the labor market, while only 12.5 million will enter working age. Our findings show that young people are willing to work hard, but they see few clear paths forward."

A Generation Under Relentless Pressure

This growing alienation is closely tied to the daily realities young Germans face. The study confirms that mental health struggles remain alarmingly high: 49 percent report stress, 36 percent exhaustion, 32 percent self-doubt, and 30 percent a lack of motivation.

A record 29 percent say they need psychological support—rising to 32 percent among students and 34 percent among young women. "The results dramatically illustrate how years of persistent crises and rapid technological change have worn down young people, leaving them stressed, exhausted, and increasingly without hope," Schnetzer explains. The study points to a perfect storm of factors: relentless crises, breakneck technological shifts (particularly AI's growing influence in the workplace), and economic uncertainty, all of which have dimmed young people's career prospects.

Education researcher Professor Nina Kolleck of the University of Potsdam, another study contributor, highlights the role of social media in an interview with ZDF. She warns that influencers often present an unrealistic, idealized lifestyle, fueling immense pressure to conform and perform—while the pace of life accelerates. One striking finding: 60 percent of young people describe their smartphone use as "addiction-like," and many now turn to AI-powered counseling for personal problems.

Willing to Work—But Without a Clear Future

Despite these challenges, young Germans remain highly motivated. The vast majority are ready to take on responsibility and contribute through work. The stereotype of a lazy, entitled younger generation finds little support: only 30 percent of young men and 20 percent of young women agree with it. Their top motivations? Money (51 percent), enjoyment (37 percent), achieving goals (33 percent), doing meaningful work (27 percent), and recognition (24 percent).

Schnetzer notes a stable, cross-gender value system among 14- to 29-year-olds: "The desire for family, security, and justice is widespread. But money is a huge factor."

At the same time, there is a striking sense of uncertainty. Only about half of young people describe their career orientation and future plans as clear. The study's authors view this finding critically, identifying it as a core challenge for the transition into working life. Schnetzer offers perspective: young people are willing to perform, but they see few clear prospects for their future.

This uncertainty is also reflected in how they assess educational pathways. Just 32 percent of respondents still believe that a university degree offers better career opportunities, while 27 percent explicitly reject this idea. Meanwhile, vocational training is gaining appeal, as it is perceived as a more secure option. The economic situation is also worsening: 23 percent of young people are in debt—a new record high. Housing, in particular, is emerging as a central issue.

Political Consequences: Polarization and Loss of Trust

The political fallout from these trends is already visible. The study reveals a clear shift toward the extremes—and a dramatic loss of confidence in the political center. According to Schnetzer in an interview with ZEIT, only 14 percent of respondents say they trust the government to "do the right thing." At the same time, parties with radical positions are gaining support.

The Left (Die Linke) has reached 25 percent, making it the strongest force among young voters for the first time, while the far-right AfD stands at 20 percent. However, as Kolleck notes, "young people's political preferences are increasingly divided along gender lines." In concrete terms: young women are gravitating more toward left-wing positions, while young men are disproportionately supporting parties on the far right.

Schnetzer explains the shift this way: "The perception that other parties fail to recognize the needs of the younger generation is enough to drive this strong turn away from the political center." Nina Kolleck warns of the long-term consequences: "Youth protest may not be loud, but beneath the surface, something is brewing that could ultimately threaten the economy, regions, and social security systems."

For youth researcher Professor Klaus Hurrelmann of Berlin's Hertie School, the root cause lies in a structural deficit in participation. He emphasizes that the younger generation feels "too little involved in shaping society's future." At a press conference, Hurrelmann put it even more bluntly: "It's painful to see that we have a well-educated generation that feels it has no place." His demand: new forms of political engagement and genuine intergenerational dialogue on key future issues. The goal, he argues, must be to give young people more trust and responsibility—and, in doing so, to preserve their willingness to contribute.

Nina Kolleck also cautions: "If we don't take young people's concerns seriously, we overlook the fact that they are our future—and risk losing vital potential at a time of skilled labor shortages."

The study concludes: "The well-being of the younger generation will depend on creating spaces where they can learn to cope constructively with challenges and develop confidence in their future." Two essential prerequisites, it notes, are the repeated demand from young people for a say in crises and major decisions—and the promotion of mental health literacy in schools, vocational training, and higher education.