In public debate, it often seems as if German society is fragmenting into hostile groups unable to agree on anything. A new survey, however, suggests a stark contrast between perception and reality. While a majority fears growing polarization, their actual positions on major issues are far less divergent.
The findings come from the 2025 Science Barometer, a nationwide study by the organisation Wissenschaft im Dialog.
Perception of polarization rises — but opinions remain closer together
According to the survey, 77% of respondents feel opinions in society are drifting further apart, and 54% even believe the public is splitting into two opposing blocs. Yet when researchers looked at how people position themselves on key political and social debates, they found a much narrower range of disagreement.
Benedikt Fecher, Managing Director of Wissenschaft im Dialog, says the data highlights a communication failure rather than a deep rift:
People believe they are divided — even though they agree on more than they assume.
Experts attribute this perceptual gap partly to media dynamics: extreme viewpoints receive disproportionate attention, while broad, quieter consensus rarely makes headlines.
Four controversial topics — and unexpected results
Researchers analysed views on four areas frequently portrayed as flashpoints in political discourse:
- Migration
- Gender-inclusive language
- Social inequality
- Climate protection
On three of them, the majority expressed similar opinions:
- 53% favour stricter limits on immigration
- 63% feel gender-inclusive language should be used less frequently
On social inequality, respondents showed strong alignment on the need for fairness and opportunity
Only on climate protection did views diverge more visibly:
- 25% believe Germany is doing too much
- 27% believe the country is not doing enough
Interestingly, both figures remain moderate — reinforcing the picture of differentiated debate rather than deep polarization.
Open to dialogue: more willingness to talk than expected
Despite heated conflicts in comment sections and political talk shows, 54% of respondents say they are willing to talk constructively with people who hold opposing opinions. Only 16% reject such conversations outright.
Researchers interpret this as a sign that social cohesion remains stronger than public discourse suggests.
Stable trust in science helps anchor the conversation
Another key finding: trust in scientific institutions remains steady.
- 54% say they trust science and research
- About half of the population shows high interest in scientific topics
One third reports a medium level of interest
The study surveyed 2,011 people aged 14 and older in Germany and is funded by major research institutions, including the Carl-Zeiss Foundation and the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft.
Conclusion: a divided feeling — not a divided society
The narrative of a country split into irreconcilable camps may exaggerate reality. According to the Science Barometer, many disagreements are far less extreme than portrayed — and a significant willingness to engage in dialogue persists.
The report suggests that Germany’s problem is not a lack of shared values — but a breakdown in communication about those values. Rebuilding trust in public discourse could therefore be one of the most important tasks ahead.
