What does it actually mean to be »German«? A new study by our Grantee More in Common explores this very question. More than 2,000 people shared their views on Germany, belonging and shared values. We asked Jérémie Gagné, one of the two authors of the study, three questions about the findings. In the interview, he offers insights into which qualities people associate with Germany and how a sense of belonging to German society can be strengthened.

Your study finds that four out of five people like the country they live in. How strong is people’s individual sense of connection to Germany? What do they appreciate about the country, and what do they view critically?

Jérémie Gagné: Many people in Germany primarily define their personal lives through a good and harmonious way of living »on a small scale« – for example through family and friends, consideration in everyday life, travel, self-development and enjoyment of life. That does not mean, however, that the »larger level« is unimportant. Ninety percent think about how people in the country live together, and majorities recognise that societal developments are relevant to their own lives.

72 percent of our quantitative respondents say they feel connected to Germany as a whole – even more than to their own region or place of residence; a full 85 percent regard the country as their home. Importantly, respondents are generally not seeking narrow German »identity corsets« that leave little room for difference. But we do see a (majority) desire for a republican conversation about where we actually want to go with this country of ours.

In our research conversations, people told us about many things they value about Germany. Essentially, three positive »main strands« emerged: first, the country is seen as beautiful – with wonderful landscapes, historic town centres, festivals and traditions, and so on. Second, the country is perceived as being good at many things: respondents spoke of people’s commitment, economic potential, strong products and inventiveness, as well as proven systems and structures. Third, they referred to societal achievements, such as the successful establishment of democracy and social security systems. Often, the picture that emerged was that of a liveable and reliable country.

At the same time, for many this positive image currently comes with a »for now« caveat. Many feel that Germany’s foundations are eroding: 52 percent currently see the country in relative international decline, and only 22 percent consider today’s Germany to be the best it has ever been. In many minds there is an image of a country blocked in its ability to act, failing to make real progress on its »construction sites«. When asked which adjectives best describe German society today, by far the most frequent answers were »bureaucratic« and »divided«. In other words, many currently lack confidence in the future and trust in our collective ability to act. Rebuilding this trust seems to us one of the most important tasks of the coming years.

In recent weeks, a statement by the German Chancellor sparked intense debate about the »appearance of cities« in Germany. How do the people you surveyed view diversity in our society?

Jérémie Gagné: Let us start with the positives. First, most people in Germany now see belonging to the country as something that can be acquired: 72 percent say that one can become German even if one was not born as such – a clear statement when one considers the former legal situation. Yes, the vast majority of people (including those with a history of immigration) set certain criteria for belonging, such as respect for the law, learning the language, being in employment or recognising commonly shared values and traditions. But in principle, these can be fulfilled over time.

Second, most respondents with a history of immigration are also positively inclined towards Germany: they largely feel connected to the country and even report certain positive emotions, such as gratitude, more frequently than the population average.

At the same time, however, we also have to speak about significant reservations. Currently, more people perceive increasing cultural diversity as a threat (41 percent) rather than an enrichment (32 percent) to their own way of life. Only a minority consider Islam and German society to be compatible. Conversely, people with a history of immigration told us in our focus groups about struggles for recognition; in our quantitative survey they stated more often (24 percent) than people without a migration background (16 percent) that they do not really belong to German society. Among Muslim respondents, these findings appear even more pronounced.

Ultimately, the task should be to discuss the immigration society that Germany already is in a nuanced way and thereby promote respectful interaction for all. One of the core questions is: how do we ensure sufficient (new) common ground within our growing diversity?

How can the sense of belonging to German society be strengthened in the future?

Jérémie Gagné: This is definitely a team effort. Many actors can and should contribute to strengthening trust in our collective capacity for dialogue and action, and to fostering broad-based belonging. We owe this to our pluralistic republic, especially at a time when illiberal forces are on the rise.

Democratic politics should therefore score points through courageous, programmatic work on the future – from an honest assessment of problems to a credible vision of where we want to go. Civil society, too, has many trusted actors within its ranks. It can give people a voice, bring them together and thus strengthen mutual recognition and a sense of commonality in society. Through their everyday decisions, the media can help ensure that debates are conducted in a constructive, respectful and multi-perspective way. Companies can have an impact through their power of identification (just think of »Made in Germany«), their investments in skills and their corporate culture.

And we as individuals can also do our part in everyday life: for example through mutual consideration, the courage to extend a leap of trust, and by recognising what many people contribute every day – at work, privately or through voluntary engagement. Ultimately, this is one of our greatest strengths.

 

The full study »Deutsche Identität(en)? – Wer wir als Gesellschaft sein wollen« (German Identity(ies)? – Who We Want to Be as a Society) is available on the website of More in Common Germany.