Germans without migration background fear far-right rise more than migrants

WISE NEWS PRESS / BERLIN, GERMANY — DEC. 08, 2025

A recent study conducted in Germany has revealed a surprising trend: native Germans without a migration background are significantly more concerned about the rise of far-right extremism than those with immigrant roots.

The survey, commissioned by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, which is affiliated with the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), found that nearly three-quarters (74 percent) of Germans without a migration background agreed with the statement, "Right-wing extremism in Germany scares me." In contrast, this figure stood at 66 percent for Germans with a migration background and dropped further to 55 percent among foreign nationals living in the country.

Divergent Views on Extremism and War

While the overall concern among migrants is lower, the data highlights specific demographic nuances. Among immigrant groups, those of Turkish and Russian origin expressed the highest levels of anxiety regarding the far-right, whereas those of Polish descent showed significantly lower concern.

The study also exposed sharp divides in public opinion regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine. While 58 percent of native Germans believe Russia is solely responsible for the conflict that began in February 2022, only 38 percent of foreigners and 39 percent of Germans with a migration background share this view.

Rising Antisemitism and Social Attitudes

The research also probed sensitive social issues, including antisemitism and attitudes toward homosexuality. When presented with the statement "Jews cannot be trusted," 10 percent of foreign nationals and 9 percent of Germans with a migration background agreed. This figure was notably lower, at 4 percent, among Germans without a migration background.

Disturbingly, mistrust toward Jews among the Turkish community has risen to 26 percent, up from 18 percent in a similar 2015 study. Researchers attribute this spike to the intensified conflict following Hamas's attack on Israel on Oct. 7 and the subsequent war in Gaza.

Regarding LGBTQ+ acceptance, the divide is equally pronounced. Only 7 percent of native Germans said they would not want a homosexual friend, compared to 18 percent of Germans with a migration background and 19 percent of foreign nationals. The study noted that rejection was particularly high among practicing Muslims and Orthodox Christians.

Despite these differences, over 90 percent of all groups surveyed answered "Yes" when asked if they generally enjoy living in Germany, although this represents a slight decline compared to 2015 figures.

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