Are the Germans still happy?

Predictive study: Three out of four respondents are happy

Despite the crises in the world, the often-discussed dissatisfaction with domestic politics and a growing gap between rich and poor, most people in Germany are currently relatively happy. This is the conclusion of the first German "Vorfreudestudie", prepared by the University of Passau and FP Finanzpartner AG.

"When examining the general state of mind of respondents, it turned out that 77 percent of the participants describe themselves as happy," said the University of Passau. The current study also highlighted what people are most looking forward to and what they are optimistic about. In general, the Germans are currently very positive, so the conclusion of the study authors.

People in Bavaria especially happy

In the representative online survey, the scientists used 1,000 test persons to determine their confidence, hopes and desires. Three quarters of the respondents consider themselves to be happy, with older people on average being happier than younger ones. In addition, married living together people were much happier than single and separated living. In regional terms, people were particularly happy in Bavaria, where at least four out of five respondents described themselves as happy.

Family and friends reason for anticipation

According to the results of the survey, the test persons are especially looking forward to spending time with family and friends. "Asking participants what they were most looking forward to the day after tomorrow shows that having family and friends time is the priority, while anticipation of work and job is the least," says Dr. Stefan Mang from the Center for Market Research of the University of Passau. In the anticipation of the job, people seem to be primarily controlled by monetary means. According to the researchers, increasing household income also increases the anticipation of work and work.

Confident look at the next year

Looking ahead to next year, a majority of respondents are in favor. Most subjects are confident about the next twelve months. For example, 82 percent said they were looking forward to the next year and 16 percent even looked "very strong" on a ten-point scale, reports the University of Passau. Family and friends, holidays and travel as well as excursions or walks are the most frequently mentioned reasons for the anticipation.

Fears play a subordinate role

Professor Jan Hendrik Schumann from the University of Passau emphasizes that he finds it remarkable "how high the proportion of respondents who assess their current situation positively and with much anticipation in the near future look." The optimism rested among the respondents mainly on the very close social environment and the positive assessment of one's own health situation. However, "topics such as extremism or fear of terror only play a secondary role in assessing personal circumstances"; according to Prof. Schumann.

Extremism and fear of terror

Among the factors most troubling respondents are fear of illness, rising living costs, the refugee situation, and political extremism and the risk of terrorism. In general, however, the Germans are confident about the future, according to the study authors.

What wishes do the Germans have??

The scientists also recorded which smaller wishes the subjects would like to fulfill. For this, it was asked what the study participants would spontaneously start with 100 euros, if they got this gifted. "Most people would eat or shop with the money or use it for business," reports Prof. Schumann. Men would rather tend to go to the bar, while women would invest more in fashion stores, Schumann said. When asked for what the subjects would save the most, were mainly travel, cars and the house or apartment has been called. (Fp)