R+V Study: Germans Fear Inflation More Than Trump in 2025

Rising living costs are a significant concern for Germans in 2025, with inflation fears outweighing concerns about the policies of former U.S. President Donald Trump. A representative study by R+V Insurance, titled "Die Ängste der Deutschen 2025" (The Fears of Germans 2025), found that 52 percent of respondents are worried about increasing living expenses, while 45 percent fear Trump's political influence.

Despite these specific economic and political anxieties, the overall level of worry about the world has decreased. The study's anxiety index, an average of all measured fears, fell to 37 percent in 2025 from 42 percent in the previous year. This marks the lowest anxiety level recorded since 2021, a period marked by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Economic concerns dominate the top fears in the study. The third-highest fear, cited by 49 percent of respondents, is that the government will permanently raise taxes or cut services due to high national debt. The fear of unaffordable housing ranks fourth, with 48 percent expressing concern. These financial worries are closely followed by political issues.

Researchers suggest that the decrease in overall anxiety may stem from a form of "crisis fatigue," as Germans have become accustomed to facing multiple global crises. Instead of widespread panic, the focus appears to have shifted towards immediate personal financial situations. The study's findings highlight the need for government confidence in fiscal policy and reliable delivery of social services to maintain public trust.