Survey Reveals Declining Sense of Safety in Germany Despite Falling Crime Rates

The latest ARD "Deutschlandtrend" survey conducted by Infratest dimap reveals a significant decline in Germans' sense of safety, with only 50% of respondents feeling secure in public spaces as of early November 2025, down from 55% in February 2023 and 75% in 2017. This survey encompassing 1,300 eligible voters highlights a noticeable gender gap: just 45% of women report feeling safe, compared to 56% of men. Moreover, an alarming 79% of supporters of the AfD (Alternative für Deutschland) party perceive their safety as threatened, while Green Party supporters report feeling the safest at 81%.

Interestingly, this growing insecurity contrasts with official crime data. The 2024 Police Crime Statistics show an overall 1.7% decrease in crimes. However, crimes impacting personal freedom such as threats, stalking, and sexual violence have risen significantly. Threats and stalking incidents saw a 5.3% increase, with reported cases of sexual violence climbing 9.3% to over 13,000. This rise in violent offenses may partly explain heightened public fears despite the falling total crime figures.

The survey also underlines specific worries among the population: 52% fear theft, 48% are concerned about insults or harassment, and 38% of women express anxiety over sexual harassment. Furthermore, 33% of women indicated feeling unsafe using public transportation at night, according to a 2022 Federal Criminal Police Office study.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz of the CDU has recently acknowledged visible safety issues in urban areas, which has intensified public discourse on the subject. The survey additionally finds that 52% of respondents believe the AfD understands public safety concerns better than other parties, reflecting the political polarization surrounding this issue.

This dichotomy between falling overall crime and rising violent crimes is fueling public unease, particularly among women and certain political demographics, underscoring the complex challenges facing Germany's efforts to improve its citizens’ perceived and actual safety.