Studie der IU zu Demokratie und Demokratiebildung in Deutschland

Democracy and democracy education in Germany

Democracy education is primarily the task of the education system - according to people in Germany

The German education system is primarily responsible when it comes to teaching democratic values. According to a representative IU short study, 59.0 per cent of people in Germany believe this to be the case. For around half of those surveyed, the parental home and the media (e.g. newspapers, news) are also primarily responsible for educating people about democracy.

But why is democracy education so important in the first place? "Making informed decisions at the ballot box depends on people being able to make political judgements." says Prof. Dr Stefanie Kessler, Professor of Social Work at IU International University and an expert in learning democracy and political education. Many respondents share this opinion: 83.6 percent think that education can help people make informed decisions in elections, and 79.0 percent believe that a lack of education can pose a threat to democracy.

However, democracy education has its limits: Two thirds state that education alone does not guarantee a functioning democracy. This is why the IU short study also looks at how satisfied people in Germany are with their democracy in general, how they participate in politics, and the advantages and challenges they perceive in the democratic system. The fact is: 92.5 percent of people in Germany consider the preservation of democracy to be either very or fairly important.

View the study in PDF

Democracy and democracy education: the facts

47.9 %

of people in Germany are generally either very or fairly satisfied with democracy in Germany.

92.5 %

of respondents consider the preservation of democracy in Germany to be either very or fairly important.

Declining trust in politics

is the most frequently mentioned challenge for a democracy.

83.6 %

think: Education can help one make informed decisions in elections.

79.0 %

say a lack of education can be a threat to democracy.

59.0 %

believe that the education system is primarily responsible for teaching democratic values.

Prof.in Dr.in in Alexandra Wuttig, Kanzlerin der IU Internationalen Hochschule

Democracy needs political education and participation

"The results of the study should make us think and encourage us to question why so many people are dissatisfied with democracy in Germany. It is important to reinforce the value and appreciation of democracy in society. This can be achieved through education, open discussion and active participation in democracy. It is crucial to make everyone aware of the value and importance of democracy and to encourage people to get involved."

Prof. Dr Alexandra Wuttig

Chancellor of IU International University of Applied Sciences and Professor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Democracy education: Definition

"Democracy education is a process through which people learn basic democratic values such as freedom, equality, justice, solidarity and emancipation. It includes imparting knowledge about political systems, civil rights and duties as well as promoting critical thinking and political participation. Democracy education takes place in school classes or everyday life, for example through social media, experiences of democracy in educational and work structures, as well as through the experience of being a political subject, for example at demonstrations or in participation processes. The last two points in particular show that genuine experiences of democracy are just as important as acquiring knowledge and skills. They enable people to experience self-efficacy and recognise that their interests and ideas are taken seriously."

Prof. Dr Stefanie Kessler

Professor of Social Work at IU International University of Applied Sciences and expert in learning democracy and political education

Living democracy, strengthening democracy: What people in Germany think

Advantages, challenges, political education: The representative IU short study looks at democracy in Germany from many different angles - and captures a tense mood. Here are some facts and opinions.

It is worth defending democracy

For more than 9 out of 10 people in Germany, the preservation of democracy in Germany is either very or fairly important. Respondents view the advantages of democracy as: the promotion of human rights, opportunitiy to participate in decision-making, guaranteeing freedom of expression and freedom of the press as well as the expansion of peace.

*Excerpts from the answers to the question: "What do you think are the advantages of a democracy?" (Only respondents who answered “Major advantage” and “Somewhat of an advantage” on a scale of 1 to 5.)