A new study in Germany has found that one in eight people living in the country experienced discrimination at least once in 2022, equating to approximately nine million individuals. The findings were presented in Berlin by Ferda Ataman, the Independent Federal Government Commissioner for Anti-Discrimination, as part of the study “How Discrimination is Experienced in Germany.” The research highlights that discrimination is often based on physical appearance.
The study was conducted by the German Center for Integration and Migration Research, utilizing data from a comprehensive socioeconomic survey in 2022 that involved around 30,000 participants. Ferda Ataman summarized the results, stating, “Discrimination in Germany is not an isolated case but a widespread phenomenon. It doesn’t just happen on the fringes of society but at its very core—at work, in school, when looking for housing, while shopping.”
According to the study, more than half of those affected took no action against the discrimination they faced. About 30% confronted the perpetrator directly, but only 3% pursued legal measures. An example cited is Humaira Waseem, a teacher born in Germany who was denied an apartment by a real estate agent but received a viewing appointment when using a German-sounding name. She sued under the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) and was awarded €3,000 in compensation.
Those affected attributed discrimination primarily to ethnic origin or race (42%), gender (24%, mostly women), as well as age, religious orientation, and illness. Ferda Ataman aims to expand protections under the AGG to include traits like nationality. She also noted that Germany lags in anti-discrimination efforts compared to countries like Belgium, where authorities provide legal aid, while her agency can only offer advice.
The Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency (ADS) is an independent body within the German Federal Ministry of Education, with Ataman serving as commissioner since 2022. She emphasized that discrimination negatively impacts labor market participation, social life, health, well-being, trust in social cohesion, and attachment to Germany, underscoring the need for systemic improvements.
Source: www.dw.com