Reunification Survey: Germans See Unity, Divides 31 Years On
A recent survey by the Federal Foundation for the Reappraisal of the SED Dictatorship reveals a mixed picture of unity between East and West Germans, 31 years after reunification. While 35 percent of Germans believe the two populations have 'largely grown together into one people', a majority, 61 percent, still see dividing factors prevailing. Director Anna Kaminsky calls for a broader culture of remembrance to foster integration.
The survey, conducted in 2025, found that 91 percent of Germans believe historical remembrance should focus on developments since reunification, not just the division and reunification in 1989/90. This shift in focus is welcomed by 85 percent of Germans, who consider engagement with the DDR and the SED dictatorship important, especially for the younger generation.
Looking at political affiliations, the party group whose supporters most frequently consider the population of East and West Germany as a unified society is the CDU/CSU, with 45 percent of their supporters agreeing that the people in East and West Germany have largely grown together into one people. Age also plays a role, with almost half of those under 30 believing the Germans are one people, compared to around 40 percent of those aged 30 to 60, and 25 percent of those over 60.
Despite the majority of Germans still perceiving dividing factors, there's a growing recognition of unity, particularly among younger generations. The call for a broader culture of remembrance by Anna Kaminsky may help bridge the remaining gaps, ensuring a shared understanding of Germany's past and present.
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