Values and attitude to life in Germany 2024, by generation

Across all generations in Germany, it seemed that having good friends and close relationships was very important to people. Around 85 percent of Generation Y also said that it was important to them to have fun and enjoy life. The figures are based on a survey conducted in Germany regarding respondents' values and attitudes to life. The Allensbach Market and Advertising Media Analysis (Allensbach Markt- und Werbeträgeranalyse or AWA in German) determines attitudes, consumer habits and media usage of the population in Germany on a broad statistical basis.

Generational differences

The largest generations in Germany are Generation Y (also known as Millennials) and Generation X. Each generation has different defining characteristics, for example, Gen Z grew up with technology and are often characterized as being especially worried about their future. Millennials were the first generation to experience the transition from an analogue into a digital world whilst they were growing up and are therefore sometimes referred to as digital natives. Another large difference between generations is political allegiance. Die Grünen (the German Green Party) was especially popular among Generation Z. Whilst with Generation Y and Generation X, the CDU and SPD had stronger support.

Leisure activities

Although there are some differences there are also many similarities between generations. When it comes to leisure activities, for example, shopping, eating out, and photography were enjoyed by all. As expected, however, there are also some differences. Computer games and going clubbing were mostly undertaken by Gen Z, whilst hiking was a more common pastime among Gen X. In general, some of the most popular hobbies in Germany included socializing, cooking/baking, as well as various types of outdoor activities. In contrast, the most common ways for people in the U.S. to spend their free time included cooking, reading, and spending time with pets. This highlights that it is not just the generation in which one grows up that influences hobbies, world views and core values, but also the immediate environment in which one spends time.