Share of internet non-users (offliners) in Germany 2005-2023

In 2023, the share of those never having used the internet amounted to five percent. This is definitely a figure that has only decreased in recent years, unlike the share of internet users in Germany. 

Net result

Perhaps it is hard to imagine that some Germans have never used the internet for work or private concerns at all, but this might be due to a variety of reasons, such as someone else taking care of anything that needs to be done online for an older family member, place of residence, privacy concerns or simply being able to get on with daily life without having to use the internet. Meanwhile, the number of people who use the internet at least occasionally has been increasing. The same can be seen in statistics showing overall internet user numbers in Germany. While figures have remained similar in the last three years in particular, this is a natural development, because gradually the number of internet users is aligning with the total population.

Safety net

There are still contributing factors that may influence both decisions not to use the internet at all, as well as how those who do go online proceed. Compared to its European neighbors, Germany was less concerned about fake news on the internet. On the other hand, worries about personal data being safe online were present among internet users.