Enriching Diversity

The 83.5 million or so people who live in Germany have widely differing attitudes and approaches to how they live their lives. Some live as part of a family, in a long-term relationship or with flatmates. They practise different religions, hold different political views and have different social expectations. Many come from migrant backgrounds. What they all have in common is that they live in freedom and can fulfil their hopes and dreams as they wish. The Federal Government Federal Government The Federal Government and cabinet is made up of the Federal Chancellor and the Federal Ministers. While the Chancellor holds the power to issue directives, the ministers have departmental powers, meaning that they independently run their respective ministries in the framework of those directives… Read more › works on a range of levels to ensure everyone living in Germany can live in freedom and according to their own choices and values.

Germany is a modern country with an active and orderly government, which is a popular destination for immigrants. The government wants to keep migration to realistic levels and ensure it meets Germany’s future needs. It plans to reduce irregular migration and facilitate migration through regular channels. Germany takes humani­tarian responsibility for refugees and asylum seekers, such as people fleeing regions affected by crises and conflicts. Around 251,000 asylum applications were submitted to the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) in 2024. One of the Federal Government Federal Government The Federal Government and cabinet is made up of the Federal Chancellor and the Federal Ministers. While the Chancellor holds the power to issue directives, the ministers have departmental powers, meaning that they independently run their respective ministries in the framework of those directives… Read more › ’s key priorities is to improve living conditions for people so they do not have to leave their home countries. Germany has set in motion numerous initiatives to promote political, economic and social stability in these countries and to create security.

All immigrants and their relatives who are living permanently and legally in Germany are actively included in German society and have a right to integration services provided by the Federal Government. These include language and integration courses which are aimed at making it easier to settle into German society. Migrants who plan to stay in Germany for the longer term will be able to access the labour market quickly. In addition to this, promoting future-oriented and needs-based migration of skilled workers from around the world is a priority for the Federal Government.

In 2024, nearly 292,000 people were naturalised as German citizens.

Promoting equality for all citizens across many levels of society is a major issue in Germany. Germany is committed to the acceptance of diversity. For this reason, the Federal Government Federal Government The Federal Government and cabinet is made up of the Federal Chancellor and the Federal Ministers. While the Chancellor holds the power to issue directives, the ministers have departmental powers, meaning that they independently run their respective ministries in the framework of those directives… Read more › supports LGBTIQ rights (lesbian, gay, bi-, trans, intersex, queer) and is fighting to end discrimination. The government has therefore appointed a Commissioner for the Acceptance of Sexual and Gender Diversity.

Many people live in family units in Germany, and there were a total of around 11,8 million families in 2024. Supporting and assisting families is a key objective of German family policy. The Federal Government Federal Government The Federal Government and cabinet is made up of the Federal Chancellor and the Federal Ministers. While the Chancellor holds the power to issue directives, the ministers have departmental powers, meaning that they independently run their respective ministries in the framework of those directives… Read more › is committed to providing targeted support to help people balance their careers and family lives, as well as financial security and high-quality childcare. This means all parents can claim up to three years’ maternity or paternity leave to care for and bring up their offspring.

The state also pays a parental allowance which compensates for lost earnings when parents are looking after their child after the birth. Families can access additional financial support such as child benefits, supplementary child support for disadvantaged parents, and maternity benefits.

It is increasingly the case that starting a family means mothers must interrupt their careers. Overall, women are more likely than men to suffer discrimination in the labour market. A range of employment laws have been passed to improve transparency around pay and to increase the number of women in senior positions, including through the use of quotas. Single and separated parents achieve additional targeted support such as tax credits or advance child support payments where necessary.

Germany is a welfare state Welfare state The principle of the welfare state is enshrined in Article 20 of the Basic Law and cannot be rescinded, even if the Basic Law is changed. In this way the Basic Law commits the state to protect, in addition to their freedom, the natural bases of life of its citizens. Each individual, however, also… Read more › . It is committed to economic security and social justice for all its citizens. In 2024 Germany spent more than 1.3 trillion euros on health, welfare, unemployment and other related benefits.

The combination of several different forms of insurance is a key element of the welfare state. The following types of statutory insurance protect members of the public against existential threats or provide them with a means of subsistence in old age:

• health insurance Health insurance Almost all citizens in Germany have health insurance, whether as a compulsory member of the statutory health insurance scheme (90 percent) or a private health insurance scheme (10 percent). The health insurance companies cover the cost of medical treatment, medication, hospitalization and… Read more ›
• pension insurance Pension insurance The statutory pension insurance is the most important pillar of old-age provisions. Its financing is split: The monthly contributions paid by employees and employers pay the pensions of those currently in retirement. Through their contributions, those insured acquire some rights when they… Read more ›
• accident insurance Accident insurance Statutory accident insurance is a liability insurance on the part of employers in favor of employees who are thereby protected from the consequences of an accident at work or an occupational disease. Read more ›
• nursing care insurance
• unemployment insurance Unemployment insurance In Germany those with no work can claim support. Anyone who is unemployed and over the past two years has paid contributions to the state unemployment insurance system for at least 12 months is entitled to unemployment benefit (60 to 67 percent of their last net income). This unemployment benefit… Read more ›

A basic income and tax credits help pensioners, mothers, families and those permanently unable to work.

Germany’s thriving civil society is an important pillar of social coexistence and cohesion. German citizens are certainly committed and active. Around 29 million people (around 40% of the population) volunteer in their free time to support areas such as sport, culture, music, environmentalism and conservation, social issues and education. By volunteering they make a major contribution to promoting diversity, justice and freedom in Germany.