Alarming Drop in Health Literacy Among Germans

Health Literacy in Sharp Decline

A new national study has revealed a worrying development in Germany: only about one in four adults possesses strong health literacy skills. The study, carried out by the Technical University of Munich (TUM) in collaboration with the WHO Collaborating Centre for Health Literacy and published by the Wort & Bild Verlag, shows that 75.8% of respondents struggle to find, assess, and apply medical information in a meaningful way. This decline marks a significant setback compared to earlier years, with health literacy dropping from 54.3% in 2014 to 64.2% in 2020, and now reaching nearly 76% of adults unable to adequately manage health information.

These findings reflect a sharp decrease in the population’s ability to engage with essential healthcare topics, from understanding treatment options to applying preventive measures and recognizing psychological health needs. The results are based on a representative online survey conducted in summer 2024 involving 2,000 internet-using adults in Germany.

Youth and Western States Most Affected

Interestingly, the decline in health literacy is especially pronounced among younger people and those living in western parts of the country. In contrast, respondents from eastern Germany scored noticeably better. Contrary to assumptions from earlier studies, factors such as education level, income, gender, or migrant background now appear to have little influence on a person’s ability to understand health-related information.

Researchers and public officials alike interpret the results as a warning sign. Professor Orkan Okan, director at the WHO Collaborating Centre, emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue in early education. “Health knowledge must start in kindergarten and continue consistently through school,” he said, stressing that this effort must go hand in hand with strengthening media literacy.

A Public Health Cost Burden

The consequences of limited health knowledge extend beyond individual struggles. Experts estimate that inadequate health literacy leads to up to €24 billion in annual excess costs for the German healthcare system. These costs arise due to avoidable hospital admissions, overuse of emergency services, and ineffective treatment adherence. People with lower health literacy also tend to be less physically active, report a lower quality of life, and are more likely to suffer from obesity and mental health issues.

Kai Kolpatzik, Chief Scientific Officer at the Wort & Bild Verlag, described the situation as a systemic problem, particularly in an era dominated by digital misinformation. He warned that the rise of fake news and manipulative chatbots on health topics makes it increasingly difficult for citizens to identify reliable and evidence-based information. Kolpatzik called for national strategies to combat disinformation and equip people with the tools to critically assess what they read online.

Mental Health Resources Lacking

Survey participants identified particular challenges in accessing mental health information. Many respondents found it especially difficult to find and understand materials on psychological well-being. Despite the growing societal attention toward mental health, the gap in health literacy in this area remains significant. Experts suggest that low awareness and stigma could be contributing factors, and stress that public campaigns need to play a greater role in destigmatizing and educating people about mental health care.

Clear Communication as a New Standard

At the heart of the findings is a clear call for improved communication across the healthcare system. The Federal Government’s Patient Commissioner, Stefan Schwartze, demanded that plain language become the norm, from traditional doctor’s offices to digital health platforms. “People feel lost in the system,” he said, noting the emotional and psychological strain that poor communication places on patients.

Schwartze also called for a stronger presence of health education in political discussions, stating that health literacy is not a luxury, but a basic requirement for an inclusive and effective healthcare system. He emphasized that the right to understand and manage one’s health should be universal.

National Strategy: From Schools to Workplaces

To address the growing crisis, a ten-point plan was unveiled by a coalition of over 30 health organizations. The roadmap includes introducing health education into early childhood curriculums, teaching digital health skills to all citizens, and restricting marketing of unhealthy foods aimed at children. Another key proposal involves training healthcare professionals in modern communication techniques and building “navigation support systems” within hospitals and clinics to guide patients more effectively.

The strategy also proposes expanding organizational health literacy in medical institutions, promoting mental health education through national campaigns, and integrating health literacy into all areas of policy. The inclusion of workplaces in these initiatives highlights the widespread relevance of the issue across daily life, beyond just traditional healthcare settings.

Political Commitment Urged

Bavaria’s Health Minister Judith Gerlach reiterated the need for structural reforms and political coordination. She emphasized that merely distributing brochures is not enough; efforts must result in tangible, lasting improvements in how health information is communicated and used. Gerlach announced that a new prevention plan for Bavaria will be introduced later this year, addressing both physical and mental health.

Calls for greater federal and state-level collaboration were echoed by many in the healthcare sector. Stakeholders agree that strengthening health literacy must become a national priority, with concrete actions that match the diverse realities of German citizens.

The Urgent Need for Health Empowerment

As the German healthcare system becomes more complex and digitalized, empowering individuals with the knowledge and confidence to manage their health is more essential than ever. Without a coordinated national response, the gap between the public’s understanding and the information available will continue to widen, putting both individuals and the system itself at risk.