Fear of War Grows in Germany as Historical Memory Clashes with Present Reality

Eight decades after the surrender of Nazi Germany, which brought the Second World War in Europe to an end, a new fear is taking hold across the country. Amid commemorations of May 8th — a date historically remembered as a moment of liberation — a rising number of Germans are expressing deep concern that Europe may once again descend into large-scale conflict. The fear is no longer abstract. It is being felt on the streets, at dinner tables, and even in therapy rooms.

According to the latest ARD-DeutschlandTrend survey, 64 percent of Germans report significant concern about the possibility of another major war in Europe. This fear is stronger in eastern parts of the country, among women, and in younger generations. Notably, 81 percent of 12- to 25-year-olds say they are afraid of war reaching German soil.

Therapists Now Seeing War Anxiety in Clinics

The shift is not limited to public opinion polls. Psychologists and therapists in Germany, particularly in Hesse, are reporting that more patients are coming forward with what is being described as “Kriegsangst” — the fear of war. Though not formally recognized as a separate diagnosis in clinical guidelines, therapists note that war anxiety is increasingly discussed as part of generalized anxiety disorders, particularly among those already struggling with mental health issues.

“Many of these patients already deal with depression or chronic anxiety,” said Heike Winter, President of the Chamber of Psychotherapists in Hesse. “War anxiety adds another layer. They ask themselves what would happen if a powerful leader presses the nuclear button.” Her colleague Ariadne Sartorius has observed similar patterns among children and adolescents who fear being drafted or displaced.

Unlike more treatable fears, like phobias involving animals or enclosed spaces, war anxiety stems from geopolitical tensions far beyond the control of any individual. The inability to influence the outcome amplifies feelings of helplessness, making the anxiety more pervasive and harder to manage.

Commemorating the Past While Living in the Present

This growing anxiety comes at a moment of national reflection. On May 8, 1945, German military leaders signed the document that officially ended the fighting in Europe. In 1985, President Richard von Weizsäcker called this day a “day of liberation,” a term that was controversial at the time but later became widely accepted.

Yet the sentiment behind that phrase is now being questioned again. As new conflicts emerge, and old ideologies reappear in modern forms, the meaning of “liberation” is being debated. Many fear that the historical lessons learned after the Second World War are being discarded. These included the importance of alliances, dialogue, and international law as tools to prevent new wars.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, now in its fourth year, has shattered the illusion that Europe is protected from war. According to Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the world is experiencing a “double turning point” — not just in terms of Russian aggression, but also in the abandonment of shared democratic values by some Western allies.

Support for Ukraine Strong, But Divided on Concessions

As the war in Ukraine drags on, opinions in Germany are becoming more divided. According to recent data, 47 percent of Germans believe that Ukraine should consider territorial concessions to Russia in order to bring the war to an end. This is a drop from 53 percent in December 2024 but still shows that nearly half of the population is open to negotiation involving land loss.

At the same time, 77 percent of Germans continue to insist that the decision to negotiate must rest with Ukraine alone. The issue of NATO membership for Ukraine also divides opinion: 48 percent support it in the long term, while 40 percent are opposed.

Public discourse on the subject reflects a tension between the desire for peace and the realities of international politics. While figures like U.S. President Donald Trump have suggested that peace may require Ukraine to make significant compromises, German leadership continues to support a multilateral strategy involving diplomatic pressure on Russia and continued military assistance to Ukraine.

Memory Culture Faces New Pressures

The debate surrounding Germany’s historical memory is also evolving. Most Germans still support efforts to remember and teach the crimes of the Nazi era. Fifty percent say the current level of commemoration is appropriate, while 22 percent think more should be done. Among young adults aged 18 to 34, more than a third believe that Germany needs to do more to preserve its memory culture.

However, 23 percent believe that too much attention is given to Nazi crimes. This number rises to 47 percent among supporters of the far-right AfD party, signaling a clear division within the political landscape. As nationalist and populist movements gain traction across Europe, including in Germany, Romania, and beyond, historians and educators warn of efforts to rewrite history and downplay the importance of past atrocities.

Defining Peace in an Era of Fear

In speeches and interviews marking the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end, several German leaders stressed that peace cannot be reduced to the absence of war. President Steinmeier stated that genuine peace must include liberty and human rights — values that are being actively threatened by authoritarian regimes and political forces that aim to erode democratic structures from within.

“Peace that exists without freedom is nothing more than silence under oppression,” said Steinmeier in the Bundestag. His remarks were widely interpreted as a criticism of both foreign autocracies and domestic movements sympathetic to them.

Despite rising fears, experts agree that these anxieties, if addressed with care, can be managed. Therapists encourage people to limit media consumption, engage in community dialogue, and focus on what is within their control. Sometimes, even simple strategies — like temporarily disconnecting from the news — can provide relief.

As Germany remembers its past, it faces a future shaped by anxiety, political instability, and renewed threats to peace. The nation’s ability to uphold its democratic values, support its neighbors, and preserve historical truth will be tested — not only in policy but in the hearts and minds of its people.