Only 16% of Germans Ready to Defend Country

A recent nationwide survey has revealed a significant gap between perceived threats and citizens’ willingness to respond militarily. Just 16 percent of respondents said they would “definitely” take up arms to defend Germany in the event of an armed attack. A further 22 percent indicated they would “probably” do so, leaving a clear majority of 59 percent unwilling or unlikely to participate in the country’s defense.

The reluctance is even more pronounced among women, with 72 percent stating they would not fight. Among younger people, the proportion prepared to serve is similarly low, highlighting a generational shift in attitudes toward national defense. These figures emerge at a time when geopolitical tensions and ongoing conflicts abroad are fuelling public debate about the security of Germany and its allies.

Rising concerns about potential conflict

More than a quarter of those surveyed believe that Germany could face a direct military attack within the next five years. This level of concern reflects broader fears sparked by ongoing wars, including Russia’s continued assault on Ukraine, which has already claimed tens of thousands of civilian lives and displaced millions. Despite the heightened perception of risk, readiness to personally take part in armed defense has not increased.

In contrast, a majority of respondents — 59 percent — think it is likely that Germany will be called upon to provide military support to another NATO member under collective defense obligations in the same period. This discrepancy between expectations of foreign engagement and domestic defense willingness raises questions about the country’s overall preparedness and the public’s sense of national responsibility.

Political and social disconnect

Analysts point to a growing disconnection between citizens and state institutions as one explanation for the low figures. Critics argue that years of reduced military spending, limited public engagement with defense issues, and a lack of emphasis on national identity have weakened the societal link to the armed forces. For some, the low willingness to fight is seen as a symptom of political alienation rather than personal reluctance alone.

Commentators warn that without public buy-in, even a well-equipped military may struggle to operate effectively in a crisis. A country’s defense capability depends not only on professional soldiers but also on the broader population’s readiness to contribute in times of emergency. The latest data suggests that this civic dimension is currently underdeveloped in Germany.

Global conflicts influencing perceptions

The war in Ukraine continues to shape public opinion. Reports of extensive casualties, widespread destruction, and the use of advanced weaponry such as drones have reinforced concerns that large-scale conflict remains a possibility in Europe. The influx of over a million Ukrainian refugees into Germany has also fueled public debate — at times turning critical — about the expectations placed on those fleeing war compared to the attitudes of Germans toward defending their own country.

Observers note that while calls for self-defense are sometimes directed outward, the same commitment is not strongly present domestically. This contradiction has become part of a wider conversation about civic duty, defense policy, and the balance between humanitarian support and national security priorities.

Challenges for defense policy

For policymakers, the low percentage of citizens willing to fight represents a strategic concern. Defense relies not only on technological capabilities and trained personnel but also on the public’s willingness to stand behind national security measures. When the majority of the population expresses unwillingness to defend the country directly, it can undermine deterrence and weaken allied confidence.

Addressing this issue may require rebuilding trust in state institutions, increasing transparency in defense planning, and promoting a modern understanding of civic responsibility that resonates with current generations. The government faces the challenge of fostering a sense of collective commitment without reverting to outdated or coercive models of patriotism.