Germany's anti-discrimination agency received a record number of requests for assistance in 2025, with racial discrimination accounting for the largest share of complaints, highlighting growing concerns over unequal treatment and social cohesion in Europe's largest economy.
"Racist attitudes are becoming entrenched - and leading to significantly more severe experiences of discrimination,” Federal Anti-Discrimination Commissioner Ferda Ataman told a news conference in Berlin.
She said people reported racist insults and humiliation at work, discrimination when searching for housing, and unequal treatment in health care - often tied to their appearance, ethnic background, or religion.
"Racism and discrimination do not disappear on their own - especially not when people feel that discrimination goes unpunished,” Ataman said. She called for tougher legislation and stricter enforcement to ensure everyone can live in freedom and security.
Ataman also stressed that a social climate increasingly shaped by anti-immigrant sentiment and racist attitudes harms not only those targeted, but also Germany’s social harmony and long-term economic prospects.
