On February 23, 2025, Germany will elect its new Bundestag. This election highlights the growing support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Their rise is driven by inflammatory speeches and racist campaigns targeting migrants. These strategies resonate with a significant part of the population, reflecting deep-rooted fears that have shaped Germany’s mindset for centuries. But where does this strong fear of “the other” come from? The internationally recognized term "German Angst" helps us explore this historical and emotional phenomenon.
This widespread fear is deeply connected to Germany’s history, which is full of wars, famines, and epidemics. One of the most devastating periods was the Thirty Years' War (1618–1648). During this time, up to 45% of the population in German-speaking regions died—not only from battles but also from diseases like typhus and plague, as well as widespread hunger. This destruction left entire regions uninhabitable. Survivors carried this trauma for generations. The fear of “foreign soldiers” bringing chaos, death, and disease became ingrained in the collective memory, shaping the belief that outsiders posed a serious threat.
This fear didn’t disappear over time. Repeated crises—religious conflicts, the division of Germany into small states, two World Wars, and the separation into East and West—strengthened the feeling of insecurity. These events encouraged a mindset of caution and control, with a belief that safety could only be achieved through discipline and isolation. The Prussian state, known for its militaristic structure, symbolized this survival strategy. Yet, despite efforts to create security through strict systems, Germans continued to face turmoil. After both World Wars, parts of the country were occupied and controlled by foreign powers, further deepening the feeling of helplessness.
In the 20th century, these historical scars took on new forms. Economic recovery and globalization did not erase the deep-seated sense of vulnerability. Instead, feelings of mistrust and powerlessness persisted. Today, these emotions are often expressed through fears about immigration and cultural change. Worries about terrorism, economic problems, and social conflict are amplified by far-right political groups, who use these fears to promote their agendas. They appeal to an old and deeply rooted fear: the fear of losing stability, identity, and security.
This is where "German Angst" becomes especially relevant. Unlike other nations that build their identity around victories and successes, Germany often defines itself through narratives of loss and victimhood. This focus on avoiding past mistakes has contributed to the country’s efficiency and resilience. However, it has also led to an excessive need for control and a reluctance to embrace change and diversity.
To move beyond "German Angst," Germany must come to terms with its history. This doesn’t mean forgetting the past, but rather putting it into perspective for the present. While history offers important lessons, holding onto old fears only creates more division and isolation. Politicians and society must focus on the opportunities that diversity and openness bring. A globalized world is not without challenges, but it also provides many chances for growth, innovation, and shared progress.
Germany’s future lies in creating a society that values inclusion over exclusion. This means fostering mutual respect and responsibility, where differences are seen as strengths rather than threats. By acknowledging historical pain without letting it control the present, Germans can shift their outlook. The fear of “the other” can be replaced by curiosity and acceptance, paving the way for a more united and open society.
The Kurdish community, with its 1.5 million members in Germany, is an example of how integration can succeed. Through active participation in democratic parties, Kurds demonstrate their readiness to contribute to German society. However, Germany’s democratic majority must also take a strong stand against all forms of xenophobia. They must make their voices heard in this election to ensure that the dark ideologies of National Socialism and far-right extremism remain in the past. By rejecting fear and exclusion, Germany can embrace a future based on cooperation, diversity, and progress.
As I reflect on my own commentary, I can’t help but think about how countries like Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Iran treat Kurdish people—people who are deeply rooted in these lands yet are often treated as unwelcome foreigners. But that is a story for another time.
Prof. Dr. Dr. Jan Ilhan Kizilhan is a psychologist, author and publisher, expert in psychotraumatology, trauma, terror and war, transcultural psychiatry, psychotherapy and migration.
The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rudaw.
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