Reports of discrimination in Germany rise to record high

A record number of people contacted Germany’s anti-discrimination agency last year, with most reporting having suffered from racist discrimination, according to new figures released on Tuesday.

Germany’s federal anti-discrimination agency offers support to people who have experienced discrimination on the grounds of race or ethnic origin, gender, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual identity.

In 2025, a total of 13,067 people requested support – the highest level ever recorded and an increase of 15% compared to the previous year, Ferda Ataman, Germany’s Independent Federal Anti-Discrimination Commissioner, said.

The majority of clients – 43% – reported having experienced discrimination due to their race.

“Racist attitudes are becoming entrenched and leading to significantly more severe experiences of discrimination,” said Ataman.

Racially-motivated discrimination includes racist insults, derogatory remarks and discrimination due to race in the workplace, when looking for an apartment or in health care.

Ataman stressed that racist discrimination was harmful not only to the individuals affected, but also to the economy and society as a whole.

Of all the complaints received, 27% – or 3,015 cases – related to discrimination on the grounds of a disability or a chronic illness.

Another 2,407 people reported experiencing discrimination on the grounds of their gender, accounting for around 22% of cases.