What questions do German citizens have about life? The non-profit BAT Foundation for Future Studies investigated this question in its latest survey. More than 2,000 German citizens aged 14 and over were asked in face-to-face interviews which questions about life they would like to have answered.

Concrete, current challenges facing our society reflect the most pressing issues facing the German population. More than anything else, people are most interested in pension provision. The middle generation (aged 35-54) in particular would like to know whether their own pension is secure and whether they will be able to afford adequate care and support in old age. This topic is (still) much less relevant for the generation under 35.

The global issues of wars and conflicts, sustainability and environmental protection play a major role in every phase of life. The population is interested in whether the earth will one day be so destroyed that it will no longer be possible to live on it.

For the Scientific Director of the BAT Foundation for Future Studies, Professor Dr Ulrich Reinhardt, the survey reveals two key findings. "Firstly, the issue of security is of central importance to the majority of Germans. Many fear poverty in old age, war and climate change. Secondly, it is clear that politicians have a duty to find the right answers to these challenges in order to allay people's fears and concerns.

Having grown up with Facebook, Google and Tinder, the young generation (14-34 years) longs for stability and reliability in a committed relationship. Therefore, the most frequently asked question is also about a happy marriage or partnership (60%). The topic of children (40%) is also very important to them, as many young people do not want to do without them and wonder whether they will become parents themselves one day. They also show above-average interest in personally relevant questions, such as whether they will be successful and overcome challenges (50%), whether they are on the right path (55%) or whether they will achieve prosperity (36%).

People are more interested in whether extraterrestrial life exists than the time of their own death or the question of whether heaven and hell exist. Many would also like to know whether everything in life is predetermined or whether there are coincidences after all. For around one in three people, the question of the meaning of life is also particularly relevant - regardless of age, gender or income.

Reinhardt's conclusion: "It is not only at Christmas time, during midlife crises or in the event of drastic experiences that Germans look for answers to the big questions in life. There are only a few differences within the population; many are primarily interested in personal questions about their own future. They seem to be either very satisfied with themselves or rely on luck or the help of God, because by far the question that interests citizens the least is "how they themselves can become better people".