One in eight people living in Germany has experienced discrimination at least once in 2022. That is the alarming finding of the study "How Discrimination is Experienced in Germany," which was presented on Tuesday in Berlin by Ferda Ataman, the Independent Federal Government Commissioner for Anti-Discrimination. Put simply, nine million people in Germany know what it is like to be discriminated against solely on the basis of their physical appearance.

Individual anecdotes are better than statistics at illustrating how this feels. On Tuesday in Berlin, Ferda Ataman recounted the story of Sarah, a black woman who turned to Ataman for help: "While shopping in the supermarket, an employee approached her and began searching her stroller without asking for permission or showing any consideration for the child sitting in the stroller. There was no apparent reason for her to search the stroller. When asked what she was doing, the employee justified her actions with the statement: 'Sorry, but someone like you stole from here recently.'"

Many cases like Sarah's are included in the study conducted by the German Center for Integration and Migration Research. The researchers used data from a comprehensive socioeconomic study conducted in 2022. This survey covered a wide range of social issues and involved around 30,000 participants. The results are sobering. Ferda Ataman summarized it like this: "Discrimination in Germany is not an isolated case, but a widespread phenomenon. Discrimination doesn't just happen on the fringes of society, but at its very core. At work, at school, when looking for a place to live, when shopping." Just like Sarah.

A study with 30,000 participants

Under the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG), which has been in force for 20 years, discrimination based on most outward characteristics is prohibited. But that is of little help to those affected. And they know it. According to the study, more than half of those surveyed did not take any action against the discrimination they experienced. At least around 30% of those affected confronted the person responsible for the discrimination directly and openly. But only 3% took legal action.

Humaira Waseem is one of those who did. She was born in Germany, is a teacher, and has two children. She hired a real estate agent to help her find an apartment and was rejected. She tried again under a different, German-sounding name and was given an appointment to view the property. She sued the real estate agent and was ultimately successful. The Federal Court of Justice in Karlsruhe ruled that Waseem was entitled to compensation of €3,000 ($3,494) on the basis of the AGG.

This example shows that discrimination can have significant consequences, for example by causing extreme problems when looking for an apartment. Ferda Ataman emphasizes: "Discrimination has a negative impact on participation in the labor market, social life, health, well-being, trust in social cohesion, and attachment to Germany."

Ethnic heritage and racial prejudice

And what do those affected believe is the reason they are being discriminated against? The study also provides information on this. The largest group, at 42%, is made up of people who feel they are disadvantaged against on the basis of their ethnic heritage or race. Almost 24% feel unfairly treated because of their gender, most of whom are women. But age, religious orientation and illness are also reasons that were given for discrimination. Unsurprisingly, the largest group of people believe they are discriminated against because of their ethnic heritage or skin color.

That's why Ataman now wants to make sure that things like nationality are also included in the traits that are protected from discrimination under the AGG. She also said that Germany has a lot of catching up to do when it comes to fighting discrimination. In Belgium, for example, the authorities offer legal protection to those affected, while Ataman's agency can only offer advice. And what's more, she said, everyday discrimination is less prevalent in English-speaking countries and Scandinavia than it is in Germany.

The Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency (ADS) is an independent body within the German Federal Ministry of Education, and Ataman has been the government's commissioner since 2022. It's a position that will continue to keep this seasoned journalist busy for years to come.

This article was originally written in German.

While you're here: Every Tuesday, DW editors round up what is happening in German politics and society. You can sign up here for the weekly email newsletter, Berlin Briefing.