The Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency in Germany has documented a substantial rise in discrimination complaints, as detailed in the agency's latest annual report for 2025. The report reveals that a total of 13,067 individuals contacted the agency regarding cases of discrimination, representing a 15 percent increase compared to the previous year. The data highlights ongoing challenges in combating discrimination across various sectors of society.

Racial Discrimination Remains Prevalent

Among the complaints, incidents related to racial discrimination constituted the largest category, accounting for 43 percent of all cases, with 4,571 recorded inquiries. This indicates that racial bias remains a persistent issue affecting many individuals in Germany. Discrimination based on disability or chronic illness made up 27 percent of the total, surpassing 3,000 inquiries for the first time. Gender-based discrimination accounted for 22 percent, with 2,407 reported cases.

Other forms of discrimination were also noted, including age discrimination (12 percent), discrimination based on religion or belief (approximately 7 percent), and discrimination related to sexual identity (around 4 percent). These figures demonstrate the wide-ranging nature of discriminatory practices experienced by people across different backgrounds and characteristics.

Workplace and Healthcare Sectors Most Affected

The majority of complaints submitted to the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency in 2025 concerned the workplace, with 3,600 cases reported. Individuals described experiences such as exclusion from job opportunities, rejection of applications, and instances of workplace bullying. These findings suggest that employment environments remain a primary setting for discriminatory behavior, which can have significant repercussions on career development and personal well-being.

The healthcare sector also saw a marked increase in discrimination reports. The number of counseling requests related to health and care services rose by nearly 25 percent. Complaints included issues such as inadequate accessibility for people with disabilities and refusal of treatment or examinations for those who do not speak German. These barriers can limit access to essential medical care and affect the quality of life for those impacted.

Additional reports included patients being denied medical appointments or receiving substandard treatment due to having a foreign-sounding name. Fear of discrimination has led some individuals to avoid seeking medical care altogether. People living with HIV also reported experiences of stigmatization and reluctance from healthcare professionals to provide treatment. The accumulation of such cases points to systemic issues within healthcare provision that require urgent attention.

Calls for Stronger Legal Protections

The head of the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency expressed concern over the rising figures, warning that entrenched discriminatory and racist attitudes could have far-reaching negative effects on both individuals and society as a whole. The report emphasizes the need for robust legal frameworks to ensure that everyone can live freely and safely, without fear of discrimination.

Efforts to address these issues must include comprehensive measures in legislation, policy, and practice, particularly in areas such as employment and healthcare. Ongoing monitoring and reporting are considered vital for identifying trends and developing effective responses to reduce and prevent discrimination in all its forms.