Majority in Germany Reflects Positively on COVID Lockdowns

Five years after the initial COVID-19 lockdowns, a significant majority of the German population views these measures favorably, according to a recent survey conducted by the YouGov polling institute for the German Press Agency (dpa). The survey reveals that 56% of respondents believe the lockdowns were justified, highlighting a lingering acceptance of the stringent measures imposed during the pandemic.

The lockdowns, which began in March 2020, aimed to curb a potential surge in COVID-19 infections. They included the closure of schools, restaurants, shops, and cultural venues, along with strict social distancing regulations. In this latest survey, 21% of participants regarded the nationwide lockdowns as completely appropriate, while 35% felt they were largely justified. Conversely, 20% deemed the measures entirely inappropriate, and an additional 19% considered them mostly unjustified.

Despite the overall acceptance, many individuals reported experiencing significant stress during the lockdown period. Approximately 50% of those surveyed acknowledged that the restrictions were quite burdensome, with 25% stating they found them extremely challenging. In contrast, 18% disagreed with the notion that the lockdowns were stressful, while another 29% were somewhat less supportive of this viewpoint.

The survey also indicated that 61% of respondents believe lockdowns were a necessary tool to prevent the spread of the virus. However, 52% expressed the opinion that the lockdowns were not sufficiently targeted, and 67% noted that the measures had excessive negative consequences on society.

Looking ahead, 56% of those surveyed suggested that similar lockdowns might be necessary in the event of a future pandemic, although about one-third of participants were generally opposed to governmental interventions in daily life during health crises. Specifically, 16% of respondents fully supported this perspective, while an additional 18% were somewhat in favor.

This comprehensive survey, conducted on March 10-11, 2025, included 2,012 participants aged 18 and over, shedding light on the evolving public sentiment regarding governmental responses to the pandemic.