• Uncertainty is particularly high among older people, but one in four people under 50 also often feel overwhelmed
• Strong desire for digital skills in schools

Around 4 in 10 support a Federal Agency for Digital Education

Setting up a new smartphone, logging in with two-factor authentication or contacting family via video call – digital technologies are part of everyday life for the vast majority. However, a third (33 per cent) of Germans often feel overwhelmed by them: 12 per cent very often, 21 per cent fairly often. Whilst this is particularly pronounced in the over-75 age group (60 per cent), around one in four (26 per cent) of 16- to 49-year-olds also frequently feel overwhelmed. These are the findings of a representative survey commissioned by the digital association Bitkom, conducted among 1,005 people in Germany aged 16 and over. The survey was published to mark Digital Day on 26 June 2026, when over 2,000 events aimed at strengthening digital skills will take place across the country.

There are fewer differences between the sexes: 32 per cent of men feel frequently overwhelmed, compared with 35 per cent of women. “Digital skills are now a prerequisite for participation, independence and security in everyday life. Just as technologies continue to evolve throughout a person’s life, people must also be given the opportunity to participate in them throughout their lives,” said Bitkom President Dr Ralf Wintergerst.

There is a strong desire for more digital education. 86 per cent of Germans believe that digital skills should be taught in schools. Many see the state as responsible: 48 per cent think that politicians should do more to strengthen digital skills across society. 47 per cent would like to see more public provision to enable lifelong digital learning. 39 per cent also explicitly advocate for a “Federal Centre for Digital Education” to serve as a central point of contact. Wintergerst: “Digital skills must be a mandatory part of all curricula. At the same time, we need programmes for people who left school long ago. A Federal Centre for Digital Education would be the key point of contact here for pooling digital education programmes, raising awareness of them and supporting people of all ages in acquiring these skills.”

Note on methodology: The data is based on a survey conducted by Bitkom Research on behalf of the digital industry association Bitkom. A total of 1,005 people aged 16 and over in Germany were interviewed by telephone. The survey took place between calendar weeks 15 and 19 of 2026. The overall survey is representative. The questions asked were: “How often do you feel overwhelmed by digital technologies?” and “Which of the following statements regarding the state’s role in strengthening digital skills do you agree or disagree with?”.