Without them, things don’t work: volunteers run clubs and teach young people sports or music, look after children and seniors, help refugees, put out fires and rescue accident victims. Several million people in Germany voluntarily take responsibility for society in their free time and help shape it. One could also say: Volunteering is democracy in action. After all, a strong democracy depends on people wanting to help shape it. Volunteers enrich society and are important for its cohesion – and many simply enjoy volunteering.
What does volunteering mean?
The term encompasses various forms of civil society engagement. People voluntarily take on tasks that benefit the public. They are not paid for this work, but only receive compensation for their expenses.
How many people do voluntary work in Germany?
Around 40 percent of Germans aged 14 and over – around 29 million people – regularly contribute to the good of society in their free time. The proportion has risen continuously in recent years.
In Germany, voluntary work plays a significant role in society, and a large portion of the population is involved in some form of volunteering. According to recent data, approximately one-third of the German population engages in voluntary work. This translates to around 31% of people aged 14 and older, which is roughly 20 million individuals.
Volunteering in Germany covers a wide range of activities, including helping in social services, supporting environmental initiatives, assisting in sports clubs, participating in cultural events, and contributing to humanitarian causes. The most popular areas for voluntary work include:
- Sports and leisure organizations (often through sports clubs or local recreational activities)
- Social services, such as helping the elderly, providing care for children, or supporting the disabled
- Cultural and environmental projects, including museum work, conservation efforts, or local events
- Emergency services and humanitarian aid through organizations like the Red Cross and other relief agencies
Voluntary work is highly valued in Germany, not only for the direct contributions to society but also because it strengthens social bonds, promotes civic engagement, and provides individuals with the opportunity to gain experience, develop skills, and create connections within their communities.
Additionally, many Germans find volunteering to be personally rewarding and view it as an important part of their social responsibility. Various programs, tax incentives, and recognition initiatives also support the continued growth of voluntary activities across the country.
What do volunteers do?
Most volunteers are involved in sports, culture and music, in the social sector, in environmental projects, schools and kindergartens as well as in churches. This emerges from the so-called family survey published in 2021, the largest study on voluntary and voluntary work in Germany. The numbers are collected every five years, most recently in 2019. The exact consequences of the corona pandemic on commitment cannot yet be precisely quantified.
Helpers in emergency services, volunteer fire departments and disaster control perform a particularly important task.
Many citizens also support refugees. According to the family survey, between 2014 and 2019, more than twelve percent of people aged 14 and over in Germany were involved with refugees and asylum seekers.
In Germany, volunteers contribute to a wide range of activities and sectors, providing essential support to communities and organizations across the country. The 2021 Family Survey, which is the largest study on voluntary work in Germany, highlighted the various fields where volunteers are most active. These include:
1. Sports, Culture, and Music
Many volunteers dedicate their time to sports clubs, cultural organizations, and musical groups. They might assist with organizing events, coaching, managing teams, or helping with administrative tasks. In sports, for example, volunteers often help with training sessions for youth or recreational leagues. In cultural and musical spheres, volunteers may assist with performances, exhibitions, or managing local festivals.
2. Social Sector
A significant portion of volunteers works in the social sector, where they support various community services. This includes helping the elderly, offering companionship to those in need, and providing assistance in hospitals or social care institutions. Volunteers may also contribute to supporting people with disabilities or helping in homes for children or young people.
3. Environmental Projects
Volunteers in Germany are often involved in environmental conservation efforts, such as cleaning up local parks or beaches, working with environmental NGOs, and engaging in activities like tree planting or promoting sustainability. Many also help raise awareness about climate change and environmental protection.
4. Schools and Kindergartens
Volunteers contribute to education and childcare by assisting in schools and kindergartens. They might support teachers, help with extracurricular activities, or engage in tutoring or mentoring programs. In some cases, volunteers are involved in language support programs, particularly for children from immigrant families.
5. Religious and Church Activities
Volunteers also play a role in churches and religious organizations, where they may assist with organizing services, supporting community outreach, and helping with charitable initiatives like food banks or refugee support programs.
6. Emergency Services
One of the most vital areas of volunteerism in Germany is in emergency services. Volunteers in fire departments, disaster relief organizations, and first aid services play a crucial role in responding to emergencies and disasters. Many of these volunteers are trained professionals who give their time to ensure that communities are prepared for emergencies and receive immediate help in critical situations.
7. Refugee Support
Between 2014 and 2019, 12% of people aged 14 and over in Germany were involved in supporting refugees and asylum seekers. Volunteers in this area often help with language lessons, provide legal support, offer emotional assistance, and help refugees integrate into their new communities. The efforts of volunteers have been particularly significant in the wake of the refugee crisis, where many citizens stepped in to assist those fleeing conflict and hardship.
Conclusion
Volunteers in Germany contribute significantly to the social fabric of the country. Their involvement spans a variety of sectors, from emergency services to supporting refugees, sports, culture, and environmental projects. The impact of volunteers is felt in almost every aspect of life, making them a vital part of the community. Despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, volunteering remains an integral part of German society, with many individuals continuously offering their time and expertise to help others.
