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. You 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. According to the “Family Survey” published in 2021, which is one of the largest studies on voluntary work in Germany, around 31% of the population aged 14 and over is engaged in some form of voluntary work. This represents approximately 20 million people who dedicate their time to helping others and contributing to various causes.
The study highlights the diversity of voluntary activities, with people participating in areas such as sports, culture, social services, environmental protection, and more. One of the key sectors for voluntary work is emergency services, including volunteer fire departments, disaster control, and rescue organizations, where volunteers play an essential role in maintaining safety and offering support in emergencies.
Volunteering is also strong in social sectors, such as helping refugees and asylum seekers, with many citizens getting involved in supporting integration efforts. Between 2014 and 2019, more than 12% of people aged 14 and older volunteered in refugee assistance activities.
In addition to traditional volunteer work, the rise of digital platforms and online initiatives has led to new forms of volunteering, allowing people to contribute their skills and time remotely, supporting a wide range of causes.
Overall, voluntary work is a deeply ingrained part of German society, with millions of individuals offering their time and efforts for various social, cultural, and environmental causes.
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 stand up for 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.
Volunteers in Germany engage in a wide range of activities across various sectors. Their roles are diverse, and the tasks they perform contribute significantly to the well-being of communities and the effectiveness of organizations. Based on surveys and reports, volunteers in Germany are involved in several key areas:
1. Social Services
Volunteers in the social sector often provide support to vulnerable or disadvantaged groups, such as the elderly, people with disabilities, and those facing financial or emotional challenges. They may assist in nursing homes, shelters, or provide companionship and care to those in need. Volunteers also participate in helping refugees and asylum seekers, supporting their integration into German society. Many citizens offer help with language courses, job applications, and social support.
2. Sports and Physical Activities
Sports clubs and organizations in Germany rely heavily on volunteers to organize events, run youth programs, and coach teams. Volunteers help in various capacities, from administrative work to coaching children and adults in a wide range of sports. Their involvement ensures that sports remain accessible and inclusive at all levels.
3. Cultural and Arts Projects
Volunteers play a vital role in Germany’s rich cultural life. Many are involved in museums, theaters, galleries, and festivals, where they assist with event planning, exhibition curation, and helping visitors. They may also work behind the scenes in organizing concerts, theater performances, and other cultural events, enriching the nation’s cultural scene.
4. Environmental Conservation
Many volunteers in Germany engage in environmental protection and sustainability efforts. These activities may include cleaning up public spaces, participating in tree-planting projects, or helping in conservation programs aimed at preserving nature and biodiversity. Additionally, volunteers often contribute to raising awareness about climate change and advocating for more sustainable practices.
5. Emergency Services
Volunteer fire departments, rescue organizations, and disaster relief teams are among the most critical areas for volunteer involvement. Volunteers in these fields respond to emergencies such as fires, floods, and accidents, providing immediate help to those in need. The Federal Volunteer Service (FSJ) and similar programs also have participants who contribute to disaster relief and other emergency responses.
6. Education and Mentoring
In schools and kindergartens, volunteers assist with tutoring, after-school programs, and mentoring. They support children with their homework, help improve their social skills, and facilitate extracurricular activities. Volunteers also play a crucial role in community education programs, such as language courses for migrants or older adults.
7. Religious and Spiritual Services
Religious organizations in Germany, particularly churches, rely on volunteers to help with community outreach, charity work, and event organization. Volunteers may assist with preparing meals for the homeless, running youth camps, or supporting religious ceremonies and services. Their work is often centered around fostering a sense of community and supporting those in need.
8. Humanitarian and International Aid
Volunteers also contribute to humanitarian and international aid efforts, including providing disaster relief both within Germany and abroad. They may work with organizations such as the German Red Cross, assisting in health and emergency relief operations, helping in refugee camps, or providing other forms of aid in crisis areas.
9. Online and Remote Volunteering
With the growth of digital technology, online volunteering has become increasingly popular. Many volunteers offer their skills remotely, such as graphic design, content creation, web development, and even language teaching. Online platforms have enabled volunteers to work on projects for NGOs or social causes from the comfort of their homes, making it easier for people to contribute even with busy schedules.
In summary, volunteers in Germany are involved in a wide variety of roles that contribute to social cohesion, environmental sustainability, cultural enrichment, and emergency response efforts. Their work is essential for the functioning of many sectors, helping to fill gaps in services, raise awareness for critical issues, and improve the quality of life for many people.
