BaFin survey reveals knowledge gaps among German crypto investors

A survey conducted by the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) in April 2026 reveals significant knowledge gaps among cryptocurrency investors. The study, which surveyed 1,000 individuals, found that only 36 percent of all answers to 16 technical questions were correct, while 19 percent were incorrect and 45 percent of participants stated they did not know the answer.

Approximately 13 percent of adults in Germany, or more than nine million people, now own crypto assets such as Bitcoin or Ether. While crypto owners performed better than the general population—answering 57 percent of questions correctly and 31 percent incorrectly—they still exhibit notable misconceptions. Common errors involve misunderstandings regarding inflation protection, price stability, and the suitability of stablecoins for wealth accumulation.

Specifically, only 35 percent of all participants understood that Bitcoin consists of electronic data records. The findings highlight that even as cryptocurrency ownership grows, financial literacy regarding these digital assets remains a challenge for many consumers.