Germany faces declining sense of national superiority amid infrastructure issues

German citizens are increasingly returning from foreign holidays with a sense of disillusionment rather than the traditional feeling of national superiority. According to reports from German media outlets such as Die Zeit and Die Welt, the perception that Germany functions more efficiently than other nations is eroding.

Observers note that travelers are encountering superior infrastructure and services abroad, contrasting sharply with domestic issues such as delayed trains without air conditioning, deteriorating roads and bridges, and poor internet connectivity. The lack of digitalization is particularly highlighted, with many government offices still relying on fax machines while countries like Estonia lead in digital services.

Psychologists warn that this shift in perception—moving from a sense of stability to one of frustration regarding the state of the country—could potentially impact the stability of German democracy.