Germany: Survey shows low financial literacy among young adults

A survey conducted by the precious metals comparison portal GOLD. DE reveals significant gaps in financial literacy among young adults in Germany. The study, released in conjunction with the 2026 ‘Day of Gold’, surveyed 1,000 individuals aged 16 to 35.

Results indicate that approximately 32 percent of respondents could answer at most one of three basic financial questions correctly, while only 33.5 percent passed the basic test entirely. Specific areas of weakness include inflation awareness, with only 52.2 percent knowing the current German inflation rate, and risk diversification, which only 67.1 percent understood clearly.

While 74.9 percent of participants correctly identified the difference between gross and net salary, one in four still lacked clarity regarding specific payroll deductions. Korbinian G. Penzkofer, Managing Director of ADEOS MEDIA GmbH, emphasized that financial education is crucial for long-term economic security and cautioned against relying solely on social media for financial information.