Mental health challenges impact German apprentices and students

Recent studies highlight significant mental health challenges among young people in Germany. A survey commissioned by the Bertelsmann Foundation reveals that one in seven apprentices feels mentally burdened. This psychological strain is identified as the primary risk factor for terminating vocational training; nearly 40 percent of respondents cited mental health as a reason for considering or already having broken a contract. Among apprentices reporting low wellbeing, 73.6 percent are considering quitting, compared to only 12 percent of those with stable wellbeing.

Separately, research commissioned by the Barmer health insurance provider indicates that school-related stress is a major burden for adolescents in Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia. More than one-third of 14- to 17-year-olds in these central German states report being heavily impacted by academic stress, which outweighs pressures from family, loneliness, or social circles. Factors such as performance pressure, exams, and the digital continuation of schoolwork via online platforms contribute to this strain. Despite these challenges, a majority of the youth surveyed remain optimistic about their futures.