As 2026 approaches, Germans are thinking carefully about their New Year’s resolutions, with family, health, and personal well-being emerging as top priorities. A recent Forsa survey conducted for DAK-Gesundheit, involving around 1,000 participants, provides insight into what people hope to focus on in the coming year.
Spending more time with family and friends is the leading goal, with 62% of respondents planning to dedicate more attention to loved ones. Among younger adults aged 14–29, this aspiration is even stronger, with 71% aiming to strengthen social connections and nurture meaningful relationships. Reducing stress is another major priority, cited by 61% of participants, while 57% want to engage in more physical activity to improve their overall health and fitness.
Personal time and self-care are also significant, with 52% of respondents hoping to carve out more moments for themselves, and an equal number focusing on eating healthier. Environmental consciousness is gaining traction, as 50% intend to adopt more eco-friendly habits. Meanwhile, 36% plan to spend less time on their phones or online, rising to 50% among younger adults seeking a better offline balance.
Other popular resolutions include weight loss (30%), saving money (27%), eating less meat (26%), and reducing alcohol intake (20%). Some participants aim to watch less TV (18%) or quit smoking (10%), reflecting a broad interest in healthier lifestyle choices.
Commitment is key: last year, 41% of respondents set resolutions, and nearly two-thirds (63%) managed to maintain their goals for more than three months—the highest success rate since the survey began 15 years ago.
Overall, the survey highlights that Germans are entering 2026 with a clear focus on family, health, and sustainable living, demonstrating a desire to lead more mindful, balanced, and fulfilling lives.
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