GERMANY AT 35: A GENERATION'S EXPERIENCE OF UNITY
BERLIN, GERMANY - OCTOBER 3, 2025
Thirty-five years after the fall of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of Germany, a new generation is grappling with the legacy of unity. For Elisabeth Kaiser, a 38-year-old member of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), this anniversary marks a milestone in her own life as well as the country's history.
In her annual report on the state of eastern Germany, Kaiser highlighted the experiences of younger people growing up in a unified nation. The title "Growing up in unity?" hints at the lingering gap between the former East and West. Kaiser, who was born in 1987, is part of the first generation to have been socialized under a single German nation.
"We children of the late 1980s and 1990s are the first generation to have been socialized under one Germany," Kaiser said in an interview with DW. "We've never known anything else, but we're still grappling with the consequences of reunification."
Kaiser's report notes that while formal reunification has created a single German nation, the cultural and economic differences between East and West persist. Many young people from eastern Germany continue to face challenges related to poverty, education, and job opportunities.
"It's not just about economics; it's also about identity," said Dr. Michaela Richter, a sociologist at the University of Leipzig. "Young people in eastern Germany are still trying to find their place within this unified nation."
Richter pointed out that the legacy of communism and socialism continues to shape the cultural landscape of eastern Germany. Many young people from the region identify with these ideologies, which often clash with the more liberal values prevalent in western Germany.
The reunification process has also had a profound impact on community development. In some areas, former East German cities have struggled to adapt to the influx of capital and investment from the West. This has led to gentrification and displacement of long-time residents.
"In some neighborhoods, you can see the physical remnants of the past," said Ursula Müller, a resident of Gera, who grew up in eastern Germany during the communist era. "But it's not just about buildings; it's also about people."
Müller noted that many young people from her community are now leaving to find work and opportunities elsewhere. This brain drain has significant implications for regional development and economic growth.
As Germany looks to the future, policymakers are grappling with the challenges of reunification. The new federal government has pledged to address issues related to poverty, education, and job creation in eastern Germany.
"We need to acknowledge the historical context and the ongoing disparities between East and West," said Kaiser. "Only then can we work towards a more inclusive and equitable society."
The 35th anniversary of German Unity Day serves as a reminder that reunification is an ongoing process. As a new generation comes of age, they will continue to shape the country's identity and address its challenges.
GERMANY AT A GLANCE
Population: approximately 83 million
GDP (nominal): $4.2 trillion (2023 estimate)
Unemployment rate: 3.5% (September 2025)
Poverty rate in eastern Germany: 14.6% (2023 estimate)
Sources:
Federal Statistical Office of Germany
European Commission
German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development
Note to editor:
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*Reporting by Dw.*
