Everything You Need to Know About Discrimination Against Black People in Germany and the “Afrozensus” Statistics

Black people in Germany face everyday discrimination in many areas, including education, the labour market, housing and public spaces.
Despite government and civil society efforts to combat racism, this phenomenon remains deeply rooted in certain social practices and behaviours.

What is meant by discrimination against Black people?

Anti-Black racism (Anti-Schwarzer Rassismus) refers to all forms of exclusion, discrimination or violence directed at people of African descent or Black people – whether these actions are explicit and open or subtle and indirect.

Common examples of discrimination

• Job applications being rejected because of a photo or a name that suggests African origin

• Excessive surveillance in shops or public places

• Offensive comments or intrusive questions such as: “Where are you really from?”

• Physical or verbal assaults in the street or on public transport

What does the law say?

Grundgesetz (Basic Law – Constitution)

• Article 1: Protects human dignity as inviolable.

• Article 3: Guarantees equality before the law and prohibits discrimination based on origin or “race”.

General Equal Treatment Act (Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz – AGG)

• Prohibits discrimination in almost all areas of public life, including:

  • employment and occupation

  • education

  • access to goods and services

What is the “Afrozensus”?

The “Afrozensus” is the first comprehensive, nationwide survey in Germany focusing specifically on the living conditions and experiences of people of African descent and Black people.
It was carried out in 2020/2021 as a joint initiative of civil society organisations and the German Institute for Human Rights, with support from the German government.

Aims of the Afrozensus

• To document experiences of racism and everyday discrimination

• To collect data on the economic, educational and social situation of Black people in Germany

• To formulate concrete policy recommendations to improve their living conditions

Key findings of the “Afrozensus”

• More than 90% of participants reported having experienced some form of racist discrimination in their everyday lives.

• Around 70% had faced discrimination in the labour market – either when applying for jobs or within the workplace.

• Approximately 56% reported being subjected to excessive security checks or surveillance in shops and public spaces.

• A large proportion expressed low confidence in the ability of the police and public authorities to protect them adequately.

How to respond if you experience discrimination

1. Collect evidence

• Record the date, time, place and description of the incident.

• Keep any messages, images or audio/video recordings, where legally permitted.

2. File a complaint

• Contact the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency (Antidiskriminierungsstelle des Bundes).

• If there is a threat or violence, file a report directly with the police.

3. Seek advice and support

• Reach out to organisations such as ISD Bund e.V. (Initiative Schwarze Menschen in Deutschland).

• Make use of free psychological and legal counselling services.

Support and prevention programmes

• Awareness-raising and education programmes in schools and public institutions to promote diversity

• Support for civil society initiatives that defend the rights of Black people

• Efforts to improve the representation of Black people in media, politics and public institutions

Conclusion

Discrimination against Black people in Germany represents a serious violation of fundamental rights and human dignity and requires broad societal awareness and joint action.
The findings of the “Afrozensus” have made the scale of the problem visible and at the same time given a strong voice to the Black community in Germany. They highlight the need for real and sustainable change.

If you are a victim of discrimination, remember:
There is legal, social and psychological support available – do not stay silent, but assert your rights.

Key German terms

• Afrozensus: specific nationwide survey on Black people in Germany

• Antidiskriminierungsstelle des Bundes: Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency

• AGG (Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz): General Equal Treatment Act

• Anti-Schwarzer Rassismus: anti-Black racism

• ISD Bund e.V.: Initiative of Black People in Germany

* The editorial team of the website strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and multiple sources. However, errors or incomplete information cannot be ruled out entirely. Please treat the information provided as an initial guide and always contact the competent authorities for binding, up-to-date advice.