Muslims in Germany

With the following facts and figures, we make clear the relationship between the third largest religious community and the followers of the Islamist scene in Germany. Not all Islamists are in favor of violence. For understanding, the terms "endangerer" and "relevant persons" are also explained in this part of the module.

 

Facts and figures

 

There are about 5.6 million Muslims living in Germany. Of these, about 27,480 are Islamists, which accounts for a share of 0.49%. Of the 27,480 Islamists, 483 people are classified by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution as violent "threats" and 505 people as "relevant persons". In each case, this is a small number of Islamists who pose a threat to the security of the Federal Republic of Germany.

 

[Source: Office for the Protection of the Constitution: Facts and Figures on Islamism, as of 2022; Federal Criminal Police Office: Figures of endangerers and relevant persons, as of 2023]

 

"Endangerers" and "relevant persons" in Islamism

 

Violent Islamists pose a threat to the security of the Federal Republic of Germany. Classification as a threat or relevant person is an important step in preventing possible attacks and acts of violence.

 

Endangerers are people who authorities believe may be planning or participating in an attack. But not all endangerers actually carry out an attack. They are under special surveillance by the security authorities in order to avert a possible danger to the population.

[Ex: Endangerers are comparable to football players on the substitutes' bench. They may not be in the game, but they could be substituted at any time.]

Relevant persons are people who live in the vicinity of endangerers or are in contact with them. But not all relevant people become endangerers. They are being monitored by the security authorities in order to obtain indications of possible radicalisation or involvement in Islamist activities.

[Ex: Relevant people are comparable to spectators in the stadium. While they are not directly involved in the game, they can influence the game.]

 

Result

 

The vast majority of Muslims in Germany reject violence and extremism and are committed to the values of the free democratic basic order. They see Islam as a religion of peace and tolerance. Only a small fraction of Muslims in Germany hold extremist positions.

 

Reasons for the low number of Islamists

 

Islam is a diverse religion with many different currents and interpretations. Most Muslims in Germany follow a moderate Islam that is compatible with the values of democracy and the rule of law.

The German security authorities are taking consistent action against Islamist activities.

Islamist groups are highly isolated in Germany. They have little support among the Muslim population and are rejected by the majority of Muslims.

German politics and society are committed to combating extremism and Islamism. There are various prevention and education programs that are designed to protect young people from radical influences.