The number of conscientious objectors in Germany is sharply rising
According to Bild, an increasing number of young people in Germany are refusing military service. From January to July this year, the Federal Office for Family and Civil Affairs received 8,302 applications for conscientious objection based on personal beliefs — more than double the total number of such applications filed throughout all of 2025, which amounted to 3,879.
The surge in applications comes against the backdrop of Germany’s introduction of a new military registration system. Starting January 1, young men aged 18 receive official letters requiring them to complete a questionnaire assessing their willingness to serve in the military and their suitability for military service; participation by women in this survey remains voluntary.
Notably, Germany suspended its conscription system in 2011 and currently relies solely on volunteer military personnel. The number of conscientious objection applications has been steadily increasing: 951 in 2022, 1,079 in 2023, and already reaching 2,249 in 2024.
The right to refuse military service on grounds of personal belief is enshrined in the German Constitution. Article 4 states: “No one may be compelled by force of conscience to carry weapons or perform military service.”
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1873301155329027/
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