Political extremism

Extremist groups, organizations and parties pose a threat to democratic society because they are directed against the free democratic basic order.

Extremists usually have an absolute claim to truth for their ideology. Their thinking is reduced to friend-foe categories, which are typical of extremist ideologies and are accompanied by a strong tendency towards conspiracy theories, populist simplifications of complex issues and a pronounced adherence to their own views.

Their politically motivated violent crime is directed against people who are hostile because of their attitude, religion, nationality, skin color, ideology, sexual orientation or similar.

It is a fundamental value of a pluralistic society and a central task of the state to protect and defend the freedom of every individual from extremism of any kind, be it left-wing or right-wing extremism, anti-Semitism or Islamism. For this reason, the German Bundestag has provided funds for hardship payments for victims of extremist attacks as part of the Budget Act. This voluntary benefit, to which there is no legal entitlement, is to be understood as an act of solidarity on the part of the state and its citizens with those affected. At the same time, it is intended to send a clear signal for the outlawing of such attacks.

Find help quickly

Information about the various currents of political extremism, counselling services and prevention programmes can be found on the following websites for those affected and family members of people who may be radicalized, as well as professionals such as teachers: