Infrastructure in Germany: stable ratings from the business community, growing frustration among citizens

Results of KPMG's "Infrastructure Monitor 2025" in Germany

• 84 percent of companies are satisfied with the infrastructure (13 percent very satisfied, 71 percent somewhat satisfied), but only 45 percent of citizens share this view
  
• There are major discrepancies in all categories surveyed (transportation, energy, and digitization)
• Companies do not want to raise more capital for use, focus on efficiency gains through digitalization
• Citizens show greater willingness to pay, but above all demand greater punctuality and affordability

Berlin, 9th December 2025

Perceptions of German infrastructure are divided: while the majority of companies are satisfied overall, citizens are much more critical in their assessment. This is shown by KPMG's "Infrastructure Monitor 2025" in Germany, for which 250 companies and over 1,000 private individuals in Germany were surveyed. 71 percent of companies are somewhat satisfied with the infrastructure and 13 percent are very satisfied. Among citizens, the proportion of those who are very or somewhat satisfied is only 45 percent.

Steffen Wagner, partner and head of transport and infrastructure at KPMG in Germany, adds: "What is needed are targeted investments in maintenance and modernization, combined with simple and effective processes. Projects must be implemented quickly and the results must be visible in everyday life."

As part of the study, companies and private individuals were asked to evaluate the infrastructure in the areas of transport, energy, and digitalization, and to indicate their willingness to pay and their expectations for improvements. The critical assessments of citizens in particular highlight the importance of the special fund for infrastructure and climate neutrality: it creates the financial framework to trigger investment and prevent a deterioration in perception.

The majority of companies are satisfied with roads, railways, and public transport: 75 percent rate roads positively, 82 percent rate public transport positively, and 72 percent rate long-distance rail transport positively. Among citizens, approval is much lower – only 33 percent are satisfied with roads, 36 percent with public transport, and only 29 percent with long-distance rail transport. Accordingly, 67 percent of private individuals see punctuality as one of the three most urgent areas for improvement in long-distance rail transport. 

The gap is also evident in the energy sector: 86 percent of companies rate the electricity supply as good, compared to 55 percent of citizens. While companies primarily cite energy storage options (43 percent) and supply density (33 percent) as the most important areas for action in the sector of electricity, gas, and heat supply, 55 percent of citizens see affordability as the biggest issue. 

The digital infrastructure is rated positively by 93 percent of companies for mobile communications and 86 percent for the internet. Among citizens, only 46 percent share this assessment for mobile communications and 44 percent for the internet. There are also differences in priorities: 39 percent of companies call for improvements in network security and 37 percent in provider diversity for telecommunications networks. At 36 percent, private individuals place affordability at the forefront.

Permanently poor infrastructure would have consequences: 72 percent of companies fear rising costs and slower processes, while 68 percent expect a general impact on their business. However, migration remains an issue, as Germany continues to be considered an attractive location. Private individuals see stronger political and social consequences: 71 percent are concerned about economic impacts, while 78 percent expect rising political dissatisfaction.

When it comes to financing, the picture is mixed: citizens are more willing to accept higher costs for improvements – depending on the infrastructure sector, around 22 to 25 percent of those who are willing to pay would pay more than ten percent extra. Companies, on the other hand, are reluctant to provide additional funds: 80 to 92 percent of companies that are willing to pay would pay a maximum of five percent more. The results thus reflect the different perceptions of infrastructure held by companies and citizens.

When it comes to improvements, companies focus on increasing efficiency and technical innovation. In transportation, they demand functional aspects such as parking availability and traffic flow (over 40 percent in each case). In energy supply, storage technologies and supply density are at the forefront, while in digital infrastructure, data security is particularly important. Citizens, on the other hand, tend to emphasize basic needs: regardless of the infrastructure sector, affordability, punctuality, and reliability are the main focus. These differences intensify the need for politicians and operators to balance priorities and make the infrastructure fit for the future.