Germany's Empathy Crisis: Can We Still Truly Understand the Others?
Empathy—or the lack of it—has become a pressing topic in Germany. Podcaster and author Yasmine M'Barek's latest book, I Feel You: On Empathy, argues that society has lost its ability to truly connect with the others. She links this decline to capitalism's relentless focus on self-interest, leaving little room for genuine understanding.
M'Barek opens her book with a stark claim: the desire to understand the others has nearly disappeared. She points to a troubling paradox—people often display exaggerated compassion online while feeling emotionally numb in real life. This contradiction, she argues, reveals a deeper crisis of empathy.
Psychologists separate empathy into two types: cognitive and emotional. Cognitive empathy means rationally understanding another person's viewpoint. Emotional empathy, however, involves actually sharing their feelings. M'Barek stresses that developing cognitive empathy is crucial, especially in a divided society. She urges people to assume others have reasons for their actions and to engage with differing views openly.
In palliative care, empathy is seen as essential. Specialist Anna Möhr describes it as having three key parts: meeting people where they are, listening without judgement, and trying to grasp their situation. These skills, she says, help patients feel seen and valued.
Public discussions on empathy in Germany have surfaced in recent years, though mostly in symbolic ways. In February 2026, Bundestagspräsidentin Julia Klöckner honoured Rita Süssmuth in a eulogy, praising her cognitive empathy during German reunification. Yet, despite such tributes, there are no major studies, widespread debates, or political plans addressing empathy's role in society.
M'Barek ties the erosion of empathy to a broader cultural shift. She argues that capitalism's 'survival of the fittest' mindset has trained people to put themselves first. This self-focus, she believes, has weakened society's ability to care for one another.
The conversation around empathy remains fragmented. While figures like Süssmuth are celebrated for their compassion, broader efforts to study or strengthen empathy are missing. M'Barek's call for cognitive empathy as a social priority highlights an ongoing challenge—how to rebuild understanding in an increasingly divided world.
