Between everyday life and concern: two thirds of Germans use AI - but only a few trust the technology

• 66 percent use AI privately, professionally or in their studies - but only 32 percent trust it
• Negative and positive experiences with the use of AI balance each other out
• Low AI competence and unclear guidelines lead to unsafe use in the workplace

66% of Germans already use artificial intelligence privately, professionally or at university - at the same time, only 32% are prepared to trust AI-generated information. A lack of knowledge and a lack of rules reinforce the skepticism. This puts Germany well below the international average. This is shown by the German country report of a global KPMG study conducted by the Australian "University of Melbourne" in cooperation with KPMG International. Over 48,000 people in 47 countries were surveyed worldwide, including more than 1,000 in Germany.

Despite increasing use, many do not feel sufficiently trained in dealing with the technology: Only 20 percent of Germans have completed training or further education on AI to date - worldwide, the figure is almost twice as high at 39 percent. Less than half (45%) feel able to evaluate AI applications appropriately or use them correctly. Many use AI tools without questioning the results (43%). This puts Germany in second-last place of the 47 countries surveyed in terms of AI literacy, behind many comparable economies.

When asked about the opportunities and risks of the technology, the study paints an ambivalent picture: around a third currently rate the benefits of the technology as greater than the risks (37%) and vice versa (39%). 59% of the users surveyed stated that they had already had or observed positive experiences with the use of AI - a significantly higher figure than in many other countries. Effects such as greater efficiency significant time savings in routine tasks are at the top of the agenda. At the same time, 31 percent report negative consequences. These include incorrect information, loss of control and a lack of human interaction.

AI is also already widespread in the world of work: 62% of respondents state that their company uses AI. 55%  such tools themselves - albeit often with an uncertain legal situation or without internal company rules. Less than half of companies (46%) have drawn up guidelines on the use of generative AI to date. At the same time, almost half of those surveyed state that they pass off content from AI systems as their own work or knowingly violate internal guidelines. The resulting risks range from data leaks to incorrect decisions. This development presents companies with new challenges. Without clear guidelines and transparent communication, there is a risk of reputational and liability risks. However, the controlled integration of AI is lacking in many places, with only 46% having an AI strategy.

The majority of respondents expect more political and corporate responses when it comes to the use of AI: three quarters of respondents call for clear international standards, while 71% would like to see joint regulation by government bodies and industry. Only around a third consider the current rules to be sufficient for the safe and responsible use of AI. Almost no one (91%) is aware of specific legal requirements in Germany - a clear indication of a lack of public information.

All results of the study can be found here: Trust, attitudes and use of artificial intelligence: A global study 2025

Clemens Reisbeck
KPMG AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft

T +49 89 9282 1722
creisbeck@kpmg.com