A recent survey conducted by forsa on behalf of the Deutsche Bundesbank revealed that Germans are generally open to the concept of a digital euro, with 50% of respondents expressing willingness to use it as an additional payment option. Despite this receptiveness, significant knowledge gaps persist, as 59% of respondents reported being unaware of the digital euro.

Key findings from the survey include:

1. Openness to Digital Euro: Half of the 2,012 respondents are open to adopting the digital euro, even among those who were previously unfamiliar with it .

2. Knowledge Gaps: Only 41% of respondents had encountered information about the digital euro, indicating a substantial need for increased public education and awareness .

3. Privacy Concerns: More than three-quarters of the respondents prioritized privacy protection, reflecting concerns similar to those seen with China’s digital yuan (e-CNY) . Additionally, 59% emphasized the importance of an offline version of the digital euro to ensure privacy akin to cash .

4. Infrastructure Independence: 72% of respondents felt that the digital euro should be based on a European infrastructure to maintain independence from global political events .

5. Misconceptions About Cash: There were misconceptions among respondents regarding the digital euro's impact on cash. Specifically, 15% thought the digital euro would replace cash, and 12% believed cash would be phased out with its introduction. Deutsche Bundesbank officials have clarified that cash will remain a fundamental part of the monetary system .

Deutsche Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel and Executive Board member Burkhard Balz have both reassured that the digital euro will prioritize privacy and will not replace physical cash. The European Central Bank (ECB) is in the preparatory phase for the digital euro, with a potential launch by 2028 or 2029 .