In 2026, Herbert Grönemeyer was awarded the German National Prize for his social commitment. In his acceptance speech, the musician spoke about solidarity and community, about differing opinions and perspectives – and about what each individual can contribute to a vibrant democracy. He has made extracts from this speech available for the ‘Democracy Needs Many Voices’ initiative.
As civil society, we do not necessarily need a mum or a dad. We have each other. And now it is up to us to take action, to get moving, to join a movement of citizens for citizens. There is a great deal at stake; it is about the freedom of us all – freedom versus complacency.
People want to be taken seriously; they want to be kept informed about their country’s political and social situation in a respectful tone – including, if necessary, about problems. They want to be challenged and involved. That way, they stay in the loop, can form their own opinions, weigh things up and offer their understanding and support. A country is a family, a team, and silence has never got anyone moving forward or winning. That would be a normal sign of respect; anything else is a sign of arrogance and disinterest.
Let us work together to gather new ideas for improving democracy, ideas that will lead to a new understanding of community. Ideas that show that we see one another, that we care for one another and that we take joy in one another. A fresh spirit of reaching out to one another, listening and accepting people beyond boundaries – regardless of whether someone believes in God or not, what views they hold, what language they speak, or which gender they identify with.
We should also learn not to hide behind politics. We are civil society; we are their employers. And if we have appointed the wrong people, that does not absolve us of our responsibility to continue addressing our citizens’ concerns together and independently.
The present day is permeated worldwide by populist forces and governments, by what Thomas Mann described as ‘defective humanity’, by vile incitement, by the falsification of truths and reason, by unscrupulous, immoral drivel, by crooks’ psychology, and here at home, by presumptuous German chauvinism. But the population remains ready for optimism, for a thirst for adventure and a zest for life, even in these turbulent times. The internet and online media generate the highest click-through rates with negative news about decline, collapse and the threat of fascism. The fact that these are worrying times and, for many people, extremely difficult ones, has seeped into our consciousness and is well known to us all.
But where is the counter-narrative? The present is oppressive, but what about the future? The new beginning lies within us and before us. We are brimming with democratic and humanist values within us; we must remember them, bring them to the fore and put them back into the fray. It is always about all of us: about decency, consideration, respect and playfulness; about sympathy, sisterhood and brotherhood; and about working together towards the vision of Germany and Europe.
As a community, we possess enough strength, solidarity and compassion to keep reconnecting with one another over the coming decades, to support one another, to share, to listen, and to work together – with an open mind and mutual understanding – to drive forward a democratic, thoroughly renewed future.
And they need the millions upon millions of shining eyes of our children and grandchildren; the generations that follow us have more than earned this. We have a huge responsibility. This is an appeal to the citizen – to the responsible member of society who, through their active political engagement, works to promote the common good and the public interest. It is about helping to shape democracy, supporting our neighbours and actively fostering a sense of community.
We all belong together, whatever our political leanings or opinions may be. We share the same concerns; we’re all in the same class – there’s only one. Our wonderful Basic Law is our foundation. We have grown up on it, and it has since been built upon by millions of hands, minds and souls from a hundred different backgrounds across the world. That is my lifeblood; it has shaped me. That is how I write, how I strive, what my music is like, how I sing: boundless and colourful, embraced and sustained by so many different perspectives.
Let’s try to get to know one another better, let’s talk to one another more and let others finish what they’re saying, let’s show more self-deprecating humour and kindness throughout the day. We belong together and are part of this world; we are fellow human beings. We sometimes find it hard to live with ourselves; we despair of ourselves. But I refuse to be afraid of the future, or to feel that I have to be.
We have the momentum to bring together ideas, strengths, cultures, knowledge and attitudes. To focus entirely on our shared future.
To talk about what is possible and then make it happen. That is our positive goal.
