Number of Conscientious Objectors in Germany Triples in First Quarter

The number of people in Germany applying for conscientious objector status tripled in the first three months of this year compared to the same period last year. If that trend continues, the peace organization behind the analysis warns, 2026 could see more than 15,000 applications filed.

The German Peace Society – United Conscientious Objectors (DFG-VK) released the figures on Saturday, citing a response from the Bundeswehr to a formal inquiry by the organization. According to the data, 3,493 applications for conscientious objector status were submitted in the first quarter alone. That number almost matches the entire total for the previous year, which stood at 3,867 applications.

"Should this trend continue," said Cornelia Mannewitz, national spokesperson for the DFG-VK, "this year will see well over 15,000 applications for conscientious objection."

The breakdown of applicants tells its own story. Sixty-four applications came from active soldiers. Another 236 came from reservists. The largest group – 3,193 applicants – consisted of men who had never served in the Bundeswehr at all.

According to the peace organization, more than 1,000 people visited DFG-VK counseling centers in April alone seeking information and assistance with filing their objections. The group noted that those seeking help are not limited to young men and women from the 2008 birth cohort, who are currently being affected again by mandatory conscription. The new military service law has been in effect since January. Under the law, all men and women receive questionnaires in the year they turn 18, asking about their suitability for armed service. Filling out the questionnaire is mandatory for men and voluntary for women. However, no actual obligation to serve currently exists beyond the paperwork.

The peace organization interprets the sharp rise in objection applications as a clear political rejection of Defense Minister Boris Pistorius's declared goal of making Germany "war-capable" – a term that has sparked considerable debate. The DFG-VK also sees the numbers as a rebuke to the federal government's broader efforts to expand the Bundeswehr into Europe's strongest conventional army.

For now, the trend line is unmistakable. More young Germans – and not only the young – are signaling that when it comes to bearing arms, their answer is no. And they are putting it in writing.