How Emotions Shaped Germany's Bond with Its Constitution Over Decades

Germans have long had a complex emotional bond with their constitutions. Historian Ute Frevert's latest book, Constitutional Feelings, examines how trust, pride, and acceptance have shaped this relationship over time. Her research reveals shifting attitudes—from indifference in the 1950s to strong confidence in recent years.

In the 1950s, jurist Karl Loewenstein noted a striking absence of 'constitutional feeling' in post-war West Germany. Many citizens saw the Basic Law as a foreign imposition rather than a shared foundation. This changed in the 1970s, when people began viewing the state as their own responsibility, and acceptance of the constitution grew.

The Weimar Republic offers a different example. Enthusiasm for its constitution increased over time, with nationwide celebrations marking its importance. Yet, emotional attachment alone could not prevent its collapse. Frevert, a renowned historian born in 1954, has spent decades studying emotions in history. As former director of the History of Feelings research area at Berlin's Max Planck Institute, she explores how trust, honour, and social bonds influence political systems. Constitutions do more than organise power—they rely on emotional ties to function. Today, 83% of Germans report great or fairly great trust in their constitution. But Frevert questions whether this sentiment extends to all political groups. The AfD party claims strong constitutional loyalty, yet she suspects its supporters may feel differently.

Frevert's work highlights a key truth: constitutions depend on more than legal text. Emotional connections determine whether they endure or fail. Her findings show how trust in Germany's Basic Law has evolved—and why it still matters today.