A new study examining the sexual behavior of adolescents and young adults in Germany reveals notable shifts in the timing of first sexual and romantic experiences. Researchers attribute these changes, in part, to evolving attitudes toward risk and a greater emphasis on conscious decision-making.
Delayed First Experiences
According to Mechthild Paul, Deputy Head of the Federal Institute for Public Health, “Young people are generally taking more time and making conscious decisions when it comes to sexuality.” This finding, the result of the tenth representative survey conducted by the former Federal Centre for Health Education, is linked to improved sexual education. The study defines “adolescents” as those aged 14 to 17, and “young adults” as those aged 18 to 25.
Currently, only 18 percent of 14- to 17-year-olds report having had sexual intercourse, a 10-percentage-point decrease compared to the 2019 study. A similar trend is observed across all age groups surveyed. The 17- to 20-year-old cohort shows the most significant change, with sexual activity decreasing from 61 percent in 2019 to 40 percent currently.
Reasons for the Shift
The study indicates that a lack of a suitable partner is a primary reason for this delay, cited by approximately half of both adolescents (51 percent) and young adults (53 percent). Additionally, 41 percent of adolescents feel “too young” for sexual intercourse, while 37 percent describe themselves as “too shy.”
Psychologist Sara Scharmanski, a representative of the Federal Institute, suggests that changes in leisure activities and communication patterns contribute to these trends. She notes that young people may have fewer opportunities to meet partners, with increasingly structured schedules and a decline in risk-taking behaviors, such as alcohol consumption. Scharmanski believes the COVID-19 pandemic acted as a “catalyst” for these existing trends, rather than being the sole cause.
Changing Attitudes and Safer Practices
The study also reveals a growing preference for established relationships when initiating sexual activity. 65 percent of female respondents and 53 percent of male respondents reported being in a committed relationship with their first sexual partner, compared to 64 and 50 percent respectively in 2019. A larger proportion of respondents also report being “well acquainted” with their first partner, with 25 percent of women and 31 percent of men stating this was the case.
Regarding contraception, six percent of those who have engaged in sexual activity reported not using protection during their first time, with men (8 percent) less likely to use contraception than women (4 percent). Condoms remain the most common method of contraception for first-time experiences, used in 76 percent of cases – a figure largely unchanged from 2019. The birth control pill saw a slight increase in use, from 30 percent in 2019 to 34 percent.
Later First Kisses
The trend of delayed sexual experiences extends to other forms of intimacy. In 2019, over half (53 percent) of 14-year-olds had already had their first kiss. Today, that number has fallen to approximately one-third.
The study highlights a growing reliance on school-based sexual education, with 78 percent of young people reporting receiving information about sexuality and contraception in school, up from 69 percent in 2019. Teachers and parents are also increasingly seen as trusted sources of information, while peers are becoming less influential.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main finding of the study?
The main finding is that adolescents and young adults in Germany are delaying their first sexual and romantic experiences, and are making more conscious decisions about their sexual health.
What factors are contributing to this trend?
Factors include changes in leisure activities, a decline in risk-taking behaviors like alcohol consumption, and increased access to quality sexual education.
Has the use of contraception changed?
While condoms remain the most popular choice, the use of the birth control pill has slightly increased for first-time sexual experiences, while its use among more sexually active individuals has decreased.
As these trends continue, it will be important to monitor their long-term effects on young people’s relationships, well-being, and public health. Will this shift towards more deliberate decision-making continue, and what role will evolving social norms and educational initiatives play in shaping the future of youth sexuality?
