Perceived and Actual Use of Cryptocurrencies: Germany Q1 2019

July 2019 – Report No. 2

Results of a representative survey among German Internet users

Based on a representative survey among 3,864 German adult Internet users, this report presents reliable insights on the respondents’ faith in, and the challenges associated with cryptocurrencies, as well as on their perceived vs. actual use. Most respondents were introduced to cryptocurrencies by their private and professional environment (57%), followed by media news (27%) and advertising (14%). General faith in cryptocurrencies is rather low, with an average score of 3.62 on a scale of 0 to 10, though there are large differences across various subgroups. Respondents who have at some point owned cryptocurrencies and people who consider themselves knowledgeable about cryptocurrencies have a higher level of trust. For current and former owners, there is a positive correlation between the level of trust and the level of self-reported knowledge about cryptocurrencies, whereas the correlation is reversed for non-owners.

Regarding the challenges for the adoption of cryptocurrencies, the highest rating was found for less knowledgeable respondents with respect to price fluctuations (6.9 on a scale of 0 to 10); more knowledgeable respondents considered the risk of manipulation to be the greatest challenge (6.7). Among the perceived use cases for cryptocurrencies, short-term speculation is rated the highest, whereas voting received the lowest scores. However, we find differences between current owners, former owners, and non-owners of cryptocurrencies. Cryptocurrencies are actually used most frequently for investment purposes (on 3.5 days per month), access to services (on 2.8 days) and payment transactions (on 2.7 days).

The State of Cryptocurrency Adoption: Germany Q1 2019

May 2019 – Report No. 1

Results of a representative survey among German Internet users

A survey among 3,864 respondents that is representative of the adult Internet population in Germany allows deep and reliable insights into the adoption and usage of cryptocurrencies. 87% of the population know about cryptocurrencies. 18% of all adult Internet users in Germany either currently own cryptocurrencies (9.2%) or have owned some in the past (9.1%), with Bitcoin being most well-known (83%), followed by Bitcoin Cash (27%) and Ethereum (23%). Most users first acquired or mined cryptocurrency in 2017 or 2018. Bitcoin.de is the preferred exchange of Germans, followed by Coinbase and Kraken. On average, €2,770 was invested and the current average portfolio value is €6,314 (+128%). Nearly two thirds of crypto users (62%) report their exposure to be ideologically motivated. The average age of crypto users is 39 years, they are very often male (68%), better educated, and have a higher income compared to non-users.