Sociological theories of value change (Inglehart 2000) and human development (Welzel 2013) identify tolerance as a core value to foster social cohesion in modern societies. Rather than being homogeneous, most modern societies are increasingly diverse and the diversity of religions, cultures and ideologies is often potential for conflict. The United Nations therefore invites everyone to observe the International Day for Tolerance on 16 November.

How people in Germany feel about the value of tolerance has been a question in the ALLBUS-program twice before. The data from 2002 and 2012, however, does not show a clear trend in attitudes towards tolerance. The appreciation of tolerance seems to be stagnating. Nevertheless: at least two-thirds of the people in Germany consider tolerating other opinions as an important or very important personal value.