Observed Signal · Aug 2, 2026 · Study · Source: Retail-News · Impact: 1/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Crypto Usage in DACH: Germany Lags Behind
A BearingPoint study finds clear differences in cryptocurrency adoption across the DACH region: Germany is notably more cautious than Austria and Switzerland. Reported occasional crypto usage is 11% in Germany, 18% in Austria and 23% in Switzerland. Swiss respondents also rate cryptocurrencies as suitable investments more often (37%) than Austrians (28%) and Germans (23%). Interest in central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) is higher in Switzerland (44%) than in Austria (38%) or Germany (29%). More than 80% of respondents in all three countries still trust state-backed currencies as reliable payment methods. Usage is driven by younger consumers (about one third of 18–24‑year‑olds use digital currencies) and shows gender and income gaps.
Consumer adoption study about cryptocurrencies and CBDC interest in DACH — informative for payment and retail strategy but has limited direct impact on core AdTech/MarTech infrastructure or programmatic advertising.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- A study by consulting firm BearingPoint analysed crypto usage, attitudes and strategic importance of digital assets in the DACH region.
- Occasional cryptocurrency usage: Germany 11%, Austria 18%, Switzerland 23%.
- Share who consider cryptocurrencies suitable as an investment: Germany 23%, Austria 28%, Switzerland 37%.
- Interest in central bank digital currencies (CBDCs): Germany 29%, Austria 38%, Switzerland 44%.
- More than 80% of respondents across all three countries still view state-backed currencies as a reliable payment method; about one third of 18–24‑year‑olds already use digital currencies.
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