Feeling Left Out

The survey, conducted at the beginning of October, was commissioned by the public broadcaster ARD.

A full 78 percent of German voters who were questioned said they had not profited from Germany's good economic times.

Germany has been on an economic upswing for the past two years, with a predicted growth rate in 2007 of 2.5 percent. Unemployment in Germany was 8.4 percent in September, the lowest it has been in the past 12 years. Yet despite the good economic times, Germans seem relatively pessimistic about their personal gain.

While a majority of people across age, occupational and income groups said they had not benefited from the economic boom, the feeling was especially strong among low-income earners. Nine of 10 people with a household income under 1,500 euros ($2,116) per month felt left out of the boom. Among families who made more than 3,000 euros per month, 48 percent thought that they had indeed done well for themselves during the economic good times.

In eastern Germany people were more likely to have been unhappy with their personal gains (83 percent) than in western Germany (77 percent).

Not seeing the benefits of the boom

This survey comes on the heels of two recent reports which showed that German workers are not a happy bunch.

A report released by the Bild newspaper in September showed that net salaries of German workers were at their lowest point in 20 years.

The average net pay check -- after the deduction of taxes, social contributions and taking into account price developments in the past year -- amounted to 15,845 euros, the newspaper said, citing government figures. That was almost the same as in 1986, when the average net salary was 15,785 euros. Inflation is largely to blame for the fact that workers are taking home less pay despite rising gross wages, statistics showed.

Additionally, a survey in September commissioned by the DGB German Trade Union Federation, found that one of three employees in Germany believes it won't be possible to continue working until reaching retirement age. Only every eighth worker surveyed is happy with his job and working conditions.

Respondents think the government could do more

Respondents were asked what measures the German government could take to improve equality between the rich and poor. Some 85 percent supported improving unemployment benefits for those people who have worked and paid into the social security system.

Seven out of 10 said they support a minimum wage. Germany's ruling left-right coalition recently agreed to set a minimum wage for postal workers. But the coalition can't agree on whether to institute a general minimum wage or limit it to certain industrial sectors.

Respondents also felt the government could ease the tax burden, with 61 percent of respondents saying it would help improve equality.

The survey, done by Infratest dimap for ARD, questioned more than 1,000 eligible voters.