Heat-Related Hydration Warnings Issued: Approximately Half of Germans Consume Insufficient Fluids During Summer - Excessive heat may lead to dehydration for nearly half of the German population, according to a health insurance warning.
In a nationwide survey conducted by an unspecified organization during a heatwave in July 2025, it was revealed that many Germans may not be drinking enough water on hot days. The survey, which took place in Hamburg, Germany, involved 1,001 participants aged 18 and over.
The results showed that among those aged 18 to 39, 35% drink less than two liters of water on hot days. This figure rose to 39% for those aged 40 to 59, and an alarming 62% for people over 60 years old.
Ute Erdenberger, head of TK Health Management, explained that there is no one-size-fits-all drinking amount for hot days. She emphasized that the body needs more fluid to break down alcohol, and sugar-sweetened beverages increase the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Erdenberger also highlighted that ideal thirst-quenchers, not just during heatwaves, are tap water, mineral water, unsweetened teas, and diluted juice spritzers. She advised against alcoholic, caffeinated, and sugary drinks, as they may contribute to dehydration.
The favorite drinks of most Germans during heatwaves were tap or mineral water (94%), followed by coffee (51%), tea (39%), fruit juices or spritzers (36%), non-alcoholic beer (24%), and alcoholic beer (21%).
According to general knowledge of health recommendations by German health insurers like TK Health Management, the typical advice for hot days includes drinking at least 1.5 to 2 liters of fluids per day, with increased intake on hot days or during physical exertion. Favoring water and unsweetened herbal teas as ideal thirst-quenchers to maintain hydration without added sugar or calories is also encouraged.
The German Nutrition Society further recommends drinking one to two glasses of water every hour, even if not thirsty yet, on hot days. However, specific recommendations from TK Health Management regarding water consumption and ideal thirst-quenchers for hot days in Germany were not found in the survey's results.
For precise guidance directly from TK Health Management, you may need to consult their official website or publications specifically discussing summer hydration recommendations in Germany.
The survey resulted in a concerning trend, with 62% of individuals over 60 years old drinking less than the recommended amount of water during heatwaves, which could potentially lead to sickness. The head of TK Health Management, Ute Erdenberger, advised against consuming alcoholic, caffeinated, and sugary drinks, as they may exacerbate dehydration and pose health risks, emphasizing the importance of choosing ideal thirst-quenchers like tap water, mineral water, unsweetened teas, and diluted juice spritzers. These recommendations align with the general knowledge of health recommendations by German health insurers and the German Nutrition Society, which encourage consistent fluid intake, particularly water and unsweetened herbal teas, to maintain hydration during hot days and throughout Europe.
