German Firms Adopt Generative AI but Neglect Training, Comment Criticizes Policy

A commentary in the German newspaper Der Freitag criticizes the lack of AI training in German businesses despite widespread adoption. According to the article, nearly one in four German companies used generative AI in 2025, but only 27% of those offered related training. More than half had neither training nor plans for it. The author argues that while politics and industry urge employees to overcome reservations and qualify for the future workplace, the question of when they will have time to learn is rarely asked. The piece also notes that the German government is weakening EU-wide continuing education obligations, favoring a 'demand instead of promote' approach. The commentary suggests that the problem is not a lack of information materials or online course links, but the absence of dedicated learning time. The article is authored by Jörn Boewe and published in the current issue of Der Freitag.