How our surveys work

1. The question starts with members

Members can submit a proposal about an issue or a public figure. The editorial team reviews clarity, relevance and suitability. Support in the proposal list shows interest. It does not replace review or a later survey.

2. Give an informed answer

A useful question defines its subject precisely. Terms such as a universal basic income need a clear explanation; different perspectives and sources help people form their own view. Leading wording should be avoided.

A single choice, multiple choices, a scale or free text may suit different questions. An agreement scale can range from strongly in favour through undecided to strongly against. A neutral position is a valid answer in its own right and must not be interpreted as support.

3. Each survey states its conditions

A survey shows when it opens and closes and who may participate. Member surveys require confirmed membership. One submission is accepted per eligible account. This is a technical safeguard against duplicate answers, not government identity verification.

The trial does not promise a fixed monthly schedule or number of surveys. What matters is the surveys actually published and open, and their individual deadlines.

4. Read results in context

The results state the included responses and show their distribution. Publication rules and a minimum response threshold may limit what is displayed. Free-text submissions are not shown as public individual answers. Access to interim results depends on the applicable release settings.

The responses come from a self-selecting membership. Even a large number of responses does not automatically make a survey representative of Germany. opd surveys are not statutory elections or referendums.

5. Findings can inform the next steps

Published results can inform conversations, campaigns or events. These require a clearly described remit and people who accept responsibility. Publishing a number alone does not guarantee political change.

What is consensus-oriented decision-making?

Consensus-oriented methods seek workable solutions and take objections seriously. A yes/no vote, an agreement scale and a method for measuring resistance are not the same thing. Each question must make clear what it measures; the website does not claim to use a special consensus method unless one is expressly specified.