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We study how Germans perceive the 2 (1.5)C target. We assess (a) whether Germans know the 2 (1.5)C target; how they relate global temperature change of 2 (1.5) degrees to (b) the correct past time reference point, namely the beginning of industrialization, and (c) the correct future time reference point, namely that warming should never exceed more than 2 degrees. In 2022, we replicate three questions asked to GESIS Panel participants in 2016, so as to assess whether perceptions have changed over time. We will relate participants’ answers to established measures from the GESIS environmental core study, namely perceived severity of climate change, attitudes towards German climate politics, environmental world views, as well as demographic variables. Results will help understanding how different Germans understand the most important global climate goal, the 2 (1.5)C target. This includes identifying subgroups of the population that will particularly benefit from communications about the 2 (1.5)C target. This data is complemented with N=28 semi-structured interviews with members of the general German population, for assessing the range of perceptions associated with the 1.5 degree target and climate policy goals more generally. Findings will help designing simple and effective communications about the 2 (1.5)C target and related climate policy goals.