The willingness to learn new skills is very high.

Taken at face value, the line expresses an optimistic assessment of people’s readiness to adapt—especially in contexts like technological change, labor-market shifts, or lifelong education. It implies that reskilling is not primarily blocked by attitude or motivation, but by other factors (access to training, time, institutional support, recognition of qualifications). Attributed to Angela Merkel, it also fits a pragmatic political rhetoric that frames modernization as manageable if citizens are given pathways to learn. The statement can function as reassurance during periods of economic transition: societies can remain competitive and cohesive when individuals are prepared to acquire new competencies.