Don’t say Auf Wediershen! 80% of Germans think Brexit will significantly damage EU

It also appears Germans do not hold out much hope for Britain’s future either, with 82 per cent believing the impact of Brexit will be negative on the UK, compared with just nine per cent who think the country will benefit in the long run.

The news comes after David Davis and EU negotiator Michel Barnier claimed little progress had been made on major issues in a hostile press conference at the conclusion of the latest round of Brexit talks yesterday.

“However, as I said at the start of the week, it’s only through flexibility and imagination that we will achieve a deal that works truly for both sides.

“In some areas we have found this from the Commission’s side, which I welcome, but there remains some way to go.”

“At this round we presented our legal analysis and it is fair to say… we have a very different legal stance, and as we said in the Article 50 letter, the settlement should be in accordance with law and in the positive of the UK’s continuing partnership with the EU.

“I think we’ve succeeded in agreeing mutual understanding but there are still significant differences to be bridged.”

Speaking about the controversial divorce bill, she said: “This is about obligations that Great Britain has entered into and that naturally must remain on the books.

“It’s not about the cost of divorce — that makes it sound like fines. We’re still at the very start of these negotiations.”

“Their make-believe Brexit bill has not legal basis whatsoever and the EU knows it.”

Forschungsgruppe Wahlen polled 1,308 German citizens between 29-31 August.