Breaking Down the Leisure Time of the Germans: “Sitz- und Schmalzarbeit” vs. Real Fun
Free time entertainment trends in Germany reveal that a significant portion, approximately 33%, is dedicated to television and online streaming.
Germans, famously known for their discipline and hard work, reportedly spend around six and a half hours a day on leisure activities. According to the Federal Statistical Office, one third of this time - roughly two hours and seven minutes - goes into watching TV and streaming [1]. The Time Use Survey, conducted every decade, was last conducted in 2022, with data still influenced by the Corona pandemic. It interrogates people aged 10 and above [2].
Leisure time, it seems, is spent primarily on inert pursuits. On average, an hour and fifteen minutes every day is dedicated to social contacts and engagement, including phone calls, social media, visits, meetings, or café outings. Cultural activities such as music, reading, going to the cinema, or outings occupy about 53 minutes a day, while sports and computer or smartphone use (excluding communication) claim roughly 30 minutes [1].
Activities like gardening, DIY, sewing, baking, or pet care are not classified as leisure activities in the Time Use Survey. These are considered unpaid work. And, of course, sleep does not fall under the leisure category [1].
The weekend and holidays witness a significant increase in the leisure time, with an average of 7 hours and 45 minutes daily, compared to the weekdays' 5 hours and 26 minutes [1]. "These figures are averages, considering factors like age, gender, employment status," the Office pointed out [1].
While the precise breakdown and the average hours spent on different leisure activities from the 2022 survey are yet to be released, a press release regarding leisure activities during weekends, holidays, and weekdays is expected by June 2025 [2]. In the meantime, retirees reportedly enjoy nearly five hours of free time on workdays in 2023, while young adults manage about four and a half hours [1]. Other surveys suggest that internet usage, watching TV, and listening to music top the popular leisure activities list [3].
[1] ntv.de, DPA[2] German Federal Statistical Office (2023)[3] Survey by German Institute for Economic Research (2024)
- Community aid initiatives, such as vocational training programs for unemployed individuals, could potentially be a means to promote active leisure activities and reduce the time spent passively on activities like watching TV.
- For those seeking a change in their lifestyle, vocational training in fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, or travel industries might offer exciting opportunities for personal growth and enjoyment beyond traditional leisure activities.
- Build stronger relationships by setting aside time for shared hobbies like pets care or car maintenance; such activities could offer an alternative to common forms of leisure in everyday life.
- The weekend market offers diverse shopping options like fresh produce, crafts, or vintage items, allowing for unique experiences and support for small businesses during your free time.
- Exploring new travel destinations, learning about local cultures, and participating in activities like outdoor sports can provide a more immersive and memorable leisure experience than passive pursuits such as TV watching.
