Germans devote approximately one-third of their leisure time to television and streaming activities.
In the ever-evolving world of relaxation, Germans are no exception. Let's delve into the leisure time habits of our neighbors across the border.
Germans' Average Leisure Time
As per the Federal Statistical Office's latest survey (conducted in 2022, with a COVID-19 influences), the average German spends approximately six and a half hours on leisure activities daily. But what activities are they indulging in?
The Great TV Binge
Surprisingly (or not so much), television and streaming claim a third of that leisure time—around two hours and seven minutes every day!
Socializing and Cultural Activities
About an hour and fifteen minutes a day are dedicated to social contacts and sociability. This includes Palm Sunday hugs, phone calls, social media chats, and cafe visits. Cultural affairs, such as reading, music, cinema, or outings, take up an average of 53 minutes daily.
Sports, Tech, and More
Half an hour each is spent on sports and Smartphone/computer use (excluding communication). The remaining portions of the free time go towards less common leisure activities like DIY projects, gardening, or pet care and are counted as unpaid work in the survey. Sleep, by the way, isn't addressed as a leisure activity.
Weekend vs. Weekday Activities
On weekends and holidays, Germans enjoy 7 hours and 45 minutes of leisure time per day. During the week, the average leisure time browns down to 5 hours and 26 minutes. The Federal Statistical Office cautions that these figures are averages across different age groups, genders, and employment statuses.
Post-COVID-19 Leisure Trends
While specific data on the impact of the pandemic on German leisure activities is yet to be released, it's evident that the shift towards digital activities like online entertainment and social media use escalated as people stayed home due to lockdowns.
Traditional leisure activities like theme park visits initially saw dips due to crowd restrictions but have made a comeback, reaching new highs post-pandemic. As the industry gears up for growth, it continues to battle challenges such as labor shortages.
Sources: ntv.de, DPA
[1] (Source: Statista, 2024)[2] (Source: German Institute for Economic Research, 2023)[3] (Source: IAAPA Europe, 2022)
Community aid, vocational training, and home-and-garden activities are likely to gain more focus in Germans' leisure time post-COVID-19, as they have been increasingly engaging in digital activities like online entertainment and social media use for leisure purposes. The shift towards technology during the pandemic might inspire new vocational training programs related to home-and-garden, home improvement, and DIY projects. With the increasing popularity of virtual events and remote activities, social-media platforms may become significant platforms for offering vocational training and community aid initiatives. In turn, this could foster a more interactive and engaging lifestyle for Germans, integrating education, entertainment, and socializing seamlessly within their leisure time.
