Reference metadata describe statistical concepts and methodologies used for the collection and generation of data. They provide information on data quality and, since they are strongly content-oriented, assist users in interpreting the data. Reference metadata, unlike structural metadata, can be decoupled from the data.
F2 Demography, Housing and Migration, Labour market
1.3. Contact name
Confidential because of GDPR
1.4. Contact person function
Confidential because of GDPR
1.5. Contact mail address
65180 Wiesbaden
Germany
1.6. Contact email address
Confidential because of GDPR
1.7. Contact phone number
Confidential because of GDPR
1.8. Contact fax number
Confidential because of GDPR
2.1. Metadata last certified
27 June 2024
2.2. Metadata last posted
27 June 2024
2.3. Metadata last update
27 June 2024
3.1. Data description
Population at the end of 2024 and components of population change (vital events and migration events, statistical adjustments).
Vital events are based on data provided by the registrar offices; Migration flows are based on data provided by the residents' registers.
Statistical adjustments are made to take into account:
Corrections transmitted by the residents' registers and ;
Events which are registered in the reference year but occured earlier than the previous year.
3.2. Classification system
Not applicable
3.3. Coverage - sector
Not applicable
3.4. Statistical concepts and definitions
3.4.1 Please indicate the definition of:
Population
The mother's residence
The data deaths
1.Usual Residence Population
2.Legal Residence Population
3.Registered Residence Population
4.Other
1.Usual Residence Population
2.Legal Residence Population
3.Registered Residence Population
4.Other
1.Usual Residence Population
2.Legal Residence Population
3.Registered Residence Population
4.Other
x
x
x
x
x
x
3.4.2 Please describe the national definition of
Population
Live births
Deaths
Immigrants
Emigrants
Persons at the place where they are or should be registered with single or main residence in Germany.
Population data are based on the last census (2022) and continuously updated using the component method.
All live births registered by the registrar's offices in Germany for the reference period where the mother's place of residence is in the country. Births of children whose mother has her residence abroad are not taken into account. Births of children abroad with the mother's place of residence in Germany are included when they are reported to a german registrar.
Definition of live birth: After separation from the mother the child breathes (naturally) or its heart beats or there is pulsation of the umbilical cord. (Duration of pregnancy is irrelevant.)
All deaths of persons having a residence in Germany registered by the registrar's offices in Germany for the reference period. Deaths of persons having their residence abroad are not taken into account. Deaths of persons abroad but having a residence in Germany are included when they are reported to a german registrar.
Definition of death: After live birth sure signs of death must be certificated (as rigor mortis, livores, brain death).
Statistical unit is the migration event. Every registration from a person coming from abroad and previously without a residence in Germany is counted regardless of intended duration of stay. Registration is compulsory for persons taking a residence in Germany for at least 3 months.
Statistical unit is the migration event. Every deregistration (including administrative deregistrations) from a person moving out of all residences in Germany and moving abroad is counted regardless of intended duration of stay abroad. Deregistration is compulsory when moving out of a residence regardless of intended duration of stay abroad. Administrative deregistrations of persons who moved to an unknown place are included.
3.4.3 Please provide details of the deviations of the national definition used from the usual residence definition.
Population
Live births
Deaths
Immigrants
Emigrants
National concept based on registration rules. Main differences concern time criterium and multiple residences. Persons moving to Germany and registrating are counted regardless of intended duration of stay. Registration is compulsory when taking a residence for more than 3 months. Persons deregistrating when moving abroad are counted regardless of intended duration of stay abroad. Deregistration is compulsory when moving out of a residence regardless of intended duration of stay abroad. Persons with a residence in Germany and further residences abroad are counted.
Main difference concerns time criterion.
Main difference concerns time criterion.
Main differences concern time criterion and statistical unit.
Main differences concern time criterion and statistical unit.
3.5. Statistical unit
Stock: Number of residents Vital events and migration flows: Number of events
3.6. Statistical population
In case of survey as data source, please describe the target statistical population (one or more) which the data set refers to
Population
Live births
Deaths
Immigrants
Emigrants
3.7. Reference area
Data are provided at the national level.
3.8. Coverage - Time
Since 2014
3.9. Base period
Not applicable
Persons
The reference date for population data is the end of the reference period (midnight of 31 December). The reference period for vital events data is the calendar year in which the events occurred. The reference period for migration flow data is in principal the calendar year in which the migration was registered.
Events which occured towards the end of the reference year and are transmitted at the beginnig of the following year (until end of January for migration flows and until end of february for vital events) are included in the reference year.
With this exception, events which are transmitted in the reference year but occured in the previous year are counted in the vital and migration flow statistics of the reference year. Events which occured earlier are taken into account as a correction of population data.
6.1. Institutional Mandate - legal acts and other agreements
The intercensal population updates use the results of the last census as a basis and the results of the national migration statistics and of the vital statistics for the update (component method). All the data included in the calculation of total population were previously subject to a variety of measures to ensure the reliability of the results. The administrative data collected from population registers and from vital registers for the migration statistics and for vital statistics are subject to continuous plausibility checks and are checked for double counting or missing data deliveries. If a data provider detects errors in its data and corrects them, the correction is sent and taken into account in the intercensal population update.
11.2. Quality management - assessment
The quality of intercensal population updates depends to a large extent on the quality (completeness, accuracy) of the statistical results included in the calculation. All elements of intercensal population updates are based on complete counts. The system of intercensal population updates ensures high coherence of the different sets of population statistics because all statistics included in the updates are produced using the same concepts, definitions and classifications. The components of population development (live births, deaths, migrations) are consistent and their reliability is generally high or very high. However, intercensal population updates require regular adjustments by way of a new population census. As time elapses since the last census, inaccuracies (overcoverage or undercoverage in individual groups of the population) accumulate in the intercensal population updates. The data 2024 are based on census 2022
12.1. Relevance - User Needs
Population data are needed for a wide range of users for administrativ, planing, statistical, scientific and economic purposes and are of general interest for the society.
12.2. Relevance - User Satisfaction
Not applicable
12.3. Completeness
Data contents meet all the legal requirements.
13.1. Accuracy - overall
Please report on the reasons for any unreliability of the data on:
Population
Live births
Deaths
Immigrants
Emigrants
Net migration
Population data are generally reliable. See immigrants and emigrants for main source of error
-
-
Main source of uncertainty is incorrect information on last place of residence
To ensure quality, data is collected after the residents' register checked whether the last residence was in Germany
Emigrants not deregistrating
Administrativ deregistrations are taken into account. When information on the new place of residence in such cases is missing, it is assumed that the new place of residence is not in Germany.
See immigrants and emigrants
13.2. Sampling error
In case of survey as data source, please provide information on the part of the difference between a population value and an estimate thereof, derived from a random sample, which is due to the fact that only a subset of the population is enumerated.
Population
Live births
Deaths
Immigrants
Emigrants
not applicable
not applicable
not applicable
not applicable
not applicable
13.3. Non-sampling error
In case of survey as data source, please provide information on the error in survey estimates which cannot be attributed to sampling fluctuations.
Population
Live births
Deaths
Immigrants
Emigrants
not applicable
not applicable
not applicable
not applicable
not applicable
14.1. Timeliness
National final data are published about 6 months after the end of the reference period.
Provisional results on vital events and migration flows are available in April of the following year.
14.2. Punctuality
Data were provided punctually.
15.1. Comparability - geographical
Data are processed using the same method and the same procedure, so that the geographical comparability within Germany is considered to be very good.
15.2. Comparability - over time
Please provide information on the length of comparable time series (indicate the first reference year for which data are availble), reference periods at which series occur, the reasons for the breaks and treatments of them.
Population
Live births
Deaths
Immigrants
Emigrants
Time series for final data goes back to 1950. Data with different Census bases not fully comparable. In particular, there are breaks in time series following census 2011 and census 2022.
Time series for final data since 1946.
Time series for final data since 1946.
Time series since 1950, break in 1991 due to german reunification. Due to methodical and technical changes in 2016, data on migrations are from 2016 on not fully comparable with the previous years.
Time series since 1950, break in 1991 due to german reunification. Due to methodical and technical changes in 2016, data on migrations from 2016 on not fully comparable with the previous years.
15.3. Coherence - cross domain
Not available
15.4. Coherence - internal
Demographic balance is coherent as all statistics are based on the same population concept.
Not available
17.1. Data revision - policy
Provisional data on vital events and migration are revised with the final annual results. The estimation on population stocks on 31 December 2022 and 2023 based on census 2022 were revised with the final data based on census 2022.
17.2. Data revision - practice
Provisional data on vital events and migration are revised with the final annual results. The estimation on population stocks on 31 December 2022 and 2023 based on census 2022 were revised with the final data based on census 2022.
18.1. Source data
Please report on the data sources used for the first reference year and inform of any changes thereto, to produce:
Population
Live births
Deaths
Immigrants
Emigrants
Calculation using the results of the last census and the statistics on vital events and on migrations (intercensal population updates).
Births registered at registrar's offices.
Deaths registred at registrar's offices.
Registrations at local residents' register offices.
Deregistrations (including administrative deregistrations) at local residents' register offices.
18.2. Frequency of data collection
Data on vital events and on migration flows are collected online on a day to day basis.
18.3. Data collection
The registrar's offices and residents' register offices automatically send data on registered events to the statistical offices of the Länder. After validation of the data, the statistical offices of the Länder monthly transmit summary data on flows to the Federal statistical office for computation of the national results. Intercensal population updates are calculated in a decentralised way by the statistical offices of the Länder for their territory in a common data processing system and are made available to the Federal Statistical Office.
18.4. Data validation
There is a validation of single data on vital events and migration by checking for double counting and plausibility of data and partly for completeness through the statistical offices of the Länder. Results of each flow statistic as well as the results of intercensal population updates are checked for global plausibility and consistency by expert assessment at the statistical offices of the Länder and at the Federal statistical office. Data delivered more than once as well as irrelevant data such as events which occurred prior to the last census are deleted. Missing or not plausible variables are either imputed or are filled/corrected after clarification with the data provider. Variables are coded using national statistical classifications (e.g. classification of territorial units, classification of countries). Corrections to previous data received from the data providers are processed and, if relevant, are taken into account in the calculation of population data. Corrections are taken into account in the yearly statistics on vital events and on migration flows if the event and the correction are processed in the same reference year.
18.5. Data compilation
In the case of administrativ deregistrations where the new place of residence is not known, it is assumed that the person left Germany and is counted in the emigration data.
18.6. Adjustment
Not applicable
Not available.
Population at the end of 2024 and components of population change (vital events and migration events, statistical adjustments).
Vital events are based on data provided by the registrar offices; Migration flows are based on data provided by the residents' registers.
Statistical adjustments are made to take into account:
Corrections transmitted by the residents' registers and ;
Events which are registered in the reference year but occured earlier than the previous year.
27 June 2024
3.4.1 Please indicate the definition of:
Population
The mother's residence
The data deaths
1.Usual Residence Population
2.Legal Residence Population
3.Registered Residence Population
4.Other
1.Usual Residence Population
2.Legal Residence Population
3.Registered Residence Population
4.Other
1.Usual Residence Population
2.Legal Residence Population
3.Registered Residence Population
4.Other
x
x
x
x
x
x
3.4.2 Please describe the national definition of
Population
Live births
Deaths
Immigrants
Emigrants
Persons at the place where they are or should be registered with single or main residence in Germany.
Population data are based on the last census (2022) and continuously updated using the component method.
All live births registered by the registrar's offices in Germany for the reference period where the mother's place of residence is in the country. Births of children whose mother has her residence abroad are not taken into account. Births of children abroad with the mother's place of residence in Germany are included when they are reported to a german registrar.
Definition of live birth: After separation from the mother the child breathes (naturally) or its heart beats or there is pulsation of the umbilical cord. (Duration of pregnancy is irrelevant.)
All deaths of persons having a residence in Germany registered by the registrar's offices in Germany for the reference period. Deaths of persons having their residence abroad are not taken into account. Deaths of persons abroad but having a residence in Germany are included when they are reported to a german registrar.
Definition of death: After live birth sure signs of death must be certificated (as rigor mortis, livores, brain death).
Statistical unit is the migration event. Every registration from a person coming from abroad and previously without a residence in Germany is counted regardless of intended duration of stay. Registration is compulsory for persons taking a residence in Germany for at least 3 months.
Statistical unit is the migration event. Every deregistration (including administrative deregistrations) from a person moving out of all residences in Germany and moving abroad is counted regardless of intended duration of stay abroad. Deregistration is compulsory when moving out of a residence regardless of intended duration of stay abroad. Administrative deregistrations of persons who moved to an unknown place are included.
3.4.3 Please provide details of the deviations of the national definition used from the usual residence definition.
Population
Live births
Deaths
Immigrants
Emigrants
National concept based on registration rules. Main differences concern time criterium and multiple residences. Persons moving to Germany and registrating are counted regardless of intended duration of stay. Registration is compulsory when taking a residence for more than 3 months. Persons deregistrating when moving abroad are counted regardless of intended duration of stay abroad. Deregistration is compulsory when moving out of a residence regardless of intended duration of stay abroad. Persons with a residence in Germany and further residences abroad are counted.
Main difference concerns time criterion.
Main difference concerns time criterion.
Main differences concern time criterion and statistical unit.
Main differences concern time criterion and statistical unit.
Stock: Number of residents Vital events and migration flows: Number of events
In case of survey as data source, please describe the target statistical population (one or more) which the data set refers to
Population
Live births
Deaths
Immigrants
Emigrants
Data are provided at the national level.
The reference date for population data is the end of the reference period (midnight of 31 December). The reference period for vital events data is the calendar year in which the events occurred. The reference period for migration flow data is in principal the calendar year in which the migration was registered.
Events which occured towards the end of the reference year and are transmitted at the beginnig of the following year (until end of January for migration flows and until end of february for vital events) are included in the reference year.
With this exception, events which are transmitted in the reference year but occured in the previous year are counted in the vital and migration flow statistics of the reference year. Events which occured earlier are taken into account as a correction of population data.
Please report on the reasons for any unreliability of the data on:
Population
Live births
Deaths
Immigrants
Emigrants
Net migration
Population data are generally reliable. See immigrants and emigrants for main source of error
-
-
Main source of uncertainty is incorrect information on last place of residence
To ensure quality, data is collected after the residents' register checked whether the last residence was in Germany
Emigrants not deregistrating
Administrativ deregistrations are taken into account. When information on the new place of residence in such cases is missing, it is assumed that the new place of residence is not in Germany.
See immigrants and emigrants
Persons
In the case of administrativ deregistrations where the new place of residence is not known, it is assumed that the person left Germany and is counted in the emigration data.
Please report on the data sources used for the first reference year and inform of any changes thereto, to produce:
Population
Live births
Deaths
Immigrants
Emigrants
Calculation using the results of the last census and the statistics on vital events and on migrations (intercensal population updates).
Births registered at registrar's offices.
Deaths registred at registrar's offices.
Registrations at local residents' register offices.
Deregistrations (including administrative deregistrations) at local residents' register offices.
Annually.
National data available on a monthly basis.
National final data are published about 6 months after the end of the reference period.
Provisional results on vital events and migration flows are available in April of the following year.
Data are processed using the same method and the same procedure, so that the geographical comparability within Germany is considered to be very good.
Please provide information on the length of comparable time series (indicate the first reference year for which data are availble), reference periods at which series occur, the reasons for the breaks and treatments of them.
Population
Live births
Deaths
Immigrants
Emigrants
Time series for final data goes back to 1950. Data with different Census bases not fully comparable. In particular, there are breaks in time series following census 2011 and census 2022.
Time series for final data since 1946.
Time series for final data since 1946.
Time series since 1950, break in 1991 due to german reunification. Due to methodical and technical changes in 2016, data on migrations are from 2016 on not fully comparable with the previous years.
Time series since 1950, break in 1991 due to german reunification. Due to methodical and technical changes in 2016, data on migrations from 2016 on not fully comparable with the previous years.
