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.
In Germany, the data for the infra-annual business demography is derived from the parts of the already existing monthly business registration and insolvency statistics. For the characteristic “business growth” the business registrations are used. For the characteristic “business exits” the data of business insolvency are used. The data must be published in quarterly periodicity. It must be provided to Eurostat with a transmission of Quarterly Business Demography (QBD) on Registrations and Bankruptcies with deadline of 40 days after the end of the reference quarter.
3.2. Classification system
NACE Rev. 2
3.3. Coverage - sector
NACE-sections B to S (excluding O and S94).
3.4. Statistical concepts and definitions
The required data are already available at the national level in the insolvency and business registration statistics.
3.5. Statistical unit
Enterprises, legal unit
3.6. Statistical population
All insolvent entreprises und business registrations in the previously mentioned NACE sections.
3.7. Reference area
Country as a whole.
3.8. Coverage - Time
Since 2011.
3.9. Base period
Not applicable.
Absolute figures.
Quarterly.
6.1. Institutional Mandate - legal acts and other agreements
European legal basis: REGULATION (EU) 2019/2152 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 27 November 2019 on European business statistics, repealing 10 legal acts in the field of business statistics (CELEX 32019R2152), Table 1 of the Commission implementing regulation 2020/1197.
Compliance with the Commission’s Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1197 implies that, from 2021 onwards, fast track Reports for each 3rd quarterly month (March, June, October, December) in the form of individual data with a delivery. Delivered by the regional Statistical Offices (Statistical Offices of the German States (Länder)) to destatis 30 days after the end of reference month. After 40 days results of Germany are transmitted to Eurostat.
6.2. Institutional Mandate - data sharing
The data are compiled by the Statistical Offices of the German States (Länder) and then transmitted to destatis. At the federal level the aggregates requested to Eurostat are generated and sent to Eurostat.
7.1. Confidentiality - policy
No confidentiality necessary, as only case number available.
7.2. Confidentiality - data treatment
not applicable, see 7.1
8.1. Release calendar
not applicable
8.2. Release calendar access
not applicable
8.3. Release policy - user access
not applicable
The data are disseminated quarterly.
10.1. Dissemination format - News release
not applicable
10.2. Dissemination format - Publications
not applicable
10.3. Dissemination format - online database
not applicable
10.4. Dissemination format - microdata access
not applicable
10.5. Dissemination format - other
QBD data (absolute values) are transmitted to Eurostat within 40 days after the reference period. The transmission is done by eDAMIS using the SDMX format.
10.6. Documentation on methodology
Quality reports of the “Statistik über beantragte Insolvenzverfahren” und “Gewerbeanzeigenstatistik”
10.7. Quality management - documentation
See 10.6.
11.1. Quality assurance
The data of destatis are characterised by a high degree of reliability, both national and international.
11.2. Quality management - assessment
The Statistical Offices of the German States (Länder) receive the insolvency data from insolvency courts and the data of business registrations from trade offices. They check the information for plausibility and completeness. They are responsible for the accuracy of the data.
12.1. Relevance - User Needs
not applicable
12.2. Relevance - User Satisfaction
not applicable
12.3. Completeness
not applicable
13.1. Accuracy - overall
Not applicable.
13.2. Sampling error
Not applicable, since full surveys.
13.3. Non-sampling error
Not applicable.
14.1. Timeliness
Send to Eurostat t + 40 days
14.2. Punctuality
Will be fulfilled.
15.1. Comparability - geographical
The results for Germany are made of the results of the federal states.
15.2. Comparability - over time
The data are comparable since 2011.
15.3. Coherence - cross domain
not applicable
15.4. Coherence - internal
The data are internally coherent (aggregates are composed of sub aggregates).
This policy applies to national publications and data sent to Eurostat.
Quarterly Business Demography (QBD) on Registrations and Bankruptcies are provisional data and are not subject to revision.
17.2. Data revision - practice
There are no routine revisions on Registrations and Bankruptcies (MAR=MR=0).
18.1. Source data
Insolvency courts and trade offices
18.2. Frequency of data collection
Monthly
18.3. Data collection
The data is collected in electronic form from Insolvency courts (business insolvency) and trade offices (business registration).
18.4. Data validation
Data validation (plausibility check) is carried out by the “Statistischen Ämter der Länder” using a standard IT program.
18.5. Data compilation
not applicable
18.6. Adjustment
No adjustment.
None.
In Germany, the data for the infra-annual business demography is derived from the parts of the already existing monthly business registration and insolvency statistics. For the characteristic “business growth” the business registrations are used. For the characteristic “business exits” the data of business insolvency are used. The data must be published in quarterly periodicity. It must be provided to Eurostat with a transmission of Quarterly Business Demography (QBD) on Registrations and Bankruptcies with deadline of 40 days after the end of the reference quarter.
12 May 2026
The required data are already available at the national level in the insolvency and business registration statistics.
Enterprises, legal unit
All insolvent entreprises und business registrations in the previously mentioned NACE sections.
Country as a whole.
Quarterly.
Not applicable.
Absolute figures.
not applicable
Insolvency courts and trade offices
The data are disseminated quarterly.
Send to Eurostat t + 40 days
The results for Germany are made of the results of the federal states.
