1.1. Contact organisation
Federal Statistical Office (Statistisches Bundesamt)
1.2. Contact organisation unit
Division F3 Household Surveys, Housing
1.3. Contact name
Confidential because of GDPR
1.4. Contact person function
Confidential because of GDPR
1.5. Contact mail address
65189 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
23 February 2026
2.2. Metadata last posted
23 February 2026
2.3. Metadata last update
23 February 2026
3.1. Data description
- Survey name(s) in the national language(s): Zeitverwendungserhebung
- Survey name in English: Time Use Survey
- Year(s) of (data collection) of the survey: 2022
- Link to the survey website
- National questionnaire: available on page 17 and following pages of the national quality report
Evidence is provided about how the 24 hours of a day are spent (main and secondary/parallel activities, presence of individuals, means of transport, use of Information and Communication Technology devices) in a 10-minute-rhythm.
The survey gathers socio-demographic and socio-economic characteristics of households and household members (in particular, assistance rendered and received, honorary activities, time spent on education and cultural activities), as well as questions about an individual’s subjective assessment of his or her time use.
3.2. Classification system
Educational Level: International Standard Classification of Education ISCED-11.
Economic activity of the local unit for main job (economic sector): "Klassifikation der Wirtschaftszweige" (WZ) 2008 is recoded into the Statistical Classification of Economic Activities NACE Rev. 2, 1 digit.
Occupation in main job: "Klassifikation der Berufe" (KldB) 2010 is recoded into the International Standard Classification of Occupations ISCO-08 , 2 digits.
Activity coding list (ACL): HETUS 2018 (re-edition 2020) guidelines are used. The national activity coding list of the German Time Use Survey is recoded into the HETUS 2018 ACL.
Location: The classification of locations/modes of transport is recoded according to the HETUS 2018 ACL.
3.2.1. Versions and breakdowns (level) of the classifications used for the data collection
| Acronym | Version | Level |
|---|---|---|
| NACE | Rev. 2 | 1 digit |
| ISCO | ISCO-08 | 2 digits |
| ISCED | ISCED-11 | |
| NUTS | ||
| ACL | HETUS 2018 | |
| Other |
3.2.2. Deviations from ESS or international standards
3.3. Coverage - sector
The survey is a general population/ household survey.
3.4. Statistical concepts and definitions
Household definition: A household consists of a community of persons living together and sharing their expenditures, including the joint provision of the essentials of living.
Temporarily absent persons (e.g. persons who work away from home during the week or students) belong to the household as well.
3.5. Statistical unit
Household, household members, household members’ days of life.
3.6. Statistical population
The German Time Use Survey target population consists of all private households.
3.6.1. Main characteristics of the survey population
For detailed information on time use, socio-demographic and socio-economic information, the target population consists of all persons aged 10 years and older living in private households.
For persons aged less than 10 years living in private households, information on some selected issues of time use was collected in the household questionnaire.
3.7. Reference area
The geographical area covered by the dataset is the Federal Republic of Germany.
3.8. Coverage - Time
The German Time Use Survey 2022 is the fourth time use survey conducted in Germany (from January 2022 to December 2022). The three preceding surveys took place in 1991/1992, 2001/2002, and 2012/2013.
3.9. Base period
Not applicable.
Most results are reported in hours and minutes per day, percentage of active individuals or percentage of days. Some are reported in other units (e.g., numbers, monetary units, and hours per week).
The reference period was from January 2022 to December 2022. Each respondent should fill in the diary for three days, two weekdays (Monday to Friday) and one weekend day (Saturday, Sunday).
Detailed information on daily activities and most other collected information refer to the time period of the survey. In the questionnaires (not diary) some information on less frequent activities and some socio-demographic characteristics are collected for the week preceding the survey, the month preceding the survey or the 12 months preceding the survey (e.g., income, honorary activities, and cultural activities).
6.1. Institutional Mandate - legal acts and other agreements
Information on this concept is provided in the sub-concepts 6.1.1 and 6.1.2.
6.1.1. At European level
The current round of the harmonised European time use survey (HETUS) data collection has been carried out in the spirit of multi-national and multi-agency cooperation across Europe, in the form of an informal ’gentlemen's agreement’.
6.1.2. At National level
The legal basis of the survey is the Act on Statistical Surveys of Time Use (Time Use Survey Act, ZVEG) [German: "Gesetz über die statistische Erhebung der Zeitverwendung (Zeitverwendungserhebungsgesetz - ZVEG)"] and the Law on Statistics for Federal Purposes (Federal Statistics Law – BStatG) [German: "Gesetz über die Statistik für Bundeszwecke (Bundesstatistikgesetz - BStatG)"]. Prior to the introduction of the Time Use Survey Act in 2021, the German Time Use Survey was legally based on Section 7 of the Federal Statistics Act, and was conducted as a survey for special purposes.
6.2. Institutional Mandate - data sharing
Not applicable.
7.1. Confidentiality - policy
According to paragraph 16 of the Federal Statistics Law, the individual figures collected are kept secret as a matter of principle. Microdata may be transmitted to third parties in exceptional cases only, which are clearly defined by legislation. According to paragraph 16 section 6 of the Federal Statistics Law, it is admissible to make microdata available to universities or other institutions entrusted with independent scientific research for conducting scientific work and which are located in Germany, if these figures are rendered anonymous so that they can be assigned only with unreasonable effort in terms of time, cost and labour to the respondent or individual concerned (de facto anonymised data). The obligation to maintain secrecy also applies to those persons who are recipients of individual data.
Furthermore, it is admissible to make microdata available to any person or institution if the microdata is anonymized to an extent that re-identification of responding units is not possible at all (absolutely anonymised data).
7.2. Confidentiality - data treatment
Any administrative information such as names or addresses that would allow direct identification are removed from the German time use survey microdata. In order to ensure disclosure control and confidentiality of German time use survey microdata when disseminating them to researchers or other persons/institutions (cf. section 11.1), some of the information collected was removed or changed. Furthermore, a random subsample of the complete data set was drawn. For the micro dataset for universities or other institutions entrusted with independent scientific research (Scientific Use File), the subsample amounts to 95% of the complete sample. Concerning the micro dataset for any other institution or person (Public Use File), the subsample size is 80% of the complete sample. The German micro dataset in harmonized European format amounts to 80% of the complete sample as well.
Publication rules:
An aggregate result concerning individuals may not be published if it is based on fewer than 25 personal sample observations. An aggregate result concerning individuals’ diary days should not be published if it is based on fewer than 50 diary day sample observations. These results are replaced with a slash "/" in the respective cells.
An aggregate result concerning individuals may be published in round brackets "(...)" if it is based on 25 to 99 personal sample observations. An aggregate result concerning individuals’ diary days may be published in round brackets if it is based on 50 to 199 diary day sample observations.
In the remaining cases, aggregate results are published without any restrictions.
8.1. Release calendar
There is no fixed release calendar. First results from the German Time Use Survey 2022 were disseminated on 28 February 2024 (updated results were disseminated on 28 March 2024) with a press release and a comprehensive set of tables.
8.2. Release calendar access
Not applicable.
8.3. Release policy - user access
In line with the Federal Statistics Law and the European Statistics Code of Practice, the German Federal Statistical Office disseminates results from the German Time Use Survey on its own website respecting professional independence and in an objective, professional and transparent manner in which all users are treated equitably.
The frequency of the German Time Use Survey is irregular. Currently, it is conducted roughly every 10 years (cf. section 3.8). Consequently, dissemination of statistics takes place roughly every 10 years as well.
10.1. Dissemination format - News release
News releases are published online.
10.2. Dissemination format - Publications
Publications are published online as PDF documents. In addition, a comprehensive set of tables with aggregate results from the respondents’ diary days and a booklet with figures, tables, and verbal descriptions of time use survey results are published as an Excel file.
10.3. Dissemination format - online database
Results of the German Time Use Survey are published in the online database GENESIS-Online.
10.3.1. Data tables - consultations
Not requested.
10.4. Dissemination format - microdata access
Microdata for the German Time Use Survey wave 2022 are available through the Research Data Centres microdata access service.
Requests for access to the German Time Use Survey microdata can be made via the web-page of the Research Data Centres.
According to paragraph 16 of the Federal Statistics Law, the Research Data Centres of the Federal Statistical Office and the Statistical Offices of the German Länder make microdata available to third parties in exceptional cases only. According to paragraph 16 section 6 of the Federal Statistics Law, it is admissible to make microdata available to universities or other institutions entrusted with independent scientific research for conducting scientific work, if these figures are rendered anonymous so that they can be assigned only with unreasonable effort in terms of time, cost and labour to the respondent or individual concerned (de facto anonymised data). The obligation to maintain secrecy also applies to those persons who are recipients of individual data.
Furthermore, it is admissible to make microdata available to any person or institution if the microdata is anonymized to an extent that re-identification of responding units is not possible at all (absolutely anonymised data).
10.5. Dissemination format - other
Destatis website
10.5.1. Metadata - consultations
Not requested.
10.6. Documentation on methodology
A short description of the methodology and conducting of the survey is available on the Federal Statistical Office's website.
Detailed information on the methodology of the survey is provided in the Quality Report .
Furthermore, an overview of the German Time Use Survey 2022 including its methodology is given in the publication
Kathrin Bank, Alexander Irmer, Ute Losch, Anna Sandig, Max Schöne "Die Zeitverwendungserhebung 2022 - ein Überblick", In: Wirtschaft und Statistik, 1/2025, pp. 106-115.
10.6.1. Metadata completeness - rate
Not requested.
10.7. Quality management - documentation
Data are accompanied with quality reports analysing the accuracy, coherence and comparability of the data.
11.1. Quality assurance
Various measures are implemented throughout the process of compiling statistics that contribute to ensuring the quality of the Time Use Survey (ZVE) data. The quality assurance measures applied at specific stages of the statistical process are adapted as needed, and supplemented by standardized methods of quality assessment and assurance.
To optimize question formulations with the aim of improving the validity and reliability of the questions, as well as reducing the burden on participants, the developed questionnaire underwent a pretest. The data entries from the paper-based surveys were transcribed into a database using dialog-supported software by specially trained personnel. For entries in the digital survey tool (app), predefined category lists were available, contributing to improved data quality at the collection stage. Data plausibility checks and analyses were then used to further enhance data quality during processing.
11.2. Quality management - assessment
The ZVE is based on a non-probabilistic sampling method, the quota sample. In a strict sense, non-probabilistic samples are not representative, as the selection probability of individual households in the population is unknown. However, a high level of representativeness is achieved through a differentiated quota and weighting framework using results from the Microcensus and characteristics closely related to time use.
Random sampling methods are not practical for the Time Use Survey due to the high burden they place on respondents. Quality assurance in the ZVE is multi-level: in the statistical offices of the federal states, the paper-based survey materials were manually checked for completeness, then digitized using dialog-supported data entry, and machine-checked for completeness. The digital survey data were also machine- and dialog-checked for completeness. In cases of incomplete paper forms or missing responses, follow-up inquiries were made to the households.
At the Federal Statistical Office, the survey data were coded and validated using dialog-supported methods, and subsequently reviewed through distribution analyses and comparisons with previous surveys. One limitation of the ZVE is that the sample size is not sufficient to produce adequately precise results for all federal states. To still account for regional differences, in addition to national weighting factors for producing federal-level results, special weighting factors were calculated for groups of federal states. This makes it possible to publish results for these groups or at least for the larger federal states.
The use of a quota method for selecting participants does not allow for a flawless assessment of data accuracy. However, it significantly saves time and costs, as fewer households need to be recruited to reach a predetermined net sample size.
12.1. Relevance - User Needs
Main users of the German Time Use Survey are supreme federal authorities (in particular, the Federal Ministry of Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research), universities/research institutions, official statistics, Eurostat.
The Federal Ministry of Family Affairs particularly requires data on the amount of paid and unpaid work done by women and men, the division of labour within a household, and the time spent on child care/the use of extra-household child care facilities.
The Federal Ministry of Education and Research requires information on lifelong learning, the use of child care facilities and institutionalized free time activities for children and the time spent on cultural activities.
Researchers use the time use microdata for various fields of research, ranging from gender-related questions to the time use of children, time spent on transport and satisfaction with individual time use.
German official statistics publish results from all the topics mentioned above, in order to give an overview of the fields that can be investigated with time use surveys.
Eurostat uses the German Time Use Survey microdata to set up a multi-national time use survey database. This database allows cross-national analyses and comparisons of time use.
12.2. Relevance - User Satisfaction
When designing the content of the questionnaire, feedback and needs from various user groups were taken into account. Consideration was also given to Eurostat’s recommendations for harmonizing time use surveys (“Harmonised European Time Use Surveys: 2018 Guidelines,” also known as the HETUS Guidelines).
12.3. Completeness
All statistics that refer to the core fields of interest of time use surveys are available.
12.3.1. Data completeness - rate
Not requested.
13.1. Accuracy - overall
It is important to note that quota samples like the ZVE are subject to biases in characteristics that are not closely related to the quota and weighting variables. In the 2022 ZVE, as in all voluntary household surveys, there is a bias toward individuals with academic qualifications and a corresponding underrepresentation of individuals with vocational training or without any formal qualification.
Additionally, the ZVE sample is characterized by an underrepresentation of people with foreign citizenship, particularly those with insufficient German language skills. Participation in the ZVE—especially due to the diary-keeping aspect—requires good knowledge of the German language. The use of interpreters in the survey process was not feasible due to the high costs.
Implementing a quota plan based on educational level, citizenship, or migration background was not practically feasible. The sampling design of the ZVE is based not only on scientifically recognized sampling theory methods but also primarily on the practical feasibility of implementation by the statistical offices of the federal states.
13.2. Sampling error
It is important to note that the estimation of sampling errors is only methodologically sound for random samples. However, in order to still make statements about the precision of the ZVE results, it is assumed that the error margins of the quota sample approximately correspond to those of a stratified random sample, with the quota variables serving as the stratification variables.
In presenting the results, data based on fewer than 25 individuals or fewer than 50 diary days are not published. These values are suppressed and marked with a "/" since the reliability is too low due to the small number of observations. Results based on 25 to under 100 individuals or 50 to under 200 diary days are shown in parentheses "(…)", as these values are statistically relatively uncertain. All other results are considered sufficiently reliable and are published without any additional symbols.
An exact error calculation for ZVE 2022 is not available.
Due to the 24-hour diary method over three consecutive days, more precise data can be expected compared to simple activity-based surveys. Accuracy is further enhanced by allowing respondents to report both main and simultaneous activities. Activities that occur irregularly and may not have been captured on diary days (e.g., caregiving, volunteering, continuing education, working hours) were retrospectively collected via the household or individual questionnaire.
13.2.1. Sampling error - indicators
Not applicable.
13.2.2. Sampling error - proportion and confidence interval
| Parameter of interest (p̂) | Number of respondents - n | Standard error for p̂ | 95% confidence interval for p̂: Lower | 95% confidence interval for p̂: Upper |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage of population aged 15 and over spending daily on average more than 10 % of time working in paid work (weighted) |
Number of individuals completed at least 1 diary day (unweighted) |
|||
| Not applicable | ||||
Calculation of (p̂)
- Calculate for all individuals the sum of time spent working (ACL activity 1 employment) considering both diary days. (i.e 48 hours or 2*1440 minutes)
- NUMERATOR: Count of the individuals whose cumulative time spent in ACL 2018 activity 1 in both diary days was equal or higher than 10% i.e. 4.8 hours in total. If only one diary was completed then 10% = 2.4 hours
- DENOMINATOR: Total number of individuals that completed at least 1 diary day.
- To obtain (p̂) calculate the proportion: Numerator/ Denominator
13.2.3. Sampling error - method used for the variance (SE) estimation
Not applicable.
13.3. Non-sampling error
In addition to sampling errors, non-sampling errors occur in any survey. These mainly arise from non-responses, incorrect or missing information, and data processing errors. To fully describe the accuracy of survey results, these components must also be considered. However, non-sampling errors cannot be estimated from the sample itself and can only be identified through costly validation studies, which were not feasible in this case.
To minimize non-sampling errors, several measures were taken, including: a pretest, open-text entry for diary responses, and extensive plausibility checks.
13.3.1. Coverage error
Overcoverage or false nonresponse rate: due to the use of a quota sample, overcoverage and false nonresponses do not occur.
13.3.1.1. Over-coverage - rate
Not applicable.
13.3.1.2. Common units - proportion
Not applicable.
13.3.2. Measurement error
Measurement errors: Common non-sampling errors in conventional quota samples, such as interviewer-induced selection bias, were excluded in ZVE 2022, since no interviewers were used. Upon receiving the completed questionnaires, the statistical offices of the federal states conducted visual checks before data entry. When necessary, households were contacted by phone for clarification.
Travel times were not always recorded by respondents and are therefore underreported. Additionally, short-duration activities (e.g., changing clothes before exercising or swimming) tend to be underrepresented. One key reason is that 56% of respondents reported they did not fill out the diary in real-time, but rather at the end of the day or later. This increases the risk of recall errors, even with diary methods.
Furthermore, the use of 10-minute intervals may have led respondents to omit activities lasting less than 10 minutes. In such cases, they may have overlooked the instruction to record the most important or longer-lasting activity as the main activity, and the other as a secondary activity.
The diary variable “Used computer/tablet/smartphone?” (ICT column) was often checked or selected by respondents even when the listed main or secondary activities typically did not involve any such device. It is likely that ICT-related activities, especially short smartphone use, were often not recorded. Conversely, the ICT column was sometimes marked for many hours at a time even though no ICT-related activity took place. Follow-ups with households revealed that this column was often marked simply because the smartphone was nearby and switched on. As a result, the ICT column results are of limited analytical value. Although this column was included to meet HETUS requirements for distinguishing online from offline activities, this differentiation is already ensured by the activity list, which clearly separates online and offline actions.
13.3.2.1. Questionnaire design and testing
The clarity and practicality of the survey materials were extensively tested in a pretest lab at the Federal Statistical Office before the field phase.
As a result, unclear wording, technical terms, and certain response categories were revised.
Particularly, the sample pages illustrating the correct way to fill out the diary proved to be an important aid for participants.
13.3.2.2. Interviewer training
Not applicable (see also section 13.3.2).
13.3.2.3. Proxy interview rates
Not applicable.
13.3.3. Non response error
Information on Non response error is provided in the sub-concepts 13.3.3.1 – 13.3.3.2.
13.3.3.1. Unit non-response - rate
Unit nonresponse rate: No specific information on unit nonresponse (i.e., non-participating households) can be provided because a quota sample was used. There is no sampling frame from which units are selected. Instead, willing households are recruited through various outreach measures and included in the sample based on a quota plan (quota cells with target numbers). If a selected unit does not participate, another willing household is recruited within the same quota cell. Of all households initially included in the ZVE sample, 32% dropped out (i.e., provided no or incomplete data that could not be used).
13.3.3.1.1. Reasons for non-response
Not applicable.
13.3.3.1.2. Number of households in the gross sample according to the final results of the survey
Not applicable.
13.3.3.1.3. Characteristics of non-respondents
Not applicable.
13.3.3.1.4. Efforts to reduce non-response
Not applicable.
13.3.3.1.5. Adjustment of weights in order to reduce non-response
Not applicable.
13.3.3.1.6. Other comments regarding non-response errors
Not applicable.
13.3.3.1.7. Replacement of non-responding households (substitution)
| Substitution rate | Rate |
|---|---|
| i.e. Number of substitute households successfully interviewed/Achieved sample size | Not applicable. |
13.3.3.1.8. Description of the substitution
Not applicable.
13.3.3.1.9. Qualitative assessment of the bias associated with unit non-response
Not applicable.
13.3.3.2. Item non-response - rate
Item nonresponse rate: identifying missing responses at the item level is challenging in diary-based surveys like the ZVE. Hidden item nonresponse is suspected when there are very few activity changes throughout the day. The diary code "999" (unspecified time use) accounts for approximately zero minutes across all individuals aged 10 and older for main activities. In the household and individual questionnaires, item nonresponse was typically below 1%.
13.3.3.2.1. Variables most subject to item non-response
Not applicable.
13.3.4. Processing error
Processing errors: The data entry software includes numerous automated plausibility checks.
13.3.5. Model assumption error
Not applicable.
14.1. Timeliness
The reference period was from January 2022 to December 2022. The first results of the 2022 survey were published in a press release on 28 February 2024.
A press conference was also held on the same day, 28 February 2024. The results required correction on 28 March 2024. In early June 2025, the results were revised based on a new weighting aligned with the 2022 Microcensus, which in turn was based on key figures from the 2022 Census.
14.1.1. Time lag - first result
Not applicable.
14.1.2. Time lag - final result
Not applicable.
14.2. Punctuality
The target date for the release of the German Time Use Survey results was 28 February 2024. Results were published on 28 February 2024.
14.2.1. Punctuality - delivery and publication
Not requested.
15.1. Comparability - geographical
The 2022 Time Use Survey (ZVE) is comparable at the European level with other European time use surveys.
At the national level, comparable results are available for large regions in Germany.
15.1.1. Asymmetry for mirror flow statistics - coefficient
Not applicable.
15.2. Comparability - over time
When designing the 2022 Time Use Survey (ZVE), comparability with previous time use surveys was an important consideration. However, changes—such as updates to the list of activities—were unavoidable due to new data requirements.
For comparisons between the time use data from 2001/02 and 2012/13, as well as between 2012/13 and 2022, activity conversion keys are available.
15.2.1. Length of comparable time series
Time Use Surveys in 1991/1992, 2001/2002, 2012/2013 and 2022; all surveys comparable.
15.3. Coherence - cross domain
The 2022 Time Use Survey (ZVE) is conceptually related to various non-official surveys that include (partial) aspects of time use in their questionnaires—such as the Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP) conducted by the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW), and the Leisure Monitor by the Foundation for Future Studies.
15.3.1. Coherence - sub annual and annual statistics
Not applicable.
15.3.2. Coherence - National Accounts
Data of National Accounts concerning unpaid household production are based on data of the German Time Use Survey.
15.4. Coherence - internal
The 2022 ZVE is internally coherent.
The burden on respondents in the Time Use Survey is considerable, due to the extensive effort required to complete time diaries over three reporting days. However, it is assumed that this burden is perceived as less significant because participation in the survey is voluntary.
16.1. Costs of the survey
Not available.
16.2. Average time used for answering the survey questionnaires (in minutes)
Not available.
16.3. Average time used to fill in the diary (in minutes)
Not available.
16.4. Measures taken to reduce the cost and burden of the survey
In order to minimize respondent burden, the reporting period was deliberately limited to three days and not extended further.
To acknowledge their contribution to the 2022 ZVE, participating households received a compensation for their effort.
17.1. Data revision - policy
In the Time Use Survey, preliminary results are generally not published. Therefore, the published data are considered final.
17.2. Data revision - practice
Following the release of the 2022 Census results, the 2022 Microcensus (MZ) was adjusted to align with the new population benchmarks. These newly weighted Microcensus data for 2022 now serve as the updated calibration basis for the results of the 2022 Time Use Survey (ZVE).
This adjustment incorporates updated information on the size and structure of the total population into the weighting of the ZVE, which is conducted only once every ten years, thereby improving data quality. As a result of this new calibration, the ZVE 2022 results are now consistent with the outcomes of both the 2022 Census and the reweighted 2022 Microcensus.
The revised ZVE 2022 results were published in June 2025.
17.2.1. Data revision - average size
Not applicable.
18.1. Source data
The harmonized German Time Use Survey micro dataset consists of an anonymized 80% random subsample of households from the complete final sample of the German Time Use Survey 2022.
Data were collected via a digital data collection tool (web app, mobile app) or through paper-based questionnaires.
18.1.1. Sampling frame
Sample households were selected using a quota sampling procedure. The quota specifications were derived from the 2019 Microcensus.
| Type | Name of data source used for building the sampling frame |
|---|---|
| Population census | Not applicable |
| Population register | Not applicable |
| Household register | Not applicable |
| Dwelling register | Not applicable |
| List of phone numbers | Not applicable |
| Postcode address file | Not applicable |
| Another survey sample | Not applicable |
| Other | Households willing to participate were recruited through general advertising measures (e.g. internet ads, advertising letters to households from population registers) and target group-specific advertising measures (for household types that are difficult to recruit, e.g. self-employed). A random sample was then drawn from the pool of households willing to participate in such a way that the underlying quota plan was fulfilled as closely as possible. Variables closely related to time use were used as quota characteristics. |
18.1.2. Sampling design of the survey
The 2022 Time Use Survey (ZVE) was conducted as a quota sample of private households with voluntary participation.
The Microcensus served as the basis for setting quotas and weighting. Households willing to participate were recruited through voluntary enrollment.
All persons living in a sampled household who were 10 years or older at the time of the survey were included as survey units.
18.1.2.1. Sampling design(s)
| Type | Description of Sampling Design |
|---|---|
| Simple random sampling | No |
| Systematic sampling | No |
| Stratified sampling | No |
| Cluster sampling | No |
| Other: The ZVE is based on a quota sample. The quota characteristics used were federal state, household type (e.g. single-person households, families with children, couples without children), the main status of the main income earner and a regional classification that differentiated between urban and rural populations (municipality size category). The quota cells represented the cross-combinations of these characteristics. The target figures for each quota cell were determined from the German microcensus (annual 1% household sample which is collected on a mandatory basis and represents a random sample). |
Yes |
18.1.2.2. Ultimate sampling unit(s)
Households18.1.2.3. Oversampling of specific populations
Families with children were oversampled.
18.1.2.4. Assumptions used for determining the sample size
Sample size reflects the needs of the main user (ministry for families), but art. 4 within Annex II Precision Requirements to the Regulation (EU) 2019/1700 would be fulfilled.
18.1.3. Sample size
The gross sample size of 11940 households was allocated proportionally across the federal states.
The quotas were based on federal state, household type, and the social status of the main income earner.
Additionally, within each federal state, target values were specified for a distribution proportional to the number of households in each municipality size category.
This ensured that people from both rural and densely populated areas were represented in the sample.
| Sample size |
Number |
| Gross sample size Formula: initial sample size= responding units + non-responding units (these two groups make up the group of eligible units) + units with unknown eligibility (e.g. because they are not able to be reached/ contacted), + ineligible units. |
11940 |
|---|---|
| Number of eligible units Formula: net sample size= Gross sample size - units with unknown eligibility – ineligible units |
Not applicable for quota sampling |
| Achieved sample size = Total number of households which were successfully surveyed (interviews+diary) |
9774 |
18.2. Frequency of data collection
Irregular. The preceding survey took place in 2012/2013. So far, the German Time Use Surveys took place roughly every 10 years. First Survey was in 1991/1992.
18.3. Data collection
Three questionnaires were used in the 2022 Time Use Survey (ZVE): the household questionnaire, the individual questionnaire, and the diary.
Data collection was conducted via the digital survey instrument (web app, mobile app) or as a paper-pencil survey.
About 76% of the sampled households used the offered digital survey instrument.
The organizational and methodological-technical preparation was the responsibility of the Federal Statistical Office, while the recruitment of households, their surveying, and the monitoring of responses were carried out by the Statistical Offices of the federal states.
The survey spanned a period of one year (January to December 2022).
The processing and central evaluation of the survey data were again conducted by the Federal Statistical Office.
Recruitment of households took place continuously.
From the recruited households, a random selection of sample households was made quarterly.
Households not selected in one quarter had the opportunity to participate in a later quarter, or served as a reserve for dropouts during the survey year.
18.3.1. Data collection method used
Mixed mode18.3.2. Mode(s) and instruments for data collection: household and individual questionnaire
| Interview | Specify Yes or No if used | % of completed household interviews |
|---|---|---|
| Paper assisted personal interview (PAPI) Self-adimistered paper questionaires (no interviewers) | Yes | 24% |
| Computer-assisted personal interview (CAPI) | No | |
| Computer assisted telephone interview (CATI) | No | |
| Computer assisted web-interview (CAWI) | No | |
| Smart mode (e.g. smartphone app) | Yes | 76% |
| Other (e.g. administrative data) | No |
18.3.3. Mode(s) and instruments for data collection: time use diary
| Diary | Specify Yes or No if used | % of completed diaries |
|---|---|---|
| Paper diary | Yes | 24% |
| Computer based non online diary | No | |
| Online web diary | No | |
| Mobile based diaries (Smartphone apps, etc.) | Yes | 76% |
18.3.4. Variables completed from an external source
Not applicable.
18.4. Data validation
At the Statistical Offices of the federal states, the written responses from participating households were entered into a database by specially trained staff using dialog-supported software. Household questionnaires, individual questionnaires, and diary days of a household were recorded sequentially and separately.
To facilitate a simpler and less error-prone digitization process, additional filters were integrated. Subsequently, a machine-based completeness check was performed. Data from households participating via the digital survey instrument were automatically imported into the database and then subjected to the same machine completeness checks.
Data processing was carried out by specially trained personnel of the Federal Statistical Office, during which data were coded and plausibility-checked.
With the introduction of the digital survey instrument, a large part of the reported activities in the diary were already directly coded by participants using a keyword directory and an integrated search dialog within the instrument. The labor-intensive coding of remaining free-text activities from paper respondents, as well as activities selected as "Other" in the digital instrument, was facilitated by a hierarchically structured context menu and a keyword directory with a search function to identify and correct erroneous datasets.
Furthermore, travel times—which purpose app users did not have to enter and paper respondents sometimes did not specify—were coded in more detail according to the activity list based on preceding and subsequent activities.
After dialog-based processing, further machine corrections were made using a SAS program, including eliminating remaining inconsistencies or implementing the HETUS requirements more precisely (e.g., swapping certain main and secondary activities).
In addition, household and person typologies were created, which are relevant both for calculating weighting factors and for later analyses and tabulations.
Current regional typologies from the municipality directory (as of 31 December 2022) were also added.
After completion of processing, the ZVE 2022 data comprised information on 9774 households with 19526 persons aged 10 years and older.
A total of 57769 diary days were coded and recorded.
18.5. Data compilation
For the 2022 Time Use Survey, weights for households, persons aged 10 and over, children under 10, and diary days were calculated at the federal level.
The adjustment frame was based on private households registered at their main residence in the 2022 Microcensus.
Weighting was performed using Statistical Analysis Systems (SAS) via generalized regression estimation.
18.5.1. Imputation - rate
No imputations were performed for ZVE 2022.
18.5.2. Method applied to correct for 'item non-response'
| Methods | Specify Yes or No if used |
|---|---|
| Simple imputation (deterministic) method | Not applicable |
| Simple imputation (stochastic) method | Not applicable |
| Multiple imputation approach | Not applicable |
| Other | Not applicable |
18.5.3. Calculation of weighting factors and weight adjustments
In the first step, for each quota cell—that is, each reasonable combination of quota characteristics—free weights (design weights) were formed as the quotient of weighted Microcensus households and participating units (households, persons aged over 10, children under 10, or diary days).
In the second step, the free weights obtained were adjusted to other relevant characteristics through regression estimation.
This ensured that the final weights (adjustment weights) reflected the distribution of adjustment variables while deviating as little as possible from the free weights from the first step.
The free weighting included the quota characteristics "household type" and "social status of the main income earner."
During adjustment, characteristics such as "former West/East Germany," municipality size classes, gender, age, weekdays, and survey quarters were considered.
18.6. Adjustment
To conform to the HETUS guidelines, the micro-data derived from the German Time Use Survey were further processed and transformed into the harmonized European format. This includes transformation of the German activity list to the European one, and construction of household and individual level variables, as required for the harmonized dataset.
EFILE:
WCHILD: In the HETUS Guidelines 2018 (re-edition 2020), children are specified as up to 17 years for the 8th diary column indicating that children are present during the activity. In the German Time Use Survey, children are specified as up to 9 years.
MACT, SACTN: In the German Time Use Survey, activity codes for internships (paid non-pupils’ and non-students’, pupils’ and students’ internships) are included in their respective category “other/unspecified activities”. Therefore, HETUS Code 129 includes paid internships of non-pupils and non-students, code 219 includes internships of pupils and students.
WHERE: In the German Time Use Survey, “motorboat” shares a category with “ship” and “ferry” and is therefore considered a form of public transport (HETUS code 31).
DDFILE:
DDV1: Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve where assigned to Saturdays and holidays were assigned to Sundays. It is assumed that the time use patterns on holidays resemble the time use patterns on weekend days.
DDV5A/B: In the German Time Use Survey, respondents could report up to five most pleasant activities during the day. DDV5A only contains the first most pleasant activity reported. In cases in which no activity was reported, the variable takes the value -9 “not available”.
DDV8A: The HETUS categories differentiate between single day trip/overnight trip within the country and single day trip/overnight trip abroad. The German Time Use Survey does not differentiate between trips abroad and trips within the country. Therefore, category 2 (single day trip within the country) includes category 3 (single day trip abroad) and category 4 (overnight trip within the country) includes category 5 (overnight trip abroad).
INDFILE:
HHC1: In the German Time Use Survey, not all members of the household aged 10 years or older have filled out the Individual questionnaire and the Diary.
HHC2: In the German Time Use Survey, respondents aged between 75 and 79 years old are summarized to one category, and respondents aged 80 years or older are summarized to one category (top coding) as a result of anonymization. This deviates from the Data Delivery Guidelines with a top coding for respondents aged 85 years or older. In addition, 50% of the individuals from 10 to 74 years were randomly assigned an age within the same age group. The age groups used were “10 to 14 years“, “16 to 17 years“, “18 to 21 years“, “22 to 26 years“, “27 to 34 years“, “35 to 44 years“, “45 to 54 years“, “55 to 64 years“, and “65 to 74 years“. Furthermore, children from 0 to 2 years are summarized to 0 years, children from 3 to 5 years are summarized to 3 years and children from 7 to 9 years are summarized to 7 years.
HHC6_: In the German Time Use Survey, categories “Son-in-law/daughter-in-law” and “Parent in law” belong to the category “Other relative”. Therefore, these categories are not used. Furthermore, the German questionnaire does not contain a relationship matrix, but only the relationship to the main income earner of the household. Therefore, not all relationships between household members can be clearly determined. In these cases (e.g. both household members are “other relatives” of the main income earner), the relationship between them has been selected as “other relative” as well, since we have no further information on their relationship. Moreover, if both household members are not related to the main income earner of the household, their relationship is set to -9 because we have no further information on their relationship (i.e. whether they are related and in which way). Lastly, in the German Time Use Survey, “children” include step, adoptive and foster children. Therefore, it is not possible to discern foster children from natural (biological), adoptive or step children. Thus, foster children are potentially included in this category.
HHC7: In addition to code 20 (“son/daughter”), a person is considered a child if he/she is below 25 years, a partner of the main income earner lives in the same household as the main income earner and the person is not related to the main income earner.
HHQ10A: In the German Time Use Survey, respondents are asked to report help for childcare only for children under the age of 10. This age specification deviates from the Data Delivery Guidelines. Category 1 “Received and paid for help” may also include cases in which paid as well as unpaid hours of help were received.
HHQ10F: Category 1 “Received and paid for help” may also include cases in which paid as well as unpaid hours of help were received.
INC1: Cases from the “diverse” category in the German Time Use Survey have been randomly allocated to “male” or “female”.
INC2: see HHC2
INC2A, INC2B: Due to the anonymization of age (see HHC2), this variable is not reported.
IND41_1 IND42_1 IND46 IND47: In the German Time Use Survey, only the differentiation between the categories “Germany”, “EU” or “other country” is available for the country of birth and the country of main citizenship. Germany was coded with “DE”. For EU and other countries, the value -9 was used. If there was non-response, the value -9 was used as well; these cases only make up a small portion of this category. The majority of cases in the category -9 are EU countries or other countries. Moreover, non-German households are underrepresented in the sample of the German Time Use Survey.
IND49: Due to anonymization, this variable is not reported.
IND1: Category 2 “No, temporarily absent from work” is included in category 1 “Yes”. Furthermore, the German questionnaire asks about the previous week.
IND3_1: This variable cannot be delivered because the German Time Use Survey asked for the NACE section but not the division. Therefore, only the section is reported.
IND5: For some codes in the German classification of occupations, there is no one-to-one match with an ISCO code. In such cases, the most relevant ISCO code was selected.
IND10_1: In the German Time Use Survey, “0 hours” indicate parental leave, partial retirement, or maternity leave. Further deviations from Data Delivery Guidelines exist due to anonymization. The weekly working hours were summarized to categories to anonymize the data. 0 hours include 0 to 2 hours, 45 hours include 45 to 49 hours, 50 hours include 50 to 54 hours, 44 hours include 55 to 59 hours, 60 hours include 60 to 64 hours, 65 hours include 65 or more hours.
IND6_1: As a result of anonymization, unpaid family workers are added to the category “self-employed without employees”. Therefore, category 4 family worker (unpaid) is omitted.
IND8: This question was not asked in the German Time Use Survey, as holidays in Germany are always paid.
IDN9: This question was not asked in the German Time Use Survey, as holidays in Germany are always paid.
In Germany, employed persons are granted a minimum of 20 days paid holidays per year.
IND38: Deviations from Data Delivery Guidelines exist due to anonymization. The weekly working hours in all secondary jobs were summarized to categories. 0 hours include 0 to 2 hours, 10 hours include 10 to 14 hours, 15 hours include 15 to 19 hours, 20 hours include 20 to 24 hours, 25 hours include 25 or more hours.
INC4_1: Voluntary service is subsumed under 10 “employed”. The value 70 “compulsory or voluntary military or civilian service” is omitted as a result.
IND20 IND22_1: ISCED category “5” (Short-cycle tertiary education) is not included in the German Time Use Survey.
IND23: Category 4 “bad” comprises both category 4 and category 5, “very bad”, due to anonymization.
IND39: The German questionnaire does not offer the option to indicate no contact with children <18 living outside the home. Therefore, IND39=”no” only includes those persons who do not have children living outside the home.
IND51: In the German Time Use Survey, category 12 “Self-administered, web questionnaire” corresponds to either a mobile or a web application.
18.6.1. Seasonal adjustment
Not applicable.
No comments.
- Survey name(s) in the national language(s): Zeitverwendungserhebung
- Survey name in English: Time Use Survey
- Year(s) of (data collection) of the survey: 2022
- Link to the survey website
- National questionnaire: available on page 17 and following pages of the national quality report
Evidence is provided about how the 24 hours of a day are spent (main and secondary/parallel activities, presence of individuals, means of transport, use of Information and Communication Technology devices) in a 10-minute-rhythm.
The survey gathers socio-demographic and socio-economic characteristics of households and household members (in particular, assistance rendered and received, honorary activities, time spent on education and cultural activities), as well as questions about an individual’s subjective assessment of his or her time use.
23 February 2026
Household definition: A household consists of a community of persons living together and sharing their expenditures, including the joint provision of the essentials of living.
Temporarily absent persons (e.g. persons who work away from home during the week or students) belong to the household as well.
Household, household members, household members’ days of life.
The German Time Use Survey target population consists of all private households.
The geographical area covered by the dataset is the Federal Republic of Germany.
The reference period was from January 2022 to December 2022. Each respondent should fill in the diary for three days, two weekdays (Monday to Friday) and one weekend day (Saturday, Sunday).
Detailed information on daily activities and most other collected information refer to the time period of the survey. In the questionnaires (not diary) some information on less frequent activities and some socio-demographic characteristics are collected for the week preceding the survey, the month preceding the survey or the 12 months preceding the survey (e.g., income, honorary activities, and cultural activities).
It is important to note that quota samples like the ZVE are subject to biases in characteristics that are not closely related to the quota and weighting variables. In the 2022 ZVE, as in all voluntary household surveys, there is a bias toward individuals with academic qualifications and a corresponding underrepresentation of individuals with vocational training or without any formal qualification.
Additionally, the ZVE sample is characterized by an underrepresentation of people with foreign citizenship, particularly those with insufficient German language skills. Participation in the ZVE—especially due to the diary-keeping aspect—requires good knowledge of the German language. The use of interpreters in the survey process was not feasible due to the high costs.
Implementing a quota plan based on educational level, citizenship, or migration background was not practically feasible. The sampling design of the ZVE is based not only on scientifically recognized sampling theory methods but also primarily on the practical feasibility of implementation by the statistical offices of the federal states.
Most results are reported in hours and minutes per day, percentage of active individuals or percentage of days. Some are reported in other units (e.g., numbers, monetary units, and hours per week).
For the 2022 Time Use Survey, weights for households, persons aged 10 and over, children under 10, and diary days were calculated at the federal level.
The adjustment frame was based on private households registered at their main residence in the 2022 Microcensus.
Weighting was performed using Statistical Analysis Systems (SAS) via generalized regression estimation.
The harmonized German Time Use Survey micro dataset consists of an anonymized 80% random subsample of households from the complete final sample of the German Time Use Survey 2022.
Data were collected via a digital data collection tool (web app, mobile app) or through paper-based questionnaires.
The frequency of the German Time Use Survey is irregular. Currently, it is conducted roughly every 10 years (cf. section 3.8). Consequently, dissemination of statistics takes place roughly every 10 years as well.
The reference period was from January 2022 to December 2022. The first results of the 2022 survey were published in a press release on 28 February 2024.
A press conference was also held on the same day, 28 February 2024. The results required correction on 28 March 2024. In early June 2025, the results were revised based on a new weighting aligned with the 2022 Microcensus, which in turn was based on key figures from the 2022 Census.
The 2022 Time Use Survey (ZVE) is comparable at the European level with other European time use surveys.
At the national level, comparable results are available for large regions in Germany.
When designing the 2022 Time Use Survey (ZVE), comparability with previous time use surveys was an important consideration. However, changes—such as updates to the list of activities—were unavoidable due to new data requirements.
For comparisons between the time use data from 2001/02 and 2012/13, as well as between 2012/13 and 2022, activity conversion keys are available.
