Leisure Monitor 2014

For the 2014 Leisure Monitor, over 4,000 people aged 14 and older were selected to represent the population and interviewed face-to-face about their leisure activities. In addition to leisure time budgets, the study analyzed which leisure activities are pursued and how frequently, and which activities would be undertaken more often. This year's focus of the study, which has been conducted regularly for over 25 years, is on the topic of "Financial Expenditures." The study examined, among other things, in which areas German citizens are willing to cut back, which activities were worth the money, and whether Germans would forgo a portion of their income for more leisure time.

1. The dominance of television remains unbroken.

Whether man or woman, city dweller or country dweller, rich or poor – for everyone, watching TV remains the most regular leisure activity. 971,033 Germans tune in to public and private broadcasters at least once a week – over two-thirds even daily. This means that "television" has held the top spot for the 25th consecutive year.

2. The media shape the top 10 leisure activities

Television and radio, newspapers and the internet, mobile phones and landlines – the leisure time of German citizens is significantly shaped by media. For the under-30 generation, media influences even determine the nine most frequent activities.

3. Differences within the population: Stereotypes are confirmed

Women go shopping significantly more often than men and read more books. They also spend considerably more time on the phone and on personal grooming. Men, on the other hand, watch sporting events more often, go to pubs more frequently, or dedicate themselves to DIY projects.
Significant differences remain between the generations. The younger generation not only uses Facebook, smartphones, and computers more frequently, but also tends to be more active and spontaneous in their leisure activities. The older generation, on the other hand, remains loyal to its leisure pursuits and dedicates more time to them.
Leisure activities in East and West Germany have become increasingly similar. Significant differences remain only in the activities of sports and health-related pursuits. These are more common among West Germans, while gardening and taking afternoon naps are more frequent among East Germans.

4. Activities outside the home – culture is far behind.

Among outdoor activities, walking, cycling, and gardening are the most popular. While cultural offerings can be considered important in leisure time, their role as a leisure activity must be realistically assessed: only 31% of Germans go to a theater or museum at least once a month.

5. Winners and losers year-on-year

A comparison over the past ten years clearly shows, on the one hand, how strongly the media now shapes the leisure time of German citizens. Within a decade, the use of PCs, the internet, and mobile phones has increased significantly. On the other hand, however, social activities have declined; citizens now spend less time with friends, extend fewer invitations, and don't talk about important matters as often as they used to.

6. Germans have an average of 3 hours and 56 minutes of free time.

Neither gender, region, nor income determines the size of one's leisure budget, but almost exclusively the stage of life. For example, retirees have over five hours of free time per workday, while families have less than three.
Compared to 2010, the leisure budget for the general population decreased slightly by 7 minutes – but for young people, it decreased by a full 36 minutes. This sharp decline in free time for the youngest generation can largely be attributed to the increasing number of all-day schools and the reduction of the Abitur (university entrance qualification) to 12 years.

7. More leisure time, less income?

The option of foregoing part of one's income in exchange for more leisure time is only attractive to one in four Germans. This is particularly true for those with low net household incomes, but also for many older Germans, who are unwilling or unable to afford it. In contrast, more than one in three higher earners say they could imagine making the trade – exchanging money for time.

8. Being spontaneous and sleeping – what Germans would like to do more often

Around two-thirds of Germans would like to do exactly what they feel like doing more often and sleep in more frequently. The majority would also like to spend more time with friends and family, go on more trips, eat out more often, and relax more. These statements clearly reveal the Germans' actual desire for more social activities and more relaxation. Furthermore, it shows that the majority of Germans often fail to do exactly what they want, even in their free time.

9. Savings are made in leisure time, not in everyday life.

If Germans had to be more careful with their money, they would most likely do so in their leisure time. There is little potential for savings in everyday expenses. Only about one in ten citizens is willing, and presumably also able, to save on housing, food, and drink. In contrast, over two-thirds of Germans can imagine going to the theater, cinema, or restaurants less often. And the majority would also be able to manage with a smaller budget for weekend trips and vacations if necessary.

10. Which leisure activity is worth your money?

Nine out of ten concert and zoo visitors, as well as almost as many musical and cinema patrons, are satisfied with the value for money offered by the attractions they visited. In water parks and amusement parks, the vast majority of visitors also say that their visit was worth the money. Fairground and carnival visitors are not quite as positive, although two-thirds of them still express satisfaction.

Explanation of the results by the Scientific Director of the BAT Foundation for Future Issues, Professor Dr. Ulrich Reinhardt:

1. New offerings only partially influence German citizens to adopt new behaviors. Therefore, it is not surprising that the vast majority of Germans remain loyal to their leisure activities. Gains are seen almost exclusively in new media, although this does not lead to the displacement of old media, but rather to a parallel use of both – television, radio, and newspapers continue to be used, but are losing their monopoly.
2. The effects of demographic changes, such as our aging population, increasing childlessness, and rising rates of single-person households, are now also evident in leisure time. Social activities are being pursued less frequently, while at the same time the desire to (re)connect more often with relatives, acquaintances, friends, and neighbors remains.
3. Most Germans spend their leisure time at home. Activities outside the home are the exception rather than the rule and are mainly concentrated on weekends. Whether retired or working, evenings (and holidays) are usually spent between housework, family, and television. 
4. Leisure activities reveal a lack of relaxation and spontaneity. According to an American proverb, the difference between existing and living lies in the use of leisure time. Therefore, Germans should more often dare to actually do what they truly want in their free time and not hide behind routine, lack of motivation, and conventions.
5. Leisure time is precious to Germans, but many activities are simply unaffordable. This is exacerbating the growing divide in society, even in leisure time. In the future, certain activities will only be affordable for a select few, who will then be offered exclusivity.

Teenagers	Young adults	Singles	Couples	Families	Young seniors	Retirees
Internet	Internet	Television	Television	Television	Television	Television
Television	Make a phone call (from the road)	Listen to the radio	Time with the Partners spend	Listen to the radio	Listen to the radio	Listen to the radio
Make a phone call (from the road)	Television	Make a phone call (from the road)	Listen to the radio	Make a phone call (from home)	Make a phone call (from home)	Newspapers/ reading magazines
Continuing education	Listen to the radio	Internet	Make a phone call (from home)	Time with the Partners spend	Newspapers/ reading magazines	Make a phone call (from home)
Computer	Social Media	Make a phone call (from home)	Make a phone call (from the road)	Internet	Time with the Partners spend	Pursue thoughts
listen to CD/MP3	Computer	Computer	Internet	Playing with children	Pursue thoughts	Sleep in
Social Media	e-mail	e-mail	e-mail	Make a phone call (from the road)	Internet	Take time to pamper yourself
With mobile phone/ smartphone games	Make a phone call (from home)	Pursue thoughts	Computer	e-mail	Make a phone call (from the road)	Coffee / Cake
Make a phone call (from home)	listen to CD/MP3	Sleep in	Newspapers/ reading magazines	Computer	Talk about important things	Afternoon nap
Sleep in	Sleep in	Social Media	Talk about important things	Talk about important things	Sleep in	Spending time with your partner

Technical data of the investigation

Number and representation: Germany, 4,045 people aged 14 and over
Survey period: July 2014
Survey institute: Society for Consumer Research (GfK)