Why enjoyment is important

Result

Germans primarily associate enjoyment with indulgences, vacations, and the opportunity to spend time with themselves and others. For almost everyone, good food is a pleasure. But sweets, coffee, meat, tea, and alcohol are also appreciated by a majority. Besides these "classic" indulgences, vacations are also a source of enjoyment and are considered one of life's special pleasures by almost nine out of ten Germans. The importance of time is also evident, whether for leisure and relaxation or for spending time with loved ones.

Reasons

The high value placed on good food reflects the priorities of the public in terms of enjoyment. Food represents not only pure culinary pleasure, but also comfort, ample time, conversation, and social interaction. On vacation, the social aspects of conviviality, relaxation, sensory experiences, and activities merge in a particularly intense way. This occurs against the backdrop of largely flexible time management, less routine and stress, and a special environment that gives people a sense of self-determination. In everyday life, the need for self-determination manifests itself primarily in moments of leisure, relaxation, and flexible time management. Here, the strong longing for regeneration and a break from professional or personal pressures becomes evident. The enjoyment of conviviality reveals the need for communication, exchange, and shared activities with friends, acquaintances, and family. Here, one enjoys both familiarity and the opportunity to be inspired or discover something new.

Forecast

Despite numerous external and internal obstacles to enjoyment, citizens have a clear understanding of what enjoyment means to them. Even against the backdrop of increasing optimization, digitalization, and anonymization, the aforementioned aspects of enjoyment, such as self-determination, free time management, leisure, conviviality, and indulgences, will not lose their importance but will actually gain in relevance.