FAQ
Status: 05/05/2022 6:49 p.m
The 2022 census begins in Germany on May 15 – a kind of human inventory of the country. Eleven years after the last census, more than 30 million people are to be surveyed. What exactly happens?
In mid-May, the statistical offices of the federal and state governments surveyed people in Germany for a census for the first time since 2011. They not only want to find out how many people live in this country, but also collect a lot of other information.
What is the purpose of the census?
The aim of the census is a reliable planning basis for political and economic decisions at federal, state and local level. The exact population is to be determined and inaccuracies in the population registers are to be corrected.
In 2011 – the last census – it turned out that in many towns and communities there were fewer people than expected – with painful financial consequences. Because the amount of payments from the financial equalization is based on the population.
Who is asked what?
In total, more than 30 million people in Germany are surveyed. Around 10.3 million randomly selected people are asked about their name, gender, marital status and nationality, among other things. According to the Federal Statistical Office, around three quarters of these people are also asked questions from an extended questionnaire. It is about the school leaving certificate or job.
The approximately 300,000 people who live in dormitories and communal accommodation are also included in the census. However, residents of shared accommodation are not interviewed directly. The facility management provides information on their behalf.
In addition, all approximately 23 million owners or administrations of housing should provide information about their apartments and residential buildings. Because: In Germany there is no uniform administrative register that records the stock of residential buildings and apartments across the board. That is why the census of buildings and apartments is an important part of the 2022 census, explained the Federal Statistical Office.
How does the survey work?
Nationwide, 100,000 so-called survey officers will be deployed. The respective interviewer comes at a previously announced date. The survey part, which is the same for everyone, should last about five to ten minutes. Approximately 10 to 15 minutes are allowed for the questions, which around three quarters of the people are also to be asked from an extended questionnaire. Respondents can then give their answers either directly in a personal interview or later on a paper questionnaire or online.
There are no personal interviews in the census of buildings and apartments. The owners and administrations of living space will receive a letter with online access data on the key date.
What is different from 2011?
What is new in this census is that, for the first time, the net cold rent, the duration and the reason for a vacancy and the energy source of the heating are also queried. According to the Federal Statistical Office, this responds to current data requirements and provides an important data basis for future planning.
Do you have to answer?
Yes – according to the 2022 census law, the selected persons are required to provide information. It is not possible to refuse participation. If you do not comply with this obligation, according to the Federal Office, a fine may also be due.
How is data protection guaranteed?
The Federal Office emphasizes that data protection requirements from the Federal Statistics Act and the General Data Protection Regulation are observed. The data would not be passed on to authorities outside of official statistics and would only be evaluated anonymously. In addition, personal data would be required for processing and deleted at the earliest possible time. Only summarized results are published, which do not allow any conclusions to be drawn about individual people, households or buildings, it said. The interviewers would have to undertake in writing to maintain statistical confidentiality.
When do the surveys start?
The deadline is May 15, 2022. The surveys should be completed by mid-August. The results of the 2022 census are expected to be available by the end of 2023.
How often does a census take place?
The European Union obliges its member states to carry out a census every ten years. This would have been the case in Germany in 2021 – but the date was postponed due to the corona pandemic.