Online survey reveals Germans spend majority of leisure hours online - Leisure hours in Germany primarily revolve around the internet.
In a comprehensive survey conducted in June 2025, it was revealed that the internet has become the dominant leisure activity among Germans. The study, titled "Leisure Monitor 2025", was published by the Foundation for Future Studies in Hamburg and surveyed more than 3,000 individuals.
The survey found that an astonishing 98 percent of respondents use the internet at least once a week. This marked increase from a 2010 study, where only 51 percent of respondents used the internet that frequently, highlights the growing reliance on digital activities in private lives.
The study, published on Tuesday in Hamburg, aimed to shed light on the leisure behaviour of Germans and was representative of the population. The survey was conducted online, ensuring a wide reach and accurate representation.
While the detailed ranking of leisure activities from the Leisure Monitor 2025 is not fully reproduced, other surveys and reports suggest that internet use is the most prevalent leisure activity. Traditional hobbies such as outdoor and physical activities, engaging in arts and crafts, playing card games and puzzles, and social activities and entertainment, including music and gigs, remain popular.
The Leisure Monitor 2025 and related consumer insights report a variety of popular hobbies, though specific activities ranked by popularity are not explicitly listed in the summary. However, the increasing dominance of digital activities, especially internet use, has become the key leisure pastime in recent years.
In conclusion, the Leisure Monitor 2025 survey reveals a significant shift in leisure behaviour among Germans, with the internet emerging as the most widespread leisure pursuit. The study underscores the growing importance of digital activities in private lives and serves as a valuable resource for understanding contemporary leisure trends in Germany.
[1] Leisure Monitor 2025 and related consumer insights report [2] Data from a survey of 38,550 respondents aged 18-64 as of mid-2025
- The growing reliance on digital activities, evident in the extensive internet usage among Germans, might prompt a reevaluation of community and employment policies to accommodate this shift in leisure behavior.
- As technology continues to permeate various aspects of life, it will be interesting to observe how this trend impacts future employment policy, given the internet's increasing dominance as a leisure activity.
