All facts and information at a glance

Since May 15, the statistical offices of the federal and state governments have been conducting another census – for the first time since 2011. A repeat survey was carried out parallel to the main survey until mid-November. In total, more than 30 million citizens nationwide should be surveyed to find out how many people in Germany live as they live and work. What exactly is the census? You can find all the answers here.

What is the 2022 census?

The census is a census taken every ten years Germany is carried out. The census not only counts the people living in Germany, but also provides information about the demographics of Germany after evaluation, for example about the gender, age, living situation and citizenship of the residents. For this purpose, among other things, the data from the population registers is used and about ten percent of the population is questioned.

Who was interviewed?

11.7 million people were interviewed in the census household surveys. In addition, a census of buildings and dwellings was carried out during the census. Around 23 million owners, administrators and persons entitled to dispose of and use apartments or buildings were selected for this purpose. A total of over 30 million surveys should therefore be carried out. Around 100,000 survey officers, so-called interviewers, were on the road from May 15th.

According to the press release of December 14, 2022, the Federal Statistical Office received more than 30 million reports. The personal interviews ended at the beginning of August.

When did the census take place?

The census cut-off date was May 15, 2022. The main survey was conducted from May to August. The results of the anonymized data will be evaluated at the end of 2023 and will then be available.

How did the 2022 census survey take place?

The randomly selected individuals were notified by the interviewers with a cover letter and an appointment announcement card. On site, the interviewers identified themselves with an identification card for survey officers and a photo ID (identity card or passport).

In the short survey, for example, first names, surnames, gender, nationality, main and secondary residence of all household members were asked. The data of the other household members could be given on behalf of an adult.

The five to ten-minute survey ended for some of the selected people on site. The other part received the access data for an additional online survey from the survey officers.

Was the census compulsory?

With the 2022 census, there was an obligation to provide information, so the census was not voluntary. The obligation to provide information is necessary to ensure the high quality and accuracy of the results of the census. This data is the basis for important political decisions, said Katja Wilken, overall project manager of the 2022 census.

What happens if I didn’t take part in the 2022 census?

The individuals who were selected and did not take part in the survey were reminded several times. Anyone who, after repeated reminders, still did not take part in the survey had to reckon with coercive fines or fines, the amount of which is determined by the respective federal state.

Fact check: What could the survey officers ask me?

There are many questions and information about the largest project in official statistics – but also disinformation. In order to counteract misunderstandings or intentional fake news, the official website of the 2022 census a fact check. Wrong information is corrected there. For example, the interviewers were not allowed to ask for an identity card, a bank card or a signature from people.

More: Census 2022: Which data the state wants to collect from the population

Initial publication: May 24, 2022 at 5:51 p.m