Leisure And Holidays : Germany

Leisure time is the result of a lengthy social and cultural development in Germany, whereas the annual holiday for the working population is a 20th-century achievement. The tradition of leisure time is founded on the prosperity attained through work. It is socially conceded scope for personal fulfillment which encompasses civil liberties (free disposal of time, freedom of association and freedom to travel) and affords people the opportunity to engage in activities of their choice.

The amount of leisure time depends on the individual’s personal circumstances and the demands on his or her time imposed by work and everyday obligations. On average, a German has three to four hours of free time on weekdays, ten hours of free time on Saturdays, Sundays and the nine holidays, and an annual holiday of up to six weeks. Differences between the eastern and western parts of the country are gradually disappearing. German households have long spent between 10 and 15 percent of their disposable income on leisure pursuits, generating a total turnover of about DM 430 billion per year.