Some preparatory work was required for the survey to be conducted in residential establishments and collective living quarters (e.g. to ascertain all addresses and their particularities and to ensure quality). The preliminary survey had been running since the start of 2019. The survey of residential establishments and collective living quarters started in May 2022.

Main survey from May 2022

The survey of residential establishments and collective living quarters started in May 2022. In residential establishments, the residents were interviewed personally. In collective living quarters, the facility managers provided information on behalf of the residents, because information on their whereabouts in such facilities may result in social discrimination and some residents are unable to provide information themselves due to their physical or mental state.

The last name, maiden name, first name, gender, marital status, date of birth, place of birth, country of birth and nationalities of the residents in residential establishments and collective living quarters were collected to help calculate the number of inhabitants in Germany.

A residential establishment’s address may also have been included in the survey of randomly selected households. An extended questionnaire was used in such cases, which also contained questions about education and employment.

Preliminary survey of providers from spring 2019

In preparation for the survey, the regional statistical offices first ran a search for residential establishments and collective living quarters. Based on their search results, the providers of residential establishments and collective living quarters – and facilities without (known) providers – were contacted in spring 2019 to check the researched information and make any necessary corrections or additions. The relevant legal requirements are stipulated in Section 11 of the 2021 Census Preparation Act (only available in German). The results of this preliminary survey were used to find other addresses with residential establishments and collective living quarters and to ensure the accuracy of previously researched addresses.

Preliminary survey from early 2020

In order to clear up further essential questions about the facilities before the main survey took place, another preliminary survey was conducted with their managers or providers from the start of 2020. The preliminary survey included questions about the nature and purpose of each facility, the number of places, particularities on site (e.g. side entrances, other parts of the building) and possible alterations planned by May 2022.

Update of the preliminary survey from spring 2021

The 2021 census was postponed until 2022 due to the restrictions imposed to combat the Covid-19 pandemic. As a result, the information on residential establishments and collective living quarters obtained during the preliminary survey in 2020 were updated and newly established facilities were surveyed for the first time.

Data protection

We ensure that your data arealways safe with us and protected against third-party access in accordance with the stringent legal requirements. You can find more information about data protection during the census on the page “How does the census work?”