Twice as many Germans (64 per cent) as in 1953 (31 per cent) go on weekend trips or hikes more often, accept invitations to friends' and acquaintances' homes more often, actively engage in sport and enjoy playing exercise and board games. These are the findings of representative time comparison studies conducted by the BAT Leisure Research Institute.

According to leisure time researchers, being active is more popular than being passively entertained. Germans are once again focussing on their own abilities, and self-determined activities in their leisure time are more fun than before. For many, DIY, do-it-yourself and self-made things have once again become more attractive than the purchase of status-related consumer and luxury goods.

Getting together with friends, neighbours and acquaintances outside the home is becoming more important again. Not so long ago, people preferred to withdraw into the fortress of their own four walls, flat or house. Being with the family or on one's own took centre stage.

Informal socialising at games, parties or celebrations and being together in cliques, clubs or initiatives are also gaining priority. At the same time, the need for physical activity such as hiking, cycling and jogging is increasing. Compared to the 1950s, leisure time today is becoming increasingly active and sociable.

The biggest slice of the German leisure spending pie is still the annual holiday trip. But for the first time, the growth rate here has stagnated. In contrast, the percentage increase for hobbies/do-it-yourself and games/toys has risen considerably.

As a result, a change has taken place almost unnoticed within the growth market of leisure time, which may even indicate a trend reversal in the leisure behaviour of Germans: The most beautiful weeks of the year have been rivalled by the most beautiful hours of the day.