2022 census: survey of 700,000 citizens completed

Created: 2022-12-09Updated: 2022-12-09 15:06

“Census 2022” is written on a tablet used by the census survey officers to conduct the on-site surveys.

© Daniel Karmann/dpa/Illustration

Every ten years, the authorities update their data on citizens with a survey. In the upcoming 2031 census, however, personal interviews should no longer be necessary.

Potsdam - The survey of around 700,000 citizens in Brandenburg and Berlin as part of the 2022 census has been completed.

The results, such as updated population figures or information on living space, would not be available until November next year after a thorough evaluation, reported the head of the State Office for Statistics, Jörg Fidorra, on Friday in Potsdam.

Since only 90 percent of the 950,000 owners responded to the separate census of buildings and apartments, this survey will continue until mid-February.

Fidorra reported that around 1,000 so-called Reich citizens from both countries had reported to the statistical office as a by-catch because of the survey for the census.

They had pointed out that they did not recognize the Federal Republic as a state and therefore wanted to refuse the questioning.

Participation in the census is mandatory, however, and failure to do so will result in a fine.

Since many citizens find the surveys at least unpleasant, according to Fidorra, the procedure for the next census in 2031 is to be changed to a pure query of data that is already available from the authorities.

In this so-called register census, data from the pension insurance, the Federal Motor Vehicle Office or the Federal Employment Agency should be used, explained the responsible officer, Dorett Jenkel.

These "signs of life" from citizens, a tax return or the registration of a vehicle should then be assigned to an individual picture of all citizens instead of the previous sample with surveys, said Jenkel.

However, the relevant laws for data protection would still have to be amended.

"It's going to be sporty, to get it all done by 2031," said Jenkel.

After publication at the end of next year, the results of the 2022 census could provide interesting answers not only for the administrations, but also for all citizens, explained project manager Kersten Klemm.

In addition to the population, the information on the age groups would indicate whether the construction of schools or day-care centers would be necessary.

Citizens can see how high the rents are in certain communities or residential areas and where, for example, it is worth looking for an apartment due to the high vacancy rate.

Commuter flows can also be described with the information on the place of residence and work.

dpa