PAYBACK leisure study: Germans love shopping, travel planning and new hobbies

Active leisure activities are very important to over two thirds (70 percent) of Germans. This was revealed by a representative study, for which over 1,000 people aged 18 and over were surveyed in the PAYBACK Online Panel. Cooking and sport (70 percent), reading (63 percent) and shopping (60 percent) are among the most popular hobbies. “Coupons, vouchers and discounts are very popular. 81 percent of Germans use them to make their leisure time cheaper,” says Florian Wolfframm, member of the PAYBACK management team.

When it comes to leisure time, flexibility is important to respondents: 73 percent want to be able to organize activities spontaneously without lengthy advance planning. Shared experiences with friends and family are particularly valued (86% agree). Younger people in particular are open to new things: Over half of those under 29 (52%) want to try out new hobbies in 2025 - significantly more than the average (33%).

Vacation planning is a particularly popular leisure activity: 63% of respondents like to make plans for their vacations, compare prices and dream about going on vacation. PAYBACK customers can benefit from a wide range of travel partners and earn points when they book.

Gaming is also an integral part of Germans' leisure culture. 42% of respondents like to use their smartphone or console - among 18 to 29-year-olds, the figure is as high as 57%, closely followed by 30 to 39-year-olds (53%). Classic board and card games are still popular: 57% of Germans play physical board and card games, with the figure even rising to 69% in the younger age groups (under 29-year-olds). 
Reading is also a popular leisure activity for many: 63% of respondents say that they enjoy reading books, magazines or newspapers.

About the PAYBACK leisure study
The representative PAYBACK leisure study is based on an online survey of 1,006 people aged 18 and over, which was conducted in the PAYBACK Online Panel from March 27 to April 3, 2025.

You can find a PAYBACK graphic here.