German Internet User Profiled

Internet use among Germans last year grew from around a third of all adults to nearly half. This is the headline finding from NFO Infratest's latest Internet User Monitor research. The rise across 2001 means that six million more Germans are now online, bringing the total number to around 31 million.

The results of this ninth wave of research comprehensively detail Internet penetration for the country. The data shows use is highest for 14 to 17 year-olds, with almost eight out of ten Germans in this age group having used the Internet over 2001. Results for the previous year indicate this level was in the region of 60%. Furthermore, these teenagers have now become the heaviest users, pushing back 18 to 24 year-olds to second place. In this age group, Internet penetration now stands at 75 percent of the total.

The study suggests that the high increase among older German children is a result of various developments. Most specifically, the rise in use of new Internet access devices is likely to have driven up use. As an example, very few young people used a game console to get connected to the Internet in 2001. However, around three percent of the 14 to 17 year-olds now claim to connect via the newest generation of game consoles. Many more are also connecting from the expanding number of public access places, such as Internet cafes and libraries.

Comparing this wave with previous ones, the ongoing study has also revealed some interesting facts about the changing profile of German use. In this context, there has been an above-average increase among women and older people. While this rose from an average 38.9 percent in the 2000 to the current 48 percent, use among women alone grew by more than 29 percent. In addition, there was an above-average growth in usage in the 45-54 age group (+32%) and the over 55s (+42%).

The education and income profile of use has not changed as significantly though. The study shows that, compared to the population as a whole, the formally educated and those with higher incomes still represent the more dominant German users.

The NFO Infratest Internet User Monitor is carried out every six months - during December/January and June/July - in Germany, France and Great Britain. It is conducted offline using a sample of 5,000 Germans aged 14 plus.

All articles 2006-22 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas unless otherwise stated.