The Microcensus in form of a Scientific Use File

Since the Federal Statistics Law from 1987, anonymized individual data files of official statistics can be circulated as so-called factually anonymized data (§16, Abs. 6, BStatG) can be obtained via the statistical offices. 

In doing so, it must be considered that Scientific Use Files can only be ordered by independent domestic research institutions. Microcensus guidelines restrict the place of data usage to Germany. However, foreign researches, under approved, special circumstances, have the opportunity to work with the data directly at German Microdata Lab .

The Microcensus Scientific Use File is a factually anonymized 70 percent subsample of the original Microcensus.  The factually anonymized subsample was drawn as a systematically random selection from the original data from the Federal Statistical Office. 

Where and how can the Microcensus Scientific Use Files be ordered?

Statistisches Bundesamt
Zweigstelle Bonn
Gruppe VIII C – Mikrozensus 
Holger Breiholz
Postfach 17 03 77
53029 Bonn 
(for more information: e-mail: Holger.Breiholz@destatis.de, Telephone: 01888 / 643-8711, Telefax: 01888 / 643-8962)

Detailled information on data access of the Scientific Use Files of the Microcensus are available here. 

Interested parties and users of the Microcensus can also contact GML and receive the following consulting services:

• Consultation on how far the research plan can be realized with the Microcensus data.

• Consultation and possibly support on composing the research plan.

• Consultation on techinal questions  (technical preconditions, data security etc.)

• Consultation on questions about evaluation and analysis.

Steps for ordering data  [page up]

The Federal Statistical Office described the setps for ordering data as follows:

• Please send an informal request to the address above. The request should doubtlessly state that the institution you represent belongs to the circle of designated users. It should also state that the technical and organizational conditions for a treatment of factually anonymized material which is in accordance with data confidentiality are given.

• Together with the request, please send the project description (including the project length). 

• Please compose a list of the requested features which are needed for the project.

• Name the persons who will be performing the data analysis.

• Please specify the preferred data medium for transmission.

• After the examination of your request, you will receive a licence agreement from the Federal Statistical Office. At the same time, it will be determined how far it is necessary for the involved persons to be sworn to secrecy.

Remark: Normally, members of universities are already sworn in for public service. Researchers and institutions outside of universities might have to be sworn in according to §16(7) BStatG 1987. This is conducted by members of the Federal Statistical office. 

• After conclusion of the contract, the anonymized data or rather data extracts are transmitted.

Remark: The delivery is conducted via CD-ROM. The data is encypted in ASCII. 

For accessing further Scientific Use Files and Public Use Files, click here.