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Due to the great impact of smoking on health this study investigates secular trends in smoking habits in Germany between 1985 and 2002. Special emphasis is on social characteristics which are related to the pattern of the smoking habits in the general population. Data sources are four national health surveys, conducted between 1985 and 1998, and three waves of the 'Bertelsmann-Health-Monitor' in 2002 and 2003. Included from these representative cross-sectional surveys are only persons aged 25-69 years. The total number of study participants are 13,079 males and 13,732 females. Independent variables included are schooling, occupational status, household equivalent income, occupational status, family status, community size and a social risk indicator. The analysis shows convergence in the secular trend in smoking behaviour between males and females, with decreasing rates for males and increasing rates for females. Overall, no noteworthy success of preventive measures to reduce smoking in Germany can be seen. The marked social polarisation of smoking which already existed in 1985 continued. In comparison to other European countries there is a great need for enhancing activities regarding prevention of smoking by adults in Germany.

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