ALLBUS (GGSS - the German General Social Survey) is a biennial trend survey based on random samples of the German population. Established in 1980, its mission is to monitor attitudes, behavior, and social change in Germany. Each ALLBUS cross-sectional survey consists of one or two main question modules covering changing topics, a range of supplementary questions and a core module providing detailed demographic information. Additionally, data on the interview and the interviewers are provided as well. Key topics generally follow a 10-year replication cycle, many individual indicators and item batteries are replicated at shorter intervals.

Since the mid-1980ies ALLBUS also regularly hosts one or two modules of the ISSP (International Social Survey Programme).

The main question module of ALLBUS/GGSS 1986 focuses education and cultural skills. It includes questions on attitudes towards education and the educational system, the respondents‘ personal education, the use of household appliances, everyday cultural skills etc.. Further topics are, for example, political attitudes, importance of life aspects, and attitudes towards abortion. Additionally included is the ISSP module "Social Networks."