A recent German survey found that 73 percent of women and 64 percent of men aimed to land a partner who wanted to have children, but also offered interesting differences in what both sexes consider desirable in a spouse or partner.

Another important factor, for women, at least, is whether the partner is on an equivalent or similar level intellectually and academically.

According to the survey conducted by a women’s magazine, some 61 percent of women wanted a partner with at least the same level of education, whereas this issue was of concern to only 17 percent of men.

Around half of all women are interested in social status with 49 percent wanting the man in their lives to be successful in his career, whereas this was less important for men, only 12 percent of whom insisted on a career woman as partner.

A slightly smaller number of women, 43 percent, wanted their partner to come from a "good family." Again this was less important for men of whom 21 percent considered this an important issue.

For both sexes, good taste and self-assurance is more important than being good looking.

Among women, 34 per cent wanted their partner to have confidence in his own style, and the same was true for 26 percent of men.

The survey found that good looks were important for 22 percent of women and 17 percent of men.

Nearly a fifth of women, 18 per cent, wanted their male partner to have a large circle of friends, whereas only 8 percent of men were interested in this aspect.