Germany is in the midst of sexual evolution, according to futurologists who say ideas about relationships are being rethought – and the internet is helping people to design their sex lives as they like.

“The link between sexual intimacy and romance is coming apart and niche arrangements are moving into the mainstream,” said an article in this month’s Trend Update magazine.

The magazine, published by German think tank the Zukunftsinstitut, said that not only the lines of relationships but also those of gender identity were being blurred.

Fewer people are identifying themselves as in a traditional monogamous sexual relationship.

Rather, arrangements such as “friends with benefits”, “polyamory” and “scheduled sex” are becoming increasingly socially accepted.