Inflation in Germany by Year: Trends and Long-Term Patterns
This page shows information about inflation in Germany year by year. Here you can find out how inflation has changed over the last 5, 10, and 20 years, see periods when prices rose faster or more slowly, and learn about the long-term trends in the German economy.
Inflation in Germany by Year from 2006 to 2026
Over the past 20 years, the average inflation rate in Germany was 2.0% per year. The highest inflation was recorded in 2022 at 6.9%, which was the period of the fastest price growth during this time. The lowest inflation was seen in 2009 — 0.3%.
Table 1 shows how inflation has changed in Germany year by year. It gives the average yearly rates, which show how much consumer prices rose on average compared to the previous year.
The average yearly inflation rate helps to understand the overall economic situation for a year, as it smooths out short-term monthly changes in prices.
Table 1: Average Yearly Inflation in Germany by Year 1
| Year | Inflation Rate Compared to Previous Year | Total Inflation 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 1.6 % | 1.6 % |
| 2007 | 2.3 % | 3.9 % |
| 2008 | 2.6 % | 6.6 % |
| 2009 | 0.3 % | 7.0 % |
| 2010 | 1.0 % | 8.0 % |
| 2011 | 2.2 % | 10.4 % |
| 2012 | 1.9 % | 12.5 % |
| 2013 | 1.5 % | 14.2 % |
| 2014 | 1.0 % | 15.3 % |
| 2015 | 0.5 % | 15.9 % |
| 2016 | 0.5 % | 16.5 % |
| 2017 | 1.5 % | 18.2 % |
| 2018 | 1.8 % | 20.4 % |
| 2019 | 1.4 % | 22.0 % |
| 2020 | 0.5 % | 22.7 % |
| 2021 | 3.1 % | 26.5 % |
| 2022 | 6.9 % | 35.2 % |
| 2023 | 5.9 % | 43.2 % |
| 2024 | 2.2 % | 46.3 % |
| 2025 | 2.2 % | 49.5 % |
| January 2026 | 2.1 % |
To make it easier to see how inflation has changed, there is also a chart. The graph shows when prices started rising faster and when they were more stable.
Chart 1. Changes in Inflation Rate in Germany by Year over 20 Years
Analysis of Changes in Inflation Rate in Germany by Year
Looking at the data for the past 20 years, we can see that inflation in Germany has mostly stayed at a moderate level in the long run. In most years, price rises were close to the target of around 2.0% per year, which is considered normal for a stable economy.
There were several different phases during this period. At first, there were years with fairly stable inflation and no big jumps in prices. Then, at certain times, prices started rising faster because of outside economic events and changes on world markets. The biggest jump in inflation happened when energy and raw material prices went up sharply.
After these peaks, inflation usually slowed down gradually. This happened as the economy adapted, the central bank took action, and prices for important resources became more stable.
If we look at the whole 20-year period, we can say that Germany does not usually have long periods of high inflation. Sudden price increases have been temporary, and over time the economy returns to a more moderate pace of price growth.
The current inflation rate and monthly changes for this year are shown on a separate page. There you can see the latest official figures, compare months, and check whether prices are rising faster or slowing down.
Price Growth Including Total Inflation
If you compare overall prices at the start and end of this period, you can see how much the purchasing power of money has changed over 20 years. Taking total inflation into account, prices have gone up by about 50%. This means that things which cost 100 euros in 2006, on average cost about 150 euros in 2026.
This figure clearly shows the long-term effect of inflation: even if yearly price rises are moderate, over many years the total increase becomes significant.
Inflation Trends Over the Last 5 Years
Looking at inflation over the last 5 years helps to understand the most recent changes in prices. This period is especially important because it shows current economic trends and how they affect people’s incomes.
The average inflation rate over the last 5 years was 4.0%. The highest rate in these five years was in 2022 — 6.9%. The lowest was in 2025 — 2.2%.
Total price growth over the last five years was 22%. This shows how much the cost of goods and services has changed overall during this time.
Chart 2. Changes in Inflation Rate in Germany by Year over 5 Years
Inflation Trends Over the Last 10 Years
Looking at inflation over the last 10 years gives a wider view of economic cycles and helps us understand how price growth has changed over a longer period. This includes both years of stable inflation and times when it rose quickly.
The average inflation rate over the last 10 years was 2.6%. The highest rate during these ten years was in 2022 — 6.9%. The lowest was in 2020 — 0.5%.
Total price growth over the last ten years was 29%. This shows how much the cost of goods and services has changed overall during this time.
Chart 3. Changes in Inflation Rate in Germany by Year over 10 Years
See analysis of changes in inflation rate above on this page.
Notes on Data
- Yearly inflation rates: Data is based on official figures from Germany’s Federal Statistical Office Verbraucherpreisindex und Inflationsrate
- Total inflation: Total inflation is calculated using compound interest — by multiplying each year’s price growth rates together one after another.
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