Inflation Germany 1981
Average inflation: 6.3%
Current Inflation
Inflation is very high at 6.3%, far above the ECB target.
Peak and Trough
The highest inflation was in October at 7.5%. The lowest inflation was in February at 5.4%.
- Highest month
- October: 7.5%
- Lowest month
- February: 5.4%
- Difference
- 2.1 percentage points
- Months with data
- 12 of 12
Category Insights
The highest price increase was in Food and non-alcoholic beverages with an average of 4.8%. The lowest price increase was in Food and non-alcoholic beverages with an average of 4.8%.
- Highest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 4.8%
- Lowest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 4.8%
Historical Context
Current inflation is 1.1% higher than the 5-year average of 5.2%. This approaches the highest level since records began (6.3% in 1981).
- 5-year average
- 5.2%
- 10-year average
- 5.2%
- All-time high (1981)
- 6.3%
- All-time low (1979)
- 4%
Trend
Inflation shows an upward trend. Compared to 1980, inflation has risen by +0.9 percentage point.
- Change vs. previous year
- +0.9 percentage points
- Largest monthly swing
- October: +2.6 percentage points
ECB Target
Inflation is 4.3% above the ECB target of 2.0%. This means purchasing power is declining faster than intended.
Purchasing Power
At this high inflation rate, purchasing power rapidly decreases. This has a major impact on households, especially without adequate salary increases.
What you could buy for €100 this year will cost approximately €106.30 next year at this inflation rate.
Multi-year trend
Monthly figures 1981
Inflation by category
Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.
Month overview
| Month | Inflation | Difference vs. 1980 |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5.9% | +1.0 |
| February | 5.4% | -0.5 |
| March | 5.8% | +0.1 |
| April | 5.8% | 0.0 |
| May | 5.8% | -0.3 |
| June | 5.9% | +0.1 |
| July | 6.4% | +1.1 |
| August | 6.5% | +1.2 |
| September | 7.1% | +2.2 |
| October | 7.5% | +2.6 |
| November | 7.3% | +2.3 |
| December | 6.7% | +1.2 |
| Average | 6.3% |
Data source
Data from OECD. Last updated: 17/12/2025.