Inflation Germany 2022

Average inflation: 6.9%

Current Inflation

Inflation is very high at 6.9%, far above the ECB target.

Peak and Trough

The highest inflation was in October at 8.8%. The lowest inflation was in January at 4.2%.

Highest month
October: 8.8%
Lowest month
January: 4.2%
Difference
4.6 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 12.5%. The lowest price increase was in Communication with an average of 0.0%.

Highest increase
Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 12.5%
Lowest increase
Communication: 0.0%

Historical Context

Current inflation is 4.2% higher than the 5-year average of 2.7%. This approaches the highest level since records began (6.9% in 2022).

5-year average
2.7%
10-year average
1.8%
All-time high (2022)
6.9%
All-time low (2020)
0.2%

Trend

Inflation shows an upward trend. Compared to 2021, inflation has risen by +3.8 percentage point.

Change vs. previous year
+3.8 percentage points
Largest monthly swing
May: +4.8 percentage points

ECB Target

Inflation is 4.9% 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 €106.90 next year at this inflation rate.

Multi-year trend

Monthly figures 2022

Inflation by category

Food and non-alcoholic beverages
12.5%
+5.6vs avg.
More details →
Alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotics
4.2%
-2.7vs avg.
More details →
Clothing and footwear
0.8%
-6.1vs avg.
More details →
Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels
7.3%
+0.4vs avg.
More details →
Furnishings, household equipment and maintenance
7.6%
+0.7vs avg.
More details →
Health
1.3%
-5.6vs avg.
More details →
Transport
11.5%
+4.6vs avg.
More details →
Communication
0.0%
-6.9vs avg.
More details →
Recreation and culture
4.9%
-2.0vs avg.
More details →
Education
2.3%
-4.6vs avg.
More details →
Restaurants and hotels
7.6%
+0.7vs avg.
More details →
Miscellaneous goods and services
2.2%
-4.7vs avg.
More details →

Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.

Month overview

Month Inflation Difference vs. 2021
January 4.2% +3.0
February 4.3% +2.8
March 5.9% +4.1
April 6.3% +4.3
May 7.0% +4.8
June 6.7% +4.3
July 6.7% +3.0
August 7.0% +3.2
September 8.6% +4.5
October 8.8% +4.4
November 8.8% +4.0
December 8.1% +3.2
Average 6.9%

Data source

Data from OECD. Last updated: 11/01/2026.

See also