2026
8
Germany Consumers and the Economic Outlook: 2026
2026-01-21T16:01:22+00:00
REP21E98B97_3B7E_40DC_A98B_973B7E10DC70
2195
190564
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Report
en_GB
Germany enters 2026 with its economy in a holding pattern; labour market weakness is severe, and about half of industry associations are bracing for layoffs. Looking forward, government investment is…
Germany
Financial Services
simple

Germany Consumers and the Economic Outlook: 2026

"Germans' ongoing cost-of-living concerns and a weak labour market dampen consumer confidence. Brands that break new ground to strengthen loyalty will secure future spending."

Dr. Jennifer Hendricks, Principal Analyst - Consumer Lifestyles, Germany

Germany enters 2026 with its economy in a holding pattern; labour market weakness is severe, and about half of industry associations are bracing for layoffs. Looking forward, government investment is expected to drive some recovery in GDP growth, albeit small, keeping the macro outlook cautious, rather than optimistic.

This is also reflected in consumer behaviour; 63% of Germans have cut back on their overall spending in the past year, and 44% are adding more money to their savings compared to a year ago as a result of Germany’s current economic situation. This is proof of financial stability taking precedence over non-essential purchases.

Consequently, the most significant threat here is sustained cost-of-living anxiety normalising persistent caution, which can lock in a defensive spending mentality and stall recovery in private-sector demand even if broader economic prospects begin to improve.

As brands grapple with these challenges, the greatest opportunity lies in securing brand loyalty, for example by redefining value with loyalty ecosystems and non-monetary incentives that reinforce brand connections and lay the foundation to boost future spending.

This Report Looks at the Following Areas:

  • Consumer spending habits and areas of spending they are most keen to prioritise
  • Expected economic and social changes over the next year
  • Things consumers are currently most concerned about
  • Behaviours and expectations for 2026
  • Attitudes towards the current economic situation
  • Things consumers are most looking forward to in 2026
Collapse All
  1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

    • What you need to know
    • Economic outlook
    • Opportunities
    • Break new ground to strengthen brand loyalty
    • Keep Gen Zs engaged, despite their fading optimism
    • Capitalise on Germans’ foodservice participation
  2. THE MARKET

    • Economic growth remains subdued
    • Graph 1: key economic data, in real terms, 2020-27
    • Private consumption indicates a downward trend
    • Graph 2: household final consumption expenditure, price, seasonally and calendar adjusted, 2024-25
    • Inflation settles above the 2% target, while cost-of-living pressures remain an issue
    • Financial confidence remains restrained
    • Graph 3: current financial situation, 2025
    • Labour market outlook is gloomy
    • Graph 4: unemployment rate, original value, 2022-25
  3. THE CONSUMER

    • Discretionary spending habits and priorities
    • Cutbacks on overall spending are prevalent…
    • …making it crucial for brands to help consumers justify their spending
    • Eating out is a welcome escape from everyday stress
    • Explore further opportunities to tap into Germans’ spending priorities
    • Graph 5: discretionary spending categories on which consumers would most want to continue to spend if they had to make cuts in their overall spending (top 4), 2025
    • Be aware of younger generations’ increased propensity to save
    • Graph 6: consumers who add more money to their savings compared to a year ago as a result of the current German economic situation, by generation, 2025
    • Changes in financial activity plans show a mixed picture
    • Consumer concerns
    • The cost of living and international security are Germans’ biggest concerns
    • How brands can create stability amidst global challenges
    • A downbeat national mood is fueling concerns
    • Graph 7: issues about which consumers are currently most concerned (selected aspects), by perceptions of a bad mood in German society, 2025
    • Older Germans are more concerned about climate change
    • Address older Germans’ climate concerns by highlighting their power as role models
    • Expected economic changes over the next year
    • Cost-of-living expectations show no improvement
    • Expectations for macro issues are pessimistic…
    • Graph 8: expected economic changes over the next year or so – NET, 2025
    • …as the new German government fails to regain trust
    • Global trade turmoil dampens future outlook
    • Engage younger Germans with #madeineurope
    • Expectations for personal situation in 2026
    • Most Germans expect to maintain their current standard of living…
    • …as the majority expects their finances to remain stable, or even improve
    • Graph 9: expected personal changes over the next year or so – NET, 2025
    • Gen Zs have lost some of their optimism…
    • Graph 10: personal changes over the next year or so – NET – expected by Gen Z, 2024
    • Graph 11: personal changes over the next year or so – NET – expected by Gen Z, 2025
    • …as they navigate the transition to adulthood amidst economic challenges
    • Explore ways to capitalise on consumers’ spending expectations
  4. INNOVATION AND MARKETING

    • Lufthansa plans loyalty ecosystem
    • Concept ideas for capitalising on older consumers’ power as role models in everyday sustainability
  5. APPENDIX

    • Report scope and definitions
    • The consumer
    • Consumer research questions
    • Consumer research methodology
    • Germany’s generation groups
    • Abbreviations
    • A note on language

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