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
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
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
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
INNOVATION AND MARKETING
Lufthansa plans loyalty ecosystem
Concept ideas for capitalising on older consumers’ power as role models in everyday sustainability
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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