Berlin, April 14, 2026
A new survey shows that 77% of Germans are deeply concerned about rising living costs, with only 22% of households having sufficient financial reserves to cushion the impact of inflation.
The findings highlight mounting economic anxiety as energy prices surge and inflation reaches its highest level since January 2024. With 36% of respondents fearing their savings won’t last and 16% already exhausting their reserves, the data paints a stark picture of financial strain across income groups.
Rising Prices Fuel Economic Anxiety
Energy prices in Germany jumped 7.2% in March compared to the same month last year, exacerbating fears of a prolonged cost-of-living crisis. The inflation rate climbed to 2.7% in March, the highest in over two years, according to official statistics.
A survey of 1,000 participants revealed that 76% worry about further increases in electricity and fuel costs, compounding existing financial pressures. Tanja Birkholz, Chairwoman of the Schufa Executive Board, underscored the disproportionate impact on lower-income households: *"Die Menschen bekommen die Krise über höhere Preise direkt beim Einkaufen und Tanken zu spüren – vor allem die unteren Einkommensgruppen haben keine Rücklagen mehr, um dies abzufedern."*
The German government has responded with temporary relief measures, including a 17-cent-per-liter tax cut on diesel and gasoline for two months. However, the survey suggests these steps may not be enough to alleviate broader concerns.
Household Savings Under Strain
Only 22% of households currently have adequate financial buffers to absorb rising expenses, according to the survey. Meanwhile, 16% of respondents reported having already depleted their reserves, while another 22% said they never had any savings to begin with.
The data reveals a sharp divide in financial resilience, with lower-income groups particularly vulnerable. Birkholz’s remarks highlight how price hikes at grocery stores and gas stations are hitting those least equipped to cope. The survey also found that 36% of participants fear their remaining savings won’t withstand further economic shocks.
With inflation showing no signs of easing, the findings suggest a growing segment of the population is at risk of financial instability. The government’s fuel tax reduction, while a short-term fix, does little to address the underlying erosion of household purchasing power.
Government Measures Fall Short
The temporary tax cuts on fuel, announced as part of a broader effort to curb rising costs, have drawn mixed reactions. While the policy provides immediate relief at the pump, critics argue it fails to tackle systemic issues driving inflation.
The survey’s results underscore the urgency of the situation, with 77% of respondents expressing concern about overall price increases. As living costs continue to climb, the lack of savings among many households leaves little room for error.
Analysts warn that without more comprehensive solutions, the financial strain on German consumers could worsen. The combination of soaring energy prices, dwindling savings, and persistent inflation creates a perfect storm for economic hardship, particularly for those already struggling to make ends meet.
The survey’s stark findings serve as a wake-up call for policymakers, highlighting the need for targeted support to protect vulnerable households from the escalating cost-of-living crisis.