Even less sex: Germans suffer from massive inflation concerns

Many go out less, some have less sex and less self-confidence: A survey reveals the astonishing effects of inflation on relationships.

• More than half of adults in Germany say they currently go to restaurants, cinemas or theaters less often than before.
• Seven percent of respondents reported that their love life had deteriorated due to financial stress. This statement about a worse sex life was primarily made by men (9 percent) and people between 25 and 44 years of age (11 percent).
• However, more than a third (34 percent) also say that inflation does not affect their well-being , with an above-average number of older people, i.e. people older than 55, saying this.

The data comes from a representative YouGov survey commissioned by Kleinanzeigen.de. More than 2,000 adults were interviewed at the end of June.

• According to the survey, more than a quarter of adults (26 percent) feel more anxious and stressed than before inflation.
• Around 18 percent report lower self-esteem because they can afford less. Those aged 25 to 34 are most likely to say this (25 percent). Women say this more often (20 percent) than men (16 percent).
• Seventeen percent of respondents say that friendships are suffering because they are currently spending less time with friends. Young adults, in particular, are disproportionately likely to say this (21 percent of 18- to 24-year-olds).
• They are also the ones who most agree with the statement that they have fewer resources for dating and also less desire for it (19 percent). Overall, only about one in ten (11 percent) says this.
• Family planning is also stalling in parts of society. One in ten 25- to 44-year-olds have decided to adjust their plans due to the economic situation—they want fewer children . Seven percent have even postponed their desire to have children altogether.

The zeitgeist seems pessimistic. The answers are partly based on false assumptions and a feeling that seems to have crept in and become entrenched in recent years.

• Three-quarters (78 percent) believe food prices have increased compared to the previous year. More than half (53 percent) say they have observed an increase in energy prices. Almost as many (52 percent) say services have become more expensive.
• However, while food and services prices actually increased by 2.0 and 3.3 percent year-on-year, respectively, according to the Federal Statistical Office, energy prices actually fell by around 3.5 percent.
• In June, the inflation rate was just 2.0 percent (0.2 percentage points lower than in June 2024).
• The highest inflation rate in Germany since reunification was recorded almost three years ago . In October and November 2022, it was 8.8 percent.

In general, statisticians advise caution when conducting surveys based on self-assessment, such as this one: No one can verify whether the participants' statements are correct. Even the participants themselves can't know for sure how their lives would have developed without inflation.

• Some say they gave up on their desire to have children because of inflation. But they might have given up anyway. Without inflation, they would simply have given up on it .
• Perhaps friendships would have suffered anyway, and some people would have found fewer dates anyway. But now inflation is being used as an excuse.
• No one can say exactly how large this influence is. But, as the numbers show, some participants certainly overestimate the impact of inflation on their everyday lives.