Inflation
[ɪnflaˈt͡si̯oːn]feminine
The English phrase "inflation" is Inflation in German. Wiktionary also lists Geldentwertung.
Meaning: increase in the quantity of money, leading to a devaluation of existing money and increase in the general nominal level of prices or in the cost of living (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Inflation | [ɪnflaˈt͡si̯oːn] (narrow) | feminine |
| Geldentwertung | [ˈɡɛltʔɛntˌveːɐ̯tʊŋ] (narrow) | feminine |
The term refers to an increase in the quantity of money, leading to a devaluation of existing money and an increase in the general nominal level of prices or the cost of living.
What does it mean word for word?
The formal term Geldentwertung is a compound noun made of Geld (money) and Entwertung (devaluation).
Which one should you use?
While Inflation is the standard economic term, Geldentwertung specifically emphasizes the loss of purchasing power of the currency.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun Inflation is feminine and takes the definite article die.
Did you know?
- During the 1923 hyperinflation, the value of the Mark dropped so fast that people used banknotes as wallpaper or burned them for heat because paper was cheaper than fuel.
- The word Entwertung can also mean 'cancelling' or 'validating' a ticket, as in punching a hole in a train ticket to show it has been used.
- The trauma of the 1923 hyperinflation is so deeply embedded in German culture that Inflationsangst (fear of inflation) is a recognized psychological phenomenon that influences national voting and saving habits.
Examples in context
- Die Inflation gerät außer Kontrolle.Inflation is getting out of control.This sentence shows how to describe inflation getting out of control using Inflation.Tatoeba #603593 by samueldora, translation #65706 by CK
- Sein Gehalt kann mit der Inflation nicht Schritt halten.His salary can't keep pace with inflation.This sentence demonstrates how a salary might not keep pace with Inflation.Tatoeba #1820325 by Tamy, translation #285883 by CK
- Jemand muss einen Weg finden, die Inflation aufzuhalten.Someone must find a way to stop inflation.This sentence illustrates the need to find a way to stop Inflation.Tatoeba #5035243 by Matteo, translation #5034363 by dantat65
- Die Inflation beeinflusst die Wirtschaft des Landes.Inflation affects the country's economy.
- Die Geldentwertung führt zu höheren Preisen für Verbraucher.The devaluation of money leads to higher prices for consumers.
- Die Teuerung macht es schwieriger, mit dem gewöhnlichen Gehalt auszukommen.Inflation makes it more difficult to get by on a regular salary.
- Die aktuelle Preissteigerung betrifft vor allem Lebensmittel.The current price increase mainly affects food products.
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Julia are discussing the economy at a cafe.
- JulianHast du die Nachrichten über die Inflation gehört?Did you hear the news about the inflation?
- JuliaJa, Julian, das ist wirklich besorgniserregend.Yes, Julian, that is really worrying.
- JulianDie Inflation wirkt sich auf alles aus.Inflation is affecting everything.
- JuliaDas stimmt, die Preise sind überall gestiegen.That's true, prices have risen everywhere.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “inflation” translations and entries Inflation, Geldentwertung, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
