Inflation rises moderately at the start of the year

The inflation rate in Germany was +2.1% in January 2026 compared to the same month of the previous year. Inflation thus picked up again slightly at the start of the year, having been +1.8% in December 2025. Compared to the previous month, consumer prices rose by 0.1%. This was confirmed by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) in its final calculations.

Food prices drive the trend

The main driver of higher inflation was rising food prices, which increased by 2.1 % within a year and thus significantly more than in previous months. There were particularly sharp price increases for

• sugar, confectionery and chocolate (double-digit increases in some cases),
• fruit (+6.1%),
• meat and meat products (+4.9%).

In contrast, individual staple foods became significantly cheaper, such as edible fats and oils (-20.1%) and dairy products (-3.5%).

Energy prices continue to fall

Energy prices once again had a dampening effect: These were 1.7% lower overall than in the same month last year. Household energy in particular fell in price, partly due to cheaper electricity, gas and district heating. This was due, among other things, to reduced grid fees and the abolition of the gas storage levy. This was offset by fuel prices, which rose slightly.

Consumer price inflation increased at the beginning of the year, in particular due to higher food prices and a continued rise in services.

Ruth Brand, President of the Statistical Office

Core inflation remains high

Excluding the volatile energy and food sectors, core inflation stood at +2.5% in January. This figure shows that the underlying price pressure in many areas of the economy remains comparatively high.

Above-average price increases for services

The services sector once again recorded above-average price increases of +3.2% within a year. Particularly hard hit were

• social services (+7.1 %),
• combined passenger transportation (+6.2 %), also as a result of the price increase for the Deutschlandticket,
• vehicle maintenance and repair (+5.2 %).

Rents also continued to rise (+2.1%) and remained an important factor in overall inflation.

Comparatively moderate rise in goods prices

The overall price of goods rose by just 1.0% compared to January 2025. In addition to food, prices for non-alcoholic beverages in particular rose significantly, while household appliances, for example, became cheaper.

Prices rose by 0.1% month-on-month. Seasonal effects led to cheaper air travel and clothing, among other things, while fresh vegetables and fuel became more expensive.