die  Preissteigerung

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈpʁaɪ̯sˌʃtaɪ̯ɡɐʊŋ/

📈 What exactly is 'eine Preissteigerung'?

Die Preissteigerung (noun, feminine) refers to the process or result of the price for a good, service, or the general price level increasing. It simply means that something is getting more expensive (teurer).

In an economic context, one often speaks of the Preissteigerungsrate (price increase rate), which measures the percentage change in the price level over a specific period and is an important indicator of inflation.

There is only this one article (die) and this one main meaning. No risk of confusion with other articles.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📊 Grammar in Detail: Die Preissteigerung

The word 'Preissteigerung' is a feminine noun. Most German nouns ending in -ung are feminine (die), like die Rechnung (the bill) or die Bedeutung (the meaning).

Example Sentences

1. Die Preissteigerung bei Lebensmitteln ist deutlich spürbar.
   (The price increase for food is clearly noticeable.)
2. Ökonomen analysieren die Ursachen der aktuellen Preissteigerung.
   (Economists are analyzing the causes of the current price increase.)
3. Wir müssen uns auf weitere Preissteigerungen einstellen.
   (We have to prepare for further price increases.)
4. Die Regierung versucht, die Preissteigerungen einzudämmen.
   (The government is trying to curb the price increases.)

💬 How to use 'Preissteigerung'?

'Preissteigerung' is frequently used in economic and political discussions, especially concerning inflation, cost development, or purchasing power.

• In everyday life: You talk about a Preissteigerung when you notice that products in the supermarket or services have become more expensive. (e.g., "Die Preissteigerung beim Bäcker ist ärgerlich." - "The price increase at the bakery is annoying.")
• In the news: The term is often used in reports about the economic situation, central bank decisions, or wage negotiations. (e.g., "Die Inflationsrate wird durch hohe Preissteigerungen im Energiesektor getrieben." - "The inflation rate is driven by high price increases in the energy sector.")
• Distinction: While 'Preissteigerung' describes the increase of one or more prices, 'Inflation' refers to the general and sustained increase in the price level in an economy. 'Teuerung' is an often synonymous, somewhat more general term for things becoming more expensive.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Mnemonic for the Article:

Like almost all German nouns ending in -ung, it's feminine: think of die Rechnung (the bill), die Meinung (the opinion), die Hoffnung (the hope)... and therefore also die Preissteigerung. The '-ung' ending signals 'die'.

Mnemonic for the Meaning:

Think of the German word Preis (price) and Steigerung (increase, climb - related to 'steigen', to climb). A price that climbs higher is a Preissteigerung. Imagine the price tag literally climbing up a ladder or mountain. 🧗‍♀️💰

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Caution: 'Inflation' and 'Preissteigerung' are not always the same. Inflation is a macroeconomic phenomenon, while a Preissteigerung can also affect just a single product.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Kunde den Bäcker: "Warum sind die Brötchen schon wieder teurer geworden?"
Sagt der Bäcker: "Das ist keine Preissteigerung, das ist angewandte Backkunst – wir heben das Niveau!" 😉

Translation:
The customer asks the baker: "Why have the bread rolls become more expensive again?"
The baker says: "That's not a price increase, that's applied baking art – we're raising the standard!" (Pun: 'Niveau heben' means 'to raise the standard/level', but sounds like raising prices).

📜 Poem about Price Increases

Der Euro schmilzt, die Münze klein,
was gestern günstig, heut' muss teurer sein.
Im Laden seufzt man leis' und bang,
die Preissteigerung nimmt ihren Gang.
Das Sparschwein weint, der Magen knurrt,
der Wohlstand hat sich schnell verzurrt.

Translation:
The Euro melts, the coin is small,
what yesterday was cheap, today must cost more for all.
In the shop, one sighs softly and with fear,
the price increase makes its way here.
The piggy bank cries, the stomach growls,
prosperity has quickly scowled.

❓ Little Riddle

Ich mache dein Geld weniger wert,
hab' deinen Einkauf oft erschwert.
Mal schleichend, mal mit großem Sprung,
nennt man mich wirtschaftlich... ?

Translation:
I make your money worth less,
I've often made your shopping a mess.
Sometimes creeping, sometimes with a leap,
economically, I'm called the...?

Solution: die Preissteigerung

➕ Other Information

Word Composition:

The word 'Preissteigerung' is a compound noun, composed of:

• Der Preis: The price or cost of a good/service.
• Die Steigerung: The increase, rise (derived from the verb 'steigern' - to increase, enhance).

Together, it literally describes the 'increasing of the price'.

Relevance:

Preissteigerungen (price increases) are a central topic in economics, politics, and the daily lives of consumers. Observing and controlling price increases (inflation) is a primary task of central banks like the European Central Bank (ECB).