Federal Statistics Office Maintains Inflation Rates Are Low While Perception on the Street Is That Everyday Goods Have Become More Expensive

The initial euphoria over the introduction of the euro as the new legal tender in Germany has abated somewhat in light of price increases for some everyday goods.

A study by the Allensbach Institute revealed that 54 percent of German citizens it surveyed would prefer to have their tried and trusted D-marks back. Nine percent of those surveyed were unsure which currency they preferred.

Meanwhile, the new currency has received a popular name in Germany: "teuro." The label is a combination of the German word ["teuer"; the webmaster] for expensive and the name of the new European single currency.

Five months after euro notes and coins hit the streets, complaints of price increases have not ebbed. A Braeburn apple, a trip to the hair dresser or a simple pizza order – all are more expensive than a year ago, the common citizen says.

Germany's largest tabloid, Bild, has even introduced a "Teuro Sheriff," a man charged with finding retailers that are the worst offenders in terms of having raised their prices since the introduction of the euro.

Official organizations, such as Germany's central bank Bundesbank, unwaveringly take the stance that there have been no inflationary pressures due to the new currency.

The Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung spoke with the president of Germany's Federal Statistics Office, Johann Hahlen, to find out why the man on the street's perception does not jive with officialdom's statements.

"The inflation rate that we publish – 1.6 percent for April – is objectively the correct figure," Mr Hahlen said.

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