When the global financial crisis hit in 2008, the German economy was one of the hardest hit. The country had been steadily growing up until that point and, with a large trade surplus, had become an attractive target for speculators. When the crash occurred, it was easy to see why investors lost faith in Germany’s stability. In January 2009, the value of the German currency dropped by 30%, leading to unprecedented levels of capital outflow. This collapse in confidence almost resulted in Germany exiting the European single currency union. To avoid this undesirable outcome and restore investor confidence, many reforms were introduced with the aim of transforming Germany into a more stable and prosperous country. The following article looks at some key aspects of what is commonly referred to as ‘Germany’s economic miracle’.

What is the German economic miracle?

In the aftermath of World War II, Germany was in a poor state. The country had been devastated by the war and reconstruction was a huge undertaking. By the end of the 1960s, West Germany was considered a developed nation, and the East was still behind in many ways. However, another war was to disrupt this status quo. In the early 1980s, it was discovered that Germany’s industrial infrastructure was woefully out of date. In response, the government launched a huge upgrade program, which had a dramatic effect. Over the next 20 years, the Bundesrepublik saw an impressive growth in the manufacturing sector. By the late 1990s, Germany had achieved the highest growth rates in the developed world and was widely referred to as the economic miracle of Europe.

Why is Germany’s economy so stable?

Many commentators have identified Germany’s economic stability as something of a mystery. How is it that a country with such a patchy history of economic growth has managed to become a prosperous nation? One significant factor is that, following the rise of the Nazis, Germany’s economy was destroyed. It didn’t re-emerge in full until after the end of the war. This meant that the government had no experience using the wealth generated by a prosperous economy. As a result, there was a lack of awareness of potential risks and complications. Today, Germany has a highly developed financial sector that insulates the country from many of the financial hazards of other countries.

Which reforms were implemented to make Germany more prosperous?

In order to make its economy more stable and prosperous, the German government implemented a series of reforms that modernized the manufacturing sector. These included the deregulation of the telecommunications sector, the opening up of the electricity grid to competition, and the deregulation of the airlines. All of these elements were to help Germany become a more efficient and competitive economy.

What are the key challenges for the German economy?

The key challenge for the German economy is to find a way to make its manufacturing sector more competitive. This is becoming more difficult with the emergence of low-cost production in countries such as China and India. In order to make up for this, Germany is increasingly turning to high-end manufacturing.

How can you benefit from investing in Germany?

Germany’s economy is relatively stable, with a strong financial sector that is protected from many of the financial hazards of other countries. The country is also becoming a more attractive location for high-tech manufacturing. This means it has potential to become one of the most prosperous economies in the world. With a growing middle class and more than one-sixth of the world’s technology patents, it’s worth taking a look at how Germany can benefit your portfolio.

Key Takeaway

Germany is often referred to as the economic miracle of Europe, thanks to its impressive growth rate during the postwar period. The country’s economy is among the most stable in the world, protected by a highly developed financial sector. Germany has a long history of manufacturing, which helped make it a prosperous nation following the end of World War II.