The myth of the thrifty German spender is being dispelled – for now at least. Germans are spending more than they have for the last 13 years, and the population's tendency to save is lower than it has been for a long time. So why are Germans in the mood to shop?

In Germany, where 80% of transactions are carried out in cash, card payments aren’t considered secure. Fintech start-up Number26 intends to change this perception, as – even in the land of pretzels, biergartens and traditionalism – people begin to test the waters of digital banking.

German supermarkets have long been known for low prices and simple design. 81% of Germans say that price is the most important consideration when grocery shopping, but they're increasingly choosing premium and organic products. So what's changed? And what do Germans want to eat?

A global survey on the perception of German luxury arrived at the word “perfection”. But HSBC’s Luxury Goods report lists only one German company, and German’s traditionally prefer to buy designer goods from Italy, UK and France. Is German luxury really driven by function over form?