Germany’s economy showed no fresh momentum at the start of 2026, with gross domestic product expanding by 0.3% in the first quarter on a quarter-over-quarter basis, unchanged from the 0.3% growth recorded in the fourth quarter of 2025. The latest data, updated on 30 April 2026, indicate that the modest pace seen at the end of last year has carried over into the new year without acceleration or deterioration.
On a quarter-over-quarter comparison, the “actual” figure for the first quarter of 2026 reflects how output has changed relative to the previous quarter, while the “previous” figure captures the change in the fourth quarter of 2025 compared with the third quarter. With both readings at 0.3%, the data point to a period of steady but subdued expansion, suggesting that Germany is maintaining, rather than building upon, its recent growth trajectory.
