Lücke zwischen gefühlter und gemessener Inflation? Eine empirische Bestandsaufnahme

The experience of high inflation between 2021 and 2023 has brought subjective perceptions of inflation and their deviation from the measured inflation rate back into focus. While a survey conducted by the ECB in recent years found little difference between perceived and measured inflation, a survey by the European Commission reveals a significant gap. Based on an own survey, the article confirms a clear difference between perceived and measured inflation and discusses the extent to which the survey designs can explain different results. Although the type of response scale used influences the data on perceived inflation, the effect is small. In the case of the ECB survey, panel effects are likely to lead to distorted results. Accurate measurement of perceived inflation is crucial due to its impact, e.g. on consumer and voting behaviour.