Friendflation: Warum Geld in Beziehungen relevanter wird

Friendflation, or the increasing relevance of money in relationships, is becoming more prominent, according to Wolfgang Krüger, a psychotherapist, business economist, and author of books on money and relationships. Krüger explains that as wealth inequality widens and we live in uncertain times, money plays a larger role in friendships.

The significance of money in relationships grew during the student movement, as a more precarious time defined people by their financial status. Nowadays, expensive activities such as group trips, café visits, dinners, and movie trips contribute to the feeling that keeping friendships becomes more costly. This phenomenon is dubbed "Friendflation," a combination of "friend" and "inflation."

Stefan Trautmann, a behavioral economist at the University of Heidelberg, views Friendflation as a manifestation of inflation, as seen in common experiences of joint entertainment. In Germany, restaurant prices have increased by more than 26% between January 2022 and July 2025 due to tax hikes. While it's possible to replace some products, like Nutella, with cheaper alternatives, the same cannot be said for restaurants and cafés, where shared experiences are harder to substitute.

The difference in money management between friends can lead to tensions and even the break-up of relationships. For instance, Maresa, a student, found that her boyfriend's preference for expensive dates and frequent visits to Ibiza led to her disinterest in his social circle. Krüger advises that people with different financial backgrounds should be open about their money attitudes to maintain healthy friendships.

He emphasizes that money is one of the last taboo topics in society, and discussing financial differences is often easier said than done. Overall, friendships contribute significantly to our well-being and longevity, and maintaining healthy financial relationships is essential for a long and fulfilling life.