In view of the high level of inflation, many Germans no longer put any money aside.

22 percent save less or not at all, according to a survey of more than 1,000 consumers commissioned by Bank ING.

"Almost ten percent even use their savings to be able to pay the increased prices," says the representative survey by the opinion research institute Ipsos, which was available to the Reuters news agency on Monday.

The 25 to 34 age group is particularly affected.

This lives in their own household more often than younger generations, but in contrast to the older generation, they are not yet established in professional life and usually earn less.

"Respondents in this age group are more likely to have reduced their savings or investment rates, more likely to withdraw money from savings or investment products, and more likely to have borrowed or reduced the repayment of existing loans than average," ING said.

In March, consumer prices rose by 7.3 percent compared to the same month last year and were therefore higher than at any time since 1981.

Most Germans are particularly feeling the effects of the sharply increased energy prices.

86 percent report moderate or even strong increases in residential energy costs.

Only twelve percent had not registered any change.

"Those affected react to this primarily by trying to reduce energy consumption," it says.

More than one in three tries to use televisions and household appliances less often.

44 percent turned down the heating – around three percent even completely.

In addition to energy costs, consumers feel the most affected by rising prices in the area of ​​daily needs.

Those who try to save in this area do so primarily by making greater use of special offers (84 percent) or switching to products from cheaper brands (56 percent).

A good quarter also tries to limit the consumption of everyday goods.

43 percent agree that their current financial situation has deteriorated.

47 percent are increasingly worried about their future situation.

After all, 20 percent of those surveyed say that their financial situation keeps them up at night.