German

Noun

Hyperinflation f ‎(genitive Hyperinflation, plural Hyperinflationen)

1. hyperinflation

English

Noun

hyperinflation ‎(plural hyperinflations)

1. (economics) A very high rate of inflation.
   • 1985, Leon N. Lindberg, Charles S. Maier, Brian M. Barry, The Politics of inflation and economic stagnation, page 74

     Even though ten years elapsed between the German hyperinflation of 1923 and the seizure of power by Hitler, it is often suggested that the two events are causally related.

   • 1987, Philip Cagan, "Hyperinflation", in The New Palgrave: A Dictionary of Economics

     Only inconvertible paper currencies can be expanded rapidly without limit to generate hyperinflation.

   • 2004, John Barkley Rosser, Marina V. Rosser, Comparative Economics in a Transforming World Economy, page 236

     When hyperinflation peaked, wheelbarrows full of money were required to shop for groceries.

Usage notes

• There is no precise quantitative level that defines hyperinflation. A conventionally used threshold is 50% annual inflation.
• At hyperinflationary levels, both the money supply and the price level are inflated at great rates.

Related terms

• deflation

Translations