preistreibend

Preistreibend is a German adjective used in economics, politics, and public discourse to describe factors, actions, or market conditions that contribute to rising prices. The term combines Preis (price) with treiben (to drive), yielding a sense of a price-raising influence. In economic analysis, preistreibende Ursachen are often categorized into demand-driven, supply-driven, and structural factors.

Demand-driven causes include rising income, strong consumer expectations, and speculative activity that increase willingness to pay. Supply-driven causes cover higher input costs, bottlenecks in production, energy price burdens, and wage pressures. Structural factors encompass market power, cartels, regulatory regimes, or persistent inefficiencies that sustain higher price levels.

Contexts where the term is common include energy markets, housing and rent, food and retail, and transport. In media and political debates, preistreibend is used to label decisions or practices—such as tax changes, subsidies, or market consolidation—that are alleged to push prices upward beyond what is warranted by underlying costs.

Critics note that the label can be normative and context-dependent; price increases may also reflect justified cost increases or broader macroeconomic trends. Consequently, assessments of preistreibende effects often require careful analysis of causality, time horizons, and price elasticity.

Related terms include preissteigernd (price-increasing) and preisdrückend (price-reducing). The concept is distinct from inflation rates or isolated price movements, as it emphasizes causal forces behind price changes rather than the price level alone.