What Was the Deutschmark?
The Deutschmark (or “D-mark”) was the official currency of the Federal Republic of Germany until 2002. First issued in 1948, it was legal tender in West Germany, and later, the unified German state until the final adoption of theeuro (EUR) in 2002. The official currency code was DEM on forex markets.
Key Takeaways
- The Federal Republic of Germany, known commonly as West Germany, adopted the Deutschmark (DEM) formally in 1948 as its national currency.
- The D-mark was later used in reunified Germany until it was replaced in 2002 by the common euro currency.
- Before 1948, Germany’s currencies included the papiermark, the rentenmark, and the reichsmark.
- While it was in use, the German Deutschmark was a major currency traded on forex markets and seen as a stable, reliable currency throughout much of the 20th century.
- Deutschmarks can still be exchanged for euros in Germany at the German federal bank.
Understanding the Deutschmark
Deutschmark coins and banknotes were left in circulation until 2002, at which time they were taken out of circulation and ceased to be legal tender. The German central bank, the Deutsche Bundesbank, continues to allow the conversion of the Deutschmark into euros.
The Deutschmark was long considered one of the most stable currencies, especially compared with the currencies of other European countries.
The introduction of the Deutschmark came after the end of World War II, in 1948. The currencywas a viable alternative currency to the Metallurgische Forschungsgesellschaft (MEFO)bills and the reichsmark usedin the Western Occupation Zone.
MEFO bills were apromissorynoteissued to finance German rearmament in 1934. To hide its illegal rearming, Germany sold the MEFO bills as funding for imaginary businesses. The MEFO bills themselves were technically promissory notesfrom such non-existing businesses.
By the end of the First World War, the reichsmark was unbacked as the Greater German Reich collapsed as the Weimar republic experienced rampant hyperinflation. Simultaneously,the German economy and industrial backbone had collapsed. During the immediate postwar period, most transactions occurred throughbarter.
The Federal Republic of Germany, known commonly as West Germany, adopted the D-mark formally in 1949.As a result of this adoption at anexchange rateof 1 D-mark to 10 R-marks, was the acquittalof nearly 90% of both public and private debt.This action helped the economy rebound and avoided the prewar hyperinflation and wartime and postwar black market that strangled the country during the war years.
The Soviet Union, in control of the eastern portion of the territory, saw the introduction of the D-mark as a threat. This threat causedthe closing of all road, waterway, and rail links between the Allied zones and led to the Berlin Blockade.
D-Mark Stability and Its East German Counterpart
The Deutschmark earned a reputation as a reliable, stable currency during the latter half of the 20th century. Thisstability was duetoseveral factors, including the prudence of theBundesbank, the national bank of Germany, and the intelligent political interference with the currency.
Compared with the Frenchfranc(F) and the Italian lire, German currency retained its value even in times of economic upheaval. In fact, the policies that led to the stability of the Deutschmark form the basis of the current European Central Bank’s policies toward the euro.
Not all countries that are members of the European Union use the euro as their currency, such as Poland.
Meanwhile, inthe communistGerman Democratic Republic, commonly referred to asEastGermany, the Ostmark circulated. This currency was carefully controlled and regulated by the communist government. It was never widely accepted and was quickly sidelined.
With the 1990 reunification of the two Germanys, the stronger Deutschmark became the common currency.The unified country began conversion to the euro (EUR) in 1999 and made it legal tender in 2002. Unlike othereurozonenations, Germany did not use the Deutschmark and the euro concurrently.
What Is a Deutschmark?
The Deutschmark was Germany’s legal currency from 1948 to 2002. In 2002, Germany replaced the Deutschmark with the euro.
Does Germany Use Euros or Deutschmarks?
Germany only uses euros. Since 2002, it no longer uses the Deutschmark. Deutschmark bills and coins can be exchanged for euros at federal bank locations in Germany.
What Is the German Word for Money?
The German word for “money” is “geld.”
The Bottom Line
The Deutschmark was the former official currency of the Federal Republic of Germany. It was first issued in 1948 and was legal tender in West Germany, and later, the unified German state until the final adoption of theeuro (EUR) in 2002. It was also known as the D-mark.
