Young, cashshort Germans turning to shortterm credit schemes
Inflation making it harder to make ends meet
Appbased purchases and loans limited to less than 1,000 euros
Trend seen growing, may give economy consumerled boost

BERLIN, Feb 13 Reuters Kira Siewert did not have much cash to spare as an 18yearold doing an apprenticeship three years ago, but when she wanted to treat herself to new clothes she became one of a growing number of Germans turning to shortterm online credit schemes.

Siewert bought trousers and tops via Klarna, an app that gave her the option of paying after 30 days or paying in three interestfree monthly instalments. She made a first order of 120 euros 129, but only had to pay for the items she kept.

Such a purchase is part of a new trend that seems alien to her parents39; generation, in a country that has traditionally prided itself on thrift.

They have a completely different view of the topic than I do, Siewert said. They would only buy what they can pay for directly, as they probably also want to avoid the risk of possible debt.

I think that in our generation, this topic of credit is no longer so secretive, she added.

Many Germans, particularly younger ones, are taking loans of less than 1,000 euros via appbased and other credit offerings as inflation makes it harder to make ends meet but high job security makes them feel confident about repaying the money.

It is a long term trend, which will mean that over the long run, German…