The rising cost of living is again the top cause of distress for Germans, according to a long-running survey. Fears related to the economic situation or the cost of living remain high, but people do not feel as affected as before." Like last year, and for the 15th time in the survey's history, the fear of rising living costs tops the rankings; inflation remains the ultimate German bogeyman. Of the Germans' four biggest fears, another two are also about money: fear of tax increases, welfare cuts and unaffordable housing. Fear, Borucki explained, is a fundamental, existential feeling: "In this respect we are operating based on emotions rather than facts."