A man works on the construction of a toy-train at the Potsdamer Platz Arkaden shopping center
© AFP/File Barbara Sax

BERLIN (AFP) - A poll for Stern magazine showed that 32 percent of consumers in Europe's biggest economy were feeling the pinch and planned to cut back on their Christmas shopping.

About half -- 56 percent -- said they would spend the same amount while just seven percent said they would be more generous than in 2007.

Asked how much they would spend, 30 percent said between 200 and 500 euros (252 and 630 dollars). About the same number -- 29 percent -- put spending at between 100 and 200 euros.

Eighteen percent said they had budgeted between 50 and 100 euros, while eight percent said they would spend 50 euros or less.

And 11 percent said they had earmarked more than 500 dollars for presents under the Christmas tree.

The poll was conducted by the independent opinion research firm Forsa among a representative sample of 1,003 German consumers November 12 and 13.

Official data released last week showed Germany slipped into recession for the first time in five years as the world's third biggest economy and its top exporter feels the sting the global financial crisis.

But a study released by consulting firm Mercer Wednesday indicated that German wages would rise an average of 3.9 percent next year despite the gloomy economic outlook.

The German economy is largely export-driven and consumer spending here is weak compared to other major economies.

©AFP