In stock market speak, the term "haircut" refers in general to a discount. In particular cases, this could be, for instance, a percentage discount on the market value of a security that the debtor gives the creditor as collateral. The haircut shows the perceived risk involved in holding the security. In a collateralised transaction – such as a repo – the haircut provides the lender with a guarantee that, if the necessity arises, the proceeds from the sale of the security will be adequate to cover the outstanding debt. The amount of the haircut depends on the extent by which the value of the security is expected to fluctuate. The European Central Bank (ECB) also uses haircuts for its repurchase operations; the amount of the haircut depends on the risk inherent in the security in question. A haircut can also be applied to debt.

The Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) is an index used to measure the development of consumer prices in Europe. It is calculated by the national statistics offices (Federal Statistical Office for Germany) for the individual EU countries as well as for Iceland, Norway and Switzerland using harmonised concepts, methods and procedures. The Statistical Office of the European Union (Eurostat) combines this into a composite index for the European Union and the euro area. The Eurosystem uses the HICP to gauge price developments and as a measure of price stability in the euro area. Furthermore, the HICP serves as a measure of economic convergence in the European context.

A hedge fund is an investment fund which is less closely regulated than a mutual fund. The lower level of regulation enables hedge funds to invest in derivatives, for example, which investors can use to hedge against price losses on the stock market, hence the name “hedge fund”. The comparatively low level of regulation also gives hedge funds leeway to follow risky investment strategies with all types of financial instruments, which could result in high earnings but also in high losses. In response to the financial crisis and with a view to safeguarding financial stability, an EU directive was transposed in Germany in 2013 subjecting hedge fund managers to a number of provisions, including the requirement to hold a minimum amount of capital as well as disclosure obligations.

The term “helicopter money” refers to payments made by the central bank to all citizens without expecting anything in return – as if someone were to let money rain down from a helicopter to the people on the ground. These transfers can be made in the form of cash, book money (credit to an account) or spending vouchers, for example. Helicopter money is intended to strengthen demand for consumer goods in economically difficult times and thus increase the price level or avert a deflation scenario during a period of weak economic activity or a crisis.

Households are individuals or groups of individuals considered independent economic entities, primarily as providers of labour power and as consumers. Private non-profit organisations are also included in the household sector.

Human capital describes the ability of the labour force to produce economic value through its competence, skills and knowledge. It is an important production factor that can be improved by investing in education and training. The human capital of an economic territory or enterprise is thus an important location factor and indicative of their economic potential.

An extreme form of inflation is known as hyperinflation. It is characterised by a rapid rise in price levels, usually with a monthly inflation rate of more than 50%. Germany experienced hyperinflation from 1922 to 1923.