The main currency in Germany just before the euro was the Deutsche Mark (often written as “D‑Mark” or “DM”).

Quick Scoop

  • The Deutsche Mark was Germany’s official currency from 1948 until it was replaced by the euro cash in 2002.
  • It was divided into 100 Pfennig, similar to cents in a dollar or euro.
  • The Deutsche Mark became a symbol of post‑war economic recovery and stability, especially in West Germany and later in a reunified Germany.

A Bit Of Background

  • The Deutsche Mark was introduced in West Germany in 1948, replacing the badly devalued Reichsmark after the economic chaos of the Second World War and earlier hyperinflation.
  • After German reunification in 1990, both East and West Germany used the Deutsche Mark until the transition to the euro.

Earlier German Currencies

If you are curious about what came even earlier than the Deutsche Mark:

  • Before and during the early 20th century, Germany used currencies such as the Goldmark, Papiermark, Rentenmark and Reichsmark at different times.
  • These changes often reflected major political or economic shifts, such as empire, war, hyperinflation and monetary reforms.

In short: just before the euro, people in Germany paid with the Deutsche Mark, usually written as DM.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.