Deutsches Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung

The Deutsches Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung (DIW Berlin), or German Institute for Economic Research, is a prominent economic research institute in Germany. It conducts research and provides evidence-based policy advice on a wide range of economic and social issues. Recently, DIW Berlin's research has been cited in news articles concerning the impact of tax policies on employment and the effectiveness of measures aimed at reducing fuel costs. Specifically, their research on the 'Zweitverdienerfalle' (secondary earner trap) related to Ehegattensplitting (joint taxation of married couples) highlights how current tax, minijob regulations, and social security contributions can disincentivize secondary earners from increasing their working hours. The institute's work is relevant as policymakers grapple with issues like labor shortages, inflation, and the energy transition, making their analysis crucial for informed decision-making.