2015考研英语阅读德国经济看工资_大学英语阅读

2015考研英语阅读德国经济看工资

　　German firms certainly have plenty of leeway, after practising wage restraint for the pastdecade. Known as the sick man of Europe ten years ago, Germany underwent a set ofwrenching labour-market reforms starting in 2003. Unions co-operated meekly, often acceptingwage rises below inflation and productivity growth. In effect, this was an internal devaluationthat made exports more competitive, especially in sectors such as machines and chemicals,according to Karl Brenke at the German Institute for Economic Research in Berlin. The forgonespending power by workers also depressed consumption. The combination led to huge tradesurpluses.

　　在过去十年实行的薪酬限制，让德国公司确信它们还有转圜的余地。正如十年前被全欧洲所知的风险家，德国自2003年开始经历了一系列复杂的劳动力市场改革。联盟向来是逆来顺受，经常在通货膨胀和生产率提高的情况下接受工资上涨的提议。柏林经济研究协会的卡尔雪瑞尔克说，国内曾经发生的一场货币贬值实际上让出口变得更有竞争力。工人们丧失消费能力也使消费低迷，二者结合带来了巨大的贸易顺差。

　　Rising wages and consumption in Germany, if they are accepted, would partially reverse thistrend. That would lead to smaller trade surpluses, as both the European Union and theAmericans are demanding. The only other domestic lever is increased investment, both bythe government and by companies, an area where Germany has been stingy in recent years.But because investing requires confidence, Russia is again proving a damper.