BERLIN, GERMANY – Brothels in Berlin are offering happy hours with half price sex to attract customers during the economic slump.

Prostitutes are also offering ‘get-to-know-me’ prices for new clients and discounts for regulars.

Sociologist Marion Detlef from Hydra, Germany’s biggest association looking after prostitutes’ interests, said it is an indication of Germany’s economic problems.

She said: “Even the world’s oldest business is suffering under the ongoing recession. And prostitutes are continually having to make reductions even though their prices have considerably decreased over the last 15 years.”

One woman named only as Joyce, 22, who usually charges 70 euros for 20 minutes, said she had been forced to reduce her fees.

She said: “Not all men can still afford it. Now I give discounts to regulars otherwise they will just stay away.”