Germany’s gross domestic product (GDP) shrank by 0.3% in 2023, according to preliminary figures from the Federal Statistical Office, indicating that Europe’s largest economy is in a continuing recession. The agency estimated on Monday that the economy shrank by 0.3% in the fourth quarter to finish the year. “Overall economic development faltered in Germany in 2023 in an environment that continues to be marked by multiple crises,” Ruth Brand, the head of the agency, said on Monday. Germany had seen GDP growth of 1.8% in 2022 but slowed considerably during the past year. Consumer spending has de…