(5) Depreciation, amortization and impairment losses

Depreciation and impairment losses on property, plant and equipment amounted to €1,796 million (previous year: €1,781 million) and to €7 million (previous year: €8 million) on investment property. Intangible assets were written down by €443 million (previous year: €468 million), of which €288 million (previous year: €327 million) pertained to customer relationships in connection with acquisitions from prior financial years. Depreciation, amortization and impairment losses of €1 million (previous year: €1 million) were recognized on property, plant and equipment and intangible assets in relation to exploration activities.

Impairment losses were recognized in the reporting period. These impairment losses amounted to €24 million (previous year: €85 million) on property, plant and equipment, and to €1 million (previous year: €2 million) on investment property. Impairment losses of €1 million (previous year: €3 million) were recorded on intangible assets (without goodwill).

Depreciation, amortization and impairment losses increased by €28 million as a result of changes in the scope of consolidation.