The DAX opened lower on Thursday, trading at 24,875 points, roughly 0.5% below the previous session's close.
The German benchmark continues to struggle to hold above the 25,000-point threshold, a key psychological level that has become a focal point for traders following the index's recent rally.
2% to 8,787.10, suggesting a broader rotation or caution across global equity markets.
Selling pressure appears driven by profit-taking after the index's record run, rather than fresh negative catalysts.
The broader European equity session is also underweight, with investors booking gains and reassessing risk exposure after a period of strong performance.
This pullback follows a similar pattern seen earlier in the week, when European markets opened lower on Tuesday as traders digested the recent highs.
The S&P/ASX 200 also edged lower on Tuesday, falling 0.2% to 8,787.10, suggesting a broader rotation or caution across global equity markets.