Both men failed three times to clear 5.96 metres but the German had been faultless in moving up through the heights to notch 5.89 and add world gold to his Olympic bronze last year.
Olympic champion Lavillenie, who had dominated the event all season, was uncharacteristically off form and had several failures along the way before settling for silver, also on 5.89.
Bjorn Otto of Germany took bronze on countback ahead of American Brad Walker after both men cleared 5.82.
(Editing by Ed Osmond)
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