Exports, consumers and construction drive German growth surge

Berlin

THE German economy picked up steam in the first quarter helped by strong exports, booming construction and higher household and state spending, burnishing Chancellor Angela Merkel's economic credentials as she gears up for national elections.

Europe's biggest economy grew 0.6 per cent quarter on quarter, up from 0.4 per cent in the final three months of last year, the Federal Statistics Office said on Tuesday, confirming a preliminary reading.