German unemployment fell in August to its lowest since November 2008, laying the ground for further growth in consumer spending that the economy needs for a more balanced rebound.
The Federal Labour Office said today unemployment fell by a seasonally adjusted 17,000 to 3.193 million.
The adjusted unemployment rate remained steady at 7.6 per cent.
Germany -- Europe's largest economy -- grew at its fastest rate since reunification in the second quarter, boosting confidence the economy will keep speeding ahead even if peers face the risk of a double-dip.
Business morale rose to its highest in more than three years in August and consumer morale, long seen as Germany's weak point, is also increasingly upbeat.
The jobless data demonstrate how Germany is outstripping its peers. The euro zone jobless rate for July stood at a much higher 10 per cent.
The headline unadjusted unemployment total fell by 4,000 on the month to 3.188 million, the Office said.
Earlier today, Federal Statistics Office figures showed the number of people in work in Germany rose to 40.305 million in July from 40.296 million in June.
Reuters