FRANKFURT (AFX) - German GDP grew a price-adjusted 0.9 pct in 2005 compared with a rise of 1.6 pct the year earlier, according to preliminary figures from the federal statistics office.
The country's budget deficit was 3.5 pct of GDP, down from a deficit of 3.7 pct in 2004 and lower than the 3.6 pct forecast of economists polled by AFX News.
While this is the lowest value since 2001, deficit still breached the EU's 3.0 pct deficit limit for the fourth year in a row.
Adjusted for calendar effects, German economic growth in 2005 was flat year-on-year at 1.1 pct.
The office said economic growth in 2005 was mainly driven by a dynamic foreign trade performance, with exports increasing 6.2 pct, while imports rose 5.0 pct.
Private consumption stagnated, government consumption fell 0.4 pct, equipment spending rose 4.0 pct, while construction spending dipped 3.6 pct.