Industrial output in Germany rose by 3.7% in May compared with April - the latest sign that the recession there may be easing.
The rise was much larger than the 0.5% analysts had predicted. However, the economy ministry said May's output was still down 19% from a year earlier.
The official data came a day after figures showed rising factory orders.
Germany is in its worst recession since World War II, with the economy expected to shrink 6% in 2009.
