Germany Could See Slowing Economy in Fourth Quarter

Euro crisis may start to hit one of Europe's strongest economies harder

Germany, the main funder of the eurozone's many bailouts, may see its economy shrink by the end of the year as the crisis bites, the central bank has warned.

Europe's largest economy will grow in the third quarter, but may experience a "slight contraction" in the last three months, the Bundesbank said.

Germany has so far continued to grow while many of its neighbours shrink.

Meanwhile, Greece's deficit last year was higher than previously expected.