German business confidence rose for the fifth month in a row, according to a closely watched survey.
The Ifo business climate index, which is based on a survey of 7,000 executives, edged higher to 109.8 in March, up from 109.6 in February.
The euro strengthened after the report to $1.3262.
Recent data on the German economy has been mixed. Last week a report showed that German manufacturing activity contracted in March.
Carsten Brzeski, an economist at ING Bank, said: "Today's Ifo index illustrates once again the sound economic fundamentals.
"Even at a slower pace, the German economy should remain the eurozone growth show case of this year.
"It might not be Champions League quality any more, but with today's Ifo index it should probably be enough to win the Europa League."
Germany's economy shrank 0.2% in the final three months of last year, but economists expect growth to pick up this year.
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