German economy lost growth momentum in Q2: economy ministry

It added that the German economy remained robust despite increased external risks largely linked to Britain's vote in June to leave the European Union.

"Because of mild weather, construction was much higher than usual in winter," the ministry said in its monthly report. "Therefore the spring upturn was significantly weaker."

The German economy grew by 0.7 percent in the first quarter, driven mainly by increased government spending and rising private consumption.

Preliminary second-quarter growth figures are due to be published on Friday. A Reuters poll of economists predicts that Europe's largest economy expanded by 0.2 percent in the April-June period.

(Reporting by Joseph Nasr; Editing by Michelle Martin)