Germany’s economic output could return to pre-crisis levels toward the end of 2021 if the coronavirus pandemic remained under control through winter and restrictions were gradually lifted at the beginning of next year, Reuters reported while quoting the DIW economic institute.

The German economy will grow by 5.3 per cent next year, after shrinking by 5.1pc in 2020 as two lockdowns to curb infections hit growth in Europe’s largest economy, DIW said.