This German recovery has also been a bit more consumption-led than in the past.

BBC: No quick fix for Euro - maybe a slow one?

The drop in Germany was deeper than in the U.S., but the German recovery was twice as fast.

FORBES: Capital Flows

The closely watched ZEW index fell from 48.5 points to 36.3 in April in a sign of growing investor fears over the strength of the German recovery amid widespread debt problems in Europe.

NPR: Asian Stocks Rebound As US Recovery Doubts Ease

The purchasing power of German consumers and industry is seen as key to the recovery of the region.

BBC: German economy to return to growth, says Bundesbank

Things may even be looking up: new government data on Monday showed a larger than expected jump in German exports last month, lending support to the notion that a recovery in world trade is already helping revive the country's economy and labor force.

FORBES: Magazine Article

German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle wished the 79-year-old Mr Talabani "a quick and full recovery", without providing any further details.

BBC: President Jalal Talabani in 2007