The number of Germans out of work fell much more-than-expected in February.

The figure – not adjusted for seasonal factors, which is the most commonly quoted in Germany – showed 33,000 fewer people on the dole, bringing the unemployment rate down to 7.9 percent of the workforce from eight percent in January.

German Labour Minister Ursula von der Leyen said: “Normally, unemployment increases in February. If you look at the last three years, unemployment increased on average by 16,000. That’s why this year’s decrease in unemployment is another remarkable sign of the quality and sustainability of the positive job market.”

Adjusted for seasonal effects, the unemployment rate fell to its lowest since 1991, just after east and west Germany were reunited.

Employers there are hiring more off the back of full order books as an export boom continues and domestic demand picks up. Warmer weather also helped construction activity bounce back in February.