German business sentiment fell for a fifth straight month in September to its lowest level in nearly eighteen months.
The Munich-based Ifo think tank's business climate index, based on a monthly survey of some 7,000 firms, fell to 104.7 from 106.3.
The survey showed sentiment worsening across all sectors of the economy, and dampens expectations for a third-quarter rebound in Europe's largest economy.
The crisis in Ukraine and a faltering European economic recovery are seen as the main factors behind the weakness.