A week after the flood disaster began, the federal cabinet launched emergency aid worth millions.
According to the decision on Wednesday, the federal government is contributing half of the aid from the federal states with up to 200 million euros.
A total of up to 400 million euros would therefore be available.
The money will be used to repair the worst damage to buildings and communal infrastructure and to bridge special emergencies.
A construction fund worth billions is also planned. The exact amount should only be decided when the extent of the damage can be better foreseen. After the catastrophe, which has now more than 170 fatalities, Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) and Vice Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) promised quick, unbureaucratic help.