Heavy rainfall, particularly in southern Germany, has brought slightly more water to the Rhine River following historic lows that led to concern about the effects on the economy.
Data released by the Waterways and Shipping Administration on Friday showed that the river is still a long way from average water levels and from carrying fully laden cargo vessels.
However, in many places, ferries are resuming service.
According to the operating company of Germany's largest inland port, Duisburg, cargo ships are currently still operating with only around 20% of their usual cargo due to the low water levels.
Joachim Holstein, the port group's representative for inland waterway transport, said that a real easing of the situation is not expected until "towards the end of September or the beginning of October."
At Kaub in Rhineland-Palatinate - a particularly critical point for navigation on the Rhine - the water level on Friday stood at 46 centimetres, still well below the so-called equivalent water level of 77 centimetres, which experts regard as a benchmark for navigation.
In Duisburg, the Rhine water level stood at 1.49 metres on Friday afternoon - still below the previous record low of 1.53 metres set in 2018.
A series of heatwaves and low water levels on the nation's rivers have caused restrictions on the transport of goods by water. Delayed deliveries, rising transport costs and production problems could hamper the economy's recovery, Germany's Bundesbank warned on Thursday.