BERLIN - Following negative domestic economic signals, German stocks gained 0.28 percent at the start of trading on Friday, with the benchmark DAX index up 33.06 points, opening at 11,958.31 points.

 The biggest winner among Germany's largest 30 companies at the start of trading was technology giant Siemens, increasing 0.85 percent, followed by payment provider Wirecard with 0.32 percent and chip manufacturer Infineon with 0.25 percent.

On Wednesday, Siemens announced plans to build a gas power plant in Tatarstan, Russia, worth 290 million euros (about 318.5 million U.S. dollars). The plant is set to go into operation in 2023.

Shares of software firm SAP fell by 1.05 percent and were the biggest loser at the start of trading. However, the company quickly climbed to top of the DAX gaining roughly one percent shortly after trading commenced.