A Red Cross worker helps a Syrian family after crossing the border between Austria and Germany near Passau last month. Credit:AP

"Avalanches can be triggered if a careless skier hits the slopes and moves a bit of snow," Mr Schauble said in what could be interpreted as a sideswipe at the Chancellor, who insists Germany can cope with the influx.

"Whether we're already at the point where the avalanche has reached the valley floor, or whether it's still in the upper slopes, I don't know," Mr Schauble said. The situation could be solved only by Europe working together, or it "could become pretty bad for us all", he said.

His remarks came as it emerged his government doesn't know how many asylum seekers are in the country.

The Interior Ministry said it has "no overall figure for the number of asylum seekers being given accommodation in government reception centres".