Germany has become the destination of choice for migrants, particularly Syrians, after Chancellor Angela Merkel relaxed asylum rules for citizens of the war-torn country.
But with 450,000 migrants arriving since the beginning of the year, infrastructure in Germany is being stretched to the limit.
By reinstating controls, Berlin is seeking to buy time to cope with the influx. The decision was made in a telephone conversation between Angela Merkel and her Austrian counterpart Werner Faymann, when the two leaders spoke about a "gradual return" to regular border controls.
Related from the Guardian: Refugee crisis - Germany to reinstate border checks with Austria, temporarily suspends Shengen.