By Clare Murphy BBC News, Berlin

Something of a cheer went up from the Social Democrat headquarters as the exit polls came in.

Angela Merkel's next move is unclear after a narrow election win

The SPD may have suffered substantial losses, but it sounded as if there was much comfort to be found in the fact that Angela Merkel's Christian Democrats (CDU) had not garnered enough support to lead a new government.

But there was little real joy in the bar outside, where locals had gathered to watch the results on large television screens.

"I wanted a clear result," said a rather glum Wolfgang Friedrich, who had earlier cast his vote for the new Left Party, a grouping of former communists and disenchanted SPD supporters which stood for the first time in this election.

"Although I'm on the left, I would much rather have seen a clear right-wing victory than this mess. This is the worst of all worlds."

'Disaster for Germany'

The mood was, understandably, even blacker at CDU headquarters.

I blame the people who voted for the new Left. They don't know what they're doing Angela Haak CDU supporter Send us your comments

Supporters, disappointment etched on their faces, began to trickle from the marquee erected around the building as it became increasingly clear that there would be little to celebrate.

"It's an utter disappointment," said Angela Haak, "And totally unfair. Angela Merkel is an honest woman.

"She would have worked hard for this country. Now we're left not knowing what to expect.

"I blame those people who voted for the new Left. They bring the country to a standstill by denying the big parties clear, workable majorities. They don't know what they're doing."

Russian emigre Yevginy Tsesenshteyn, who has lived in Berlin for the last 10 years, described the result as a "disaster for Germany".

"Four more years of empty pockets, that's what it'll mean. Mark my words."

Arrogance and excitement

SPD supporters admitted that they rather relished such CDU disappointment.

"I'm not going to pretend I'm not pleased that they may not be able to form their government," said marketing consultant Heinrich Kohlberg.

If it stands up, it really is a terrible result for Germany Mattias Heyd Project manager

"It's a slap in the face for them after the arrogance of their campaign."

He paused. "But I accept that all in all it's a pretty dire situation. It's hard to know what to think really at the moment."

But the bitterest blow is felt by those who voted for the liberal Free Democrats.

Mrs Merkel's preferred coalition partners, the FDP appear to have scored far better than anticipated.

Had the CDU done the same, the liberals place in government would all but be assured.

"It's pretty galling," said Matthias Heyd, a project manager. "To do so well, and then for it ultimately not to make the slightest bit of difference.

"And now what? If it stands up, it really is a terrible result for Germany."

Anything could happen. I have to admit, I find it kind of exciting Columbina Baier Student

No-one at either of the party headquarters, nor on the street on Sunday evening, appeared to think much of a so-called 'grand coalition', in which the CDU and SPD would join forces.

Many of them are too young to remember the last time such a formation occurred in the 1960s.

Student Columbina Baier, 23, does not embrace such a prospect.

"Could they really achieve consensus?" she says dubiously.

"No - I'm still hoping something else will be possible. It's all still up in the air.