* Q3 GDP growth of 0.7 pct q/q just short of expectations

* Q2 GDP revised up to +0.4 pct q/q from +0.3 pct previously

* Exports, investment lift GDP; private consumption a drag

(Adds details, economist quote, background)

By Brian Rohan

BERLIN, Nov 13 (Reuters) - German economic growth accelerated in the third quarter on firmer exports and investment in equipment and construction, the Federal Statistics Office said on Friday.

Preliminary figures showed gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 0.7 percent in the third quarter, slightly weaker than a consensus forecast for 0.8 percent growth ECONDE. However, the previous quarter's expansion rate was revised up to 0.4 percent.

Euro zone government bond futures edged up at the open after the release of the data which coincided with news France's economy had grown 0.3 percent in the third quarter.

The Statistics Office said private consumption had been a drag on GDP but a pick up in imports was a sign firms were rebuilding their stocks.