This chapter provides an overview of the fundamental principles and conditions of the German foreign policy system. The German Basic Law delineates the responsibilities of government agencies and enshrines objectives such as peace, multilateralism, human rights, and European integration. The Federal Foreign Office and the Chancellery are the primary entities involved in Germany’s foreign policy decision-making process. Chancellors tend to claim at least some specific foreign relations issues. Political parties also play a vital role in the German political system. Since governments in Germany are usually formed by more than one party, a chancellor must satisfy the needs of all parties in his coalition if the government is to survive. Germany’s foreign policy decision-making process is diverse; the relevant actors, decision-making forums, interests, and processes depend on the issue.