There are two political parties that clearly dominate the German political scene: the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Socialist Democratic Party (SDP). While there are many other political parties than these two, there are three that come the closest to the power and reach of the CDU and SDP, namely the Free Democratic Party, the Left Party, and the Greens.

The CDU evolved from the Centre Party, which was formed in 1870. The CDU is a right-of-center political party and is based on non-denominational Christian-ideals. Accordingly, this political party advocates environmental protection and equality among men, women and children. While supporting a socialist market economy, the CDU seeks free market integration with European Union (EU). These conservatives advocate for stronger German values and traditions, economic freedom and self-determination.

The Christian Socialist Union (CSU) is Bavaria's version of the CDU. While the CDU and the CSU maintain separate political structures, they cooperate at the federal level and together form the largest political party in Germany. Together they are referred to as The Union. While the CDU/CSU has adherents from many faiths, they are generally aligned with Roman Catholicism over Protestantism, for example. The Union has become less Christian-focused and generally bases its policies on pragmatism rather than religion or ideology.

The SDP, founded in 1863, is the oldest political party of Germany. It is a left-wing party centered on socialist concepts. While the SDP continues to support social ideals, such as improving worker's rights, it also adopts free market concepts. The SDP lost power during the Nazi era but revived itself in West Germany and united with the independent SDP in East Germany in 1990. The Party went on to gain power in 1998 under Gerhard Schroeder.

The three main minor political parties include the Free Democratic Party, Left Party, and the Greens Party. The Free Democratic Party has a platform that focuses on a free market economy, individual liberties, and the social features of a welfare state. The Left Party is a socialist political party with great support in East Germany, which is where it's original roots can be found. It is often considered a protest party, focusing on unemployment rates, health care costs, and workers’ benefits. The Greens is a political party that has concentrated on environmental and pacifist issues since its inception in the 1970s.