Welcome

The Political Archive of the Federal Foreign Office

Welcome!

25 ° C

Berlin

The Political Archive is the “memory” of the German foreign service. The archive contains 26 linear kilometres of material, which can be consulted for research purposes in line with the legal regulations. This website will tell you more about the services provided by the Political Archive.

Important information

Info

In view of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, visitors are currently not allowed to enter the Federal Foreign Office. Unfortunately, the Political Archive reading room must remain closed as a result. As soon as a date for reopening has been set, it will be published here on our website. We very much regret any inconvenience caused by this measure and hope that you will understand. Please feel free to book an appointment at a later date, once the reading room has been reopened. Please contact us if the current closure creates significant difficulties for you.

Please also note that in view of the current situation, it may take some time before we can answer your request. To ensure that we receive your request, please only use the contact form on our website. Thank you for your cooperation.

Practical information

How to prepare for your visit and how to get to the Reading Room.

Tutorials

This page contains essential background information for working with all of the holding groups. Sound preparation will make your work in the archives easier and faster.

Aids for the Foreign Office’s history and records management

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here you can find answers to frenquently asked questions about using the Political Archive as well as selected information.

Registration and collection of files at the counter

History of the Political Archive

Today, the Political Archive stores archive material covering over 26 linear kilometres. The structure of the record groups as well as a certain number of gaps in the records result from the Archive’s…

Document publications

Important documents from the files of the Federal Foreign Office have been published with detailed comments in various academic series.

Legal information

The statutory basis for the legal status, competence, responsibilities and use of the Political Archive is explained here.

Contact and opening hours

Name

Political Archive of the Federal Foreign Office

Town

Berlin

Postal code

10117

Tel.

+49 (30) 1817-2179

Fax

+49 (30) 1817-5-2179

Further information in our data protection declaration

Street

Kurstraße 36

Opening hours

Mon.-Thu. 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Friday 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Contact

Pull times for records

Mon.-Thu. 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Friday 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

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