Sondierungen

Sondierungen, in political German usage, refers to exploratory talks between political parties after an election to assess whether a coalition government can be formed and under what conditions. The discussions are non-binding and preparatory, not a formal negotiation of a government program.

Participants typically include party leaders and senior policy experts, sometimes with representatives from the parliamentary groups and committees. The goal is to determine compatibility on policy priorities, red lines, and governance principles, and to judge whether a stable parliamentary majority is feasible. The process often yields a joint Sondierungspapier that outlines key areas of agreement and disputed issues and serves as the basis for further negotiations.

If the exploratory phase signals sufficient common ground, parties proceed to formal coalition negotiations to draft a coalition treaty or agreement. If no viable majority emerges, parties may pursue alternative coalitions or, in some cases, call new elections and resume the process later.

The term is especially associated with Germany and the German political landscape, though similar exploratory talks occur in other German-speaking contexts. It emphasizes the probing nature of the talks rather than any binding commitment.