The principle of the welfare state is one of the central foundations of the Federal Republic of Germany and social policy is one of the most important policy areas. Since the introduction of statutory health insurance in 1883 during the German Empire, the German welfare state has changed significantly, but at the same time retained essential structural features. The book offers an introduction in which the foundations and goals of the German welfare state are first presented. Using examples such as statutory pension insurance or basic social security, the effect of the welfare state is examined and then the current socio-political challenges are discussed with regard to demographic change and increasing global networking.