Germany and Brunei Darussalam have maintained diplomatic relations since the latter gained independence in 1984.

Bilateral relations focus on the economic sector, but, as a member of ASEAN, Brunei is an important partner in other contexts as well. As Germany does not import either oil or natural gas from Brunei Darussalam (which currently account for around 70% of the country’s exports), the balance of trade favours Germany, which supplies a wide range of industrial goods to Brunei Darussalam (motor vehicles, machinery, medical technology and capital goods), as well as services (Lufthansa Technik, Detecon, Dermalog, Naval Vessels Lürssen, Allianz, ThyssenKrupp Industrial Solutions, Heidelberg Materials). Federal Foreign Minister Wadephul visited the sultanate in February 2026. Federal President Steinmeier has invited Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah to visit Germany in 2026.