Summary: In this article it is argued that German political science as an academic discipline – compared to an Anglo-Saxon background – had to go a unique path. German political history and especially the late introduction of a democratic system and the outline of the university system itself were responsible for such a development. From a scientific point of view we can identify a strong US-American influence with its emphasis on social science theory and methods. Currently the situation of political science in Germany follows that path. We find a fully developed subject at the university level, in civics and adult education. Political science and political scientists found their place in the media, as consultants and in industry as well. Since World War II the subject had to undergo many changes but it has grown up and is well respected by academics and society. On an international level United States and British scholars lead the discipline, but the Germans are catching up. But on the other hand the orientation towards a neo-positivist mainstream leaves unaddressed the question of social justice and last but not least the old Aristotelian claim for a “good” life.