Diplomatic relations between Germany and South Sudan were established on 9 July 2011, the day on which South Sudan became an independent state.

As of 2024, around 73% of the population (9 million people) were dependent on humanitarian assistance. This includes a large number of internally displaced persons. The German Government is providing humanitarian assistance in South Sudan, as one of the biggest donors there. Humanitarian measures focus on aid for refugees, emergency food aid, and protective and hygiene measures. Various projects undertaken as part of the stabilisation process promote the participation of women and the prevention of sexual and gender-related violence. The German Government’s support for stabilisation focuses on advancing the implementation of the peace agreement of 2018. This includes improving rule-of-law structures, strengthening civil society and paving the way for a new constitution. Germany contributes personnel and funds to the UNMISS peacekeeping mission. The EU is also a key development cooperation partner and a donor of humanitarian assistance.

Development cooperation focuses on projects that help groups who are particularly in need, above all women and children, internally displaced persons, refugees and returnees from the Sudan and Ethiopia, as well as host communities. German transitional development assistance has the aim of improving food security and governance. At the same time, structures that support the long-term development of the country are being created, above all in the fields of rural development, water supply and sanitation. Local administrative structures are also being strengthened.

In the sphere of culture and education, the German Embassy in Juba supports a small but active scene involving filmmakers (and the Juba Film Festival), musicians and dance groups. The Goethe-Institut promotes cultural projects in South Sudan from its base in Ethiopia.

Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock visited South Sudan on 26 January 2024, as part of her trip to East Africa.