1949年5月23日,美國、英國、法國占領區合併成立「德意志聯邦共和國(Bundesrepublik Deutschland,BRD)」,簡稱「西德(Westdeutschland)」,首都為波昂。同年10月7日,在德國蘇占區成立「德意志民主共和國(Deutsche Demokratische Republik)」,簡稱「民主德國(DDR)」或「東德」,首都為東柏林。德國分為東德和西德兩個國家的體制於焉成立。兩德均瞭解加入聯合國的重要性,因此甚早即申請加入聯合國,但由於冷戰東西陣營對立而不順利,即令如此,西德仍於1952年成為聯合國觀察員,東德則於1972年成為聯合國觀察員,其後更於1974年同時成為聯合國會員國。本文旨在探討東西德這種特殊的分裂國家如何調整自我的法律定位,以及如何相互協商達成共識,從而可以在不影響國家統一的前提主張下,同時成為聯合國會員國。
After WWI, the occupied territories of USA, UK and France had united as the Bundersrepublik Deutschland, BRD; whereas the Soviet Union's occupied territory had become Deutsche Demokratische, DDR. East and West Germany were therefore divided into two separate countries. Since both German countries had recognized the importance to join the United Nations, they applied for the membership thereof in early times. Yet, due to the cold war and political tension, the process of joining did not go through without difficulties. This article thus observe how could both countries reach consensus and finally join the United Nations respectively.