The Republic of North Macedonia's political development following independence, Germany’s role as the country’s leading cooperation partner and the close personal ties forged by some 150,000 Macedonians living in Germany are key aspects of bilateral relations. It is Germany’s policy to support the European integration of North Macedonia and the necessary reforms, in particular with regard to the rule of law.

There are numerous cooperation programmes and projects being implemented with the country’s government and civil society, for example through the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the German Foundation for International Legal Cooperation (IRZ) and the Civil Peace Service (CPS). The Federal Foreign Office supports several of these through its transformation partnership fund.

Development cooperation focuses on environmentally friendly infrastructure projects, e.g. hydroelectric power and wind energy, water supply and waste management, as well as strengthening social infrastructure and aligning legislation with EU standards.

Germany is North Macedonia’s most important trading partner. Approximately 44 percent of North Macedonia’s exports go to Germany, and trade between the two countries accounts for one quarter of North Macedonia’s total trade volume. A Chamber of Commerce Abroad opened in Skopje in 2017 that currently boasts membership of some 175 firms, making it the largest business association in the country. More than 200 German companies operate in North Macedonia, employing some 20,000 people.

Bilateral cultural relations are multifaceted. For several years now, the German Embassy in Skopje has organised a film festival that screens new German productions. In cooperation with the Goethe-Institut, it supports exchange with German artists, organises exhibitions and concerts and conducts projects as part of Franco-German cultural cooperation in third countries. It also supports reconciliation initiatives like the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO) and Youth Union – Kruševo (Greek-Macedonian youth cooperation office).

There is great interest in the German language in North Macedonia. It is the most popular foreign language after English.