Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier congratulated the president-elect of the United States of America, Joseph R. Biden, on 7 November:

Please accept my sincere congratulations and those of my fellow Germans on your election as president of the United States of America.

On your presidency are pinned the hopes of countless people far beyond your own country, not least in Germany. They are hopes of a new togetherness. They are hopes of dependability, reason and perseverance in the quest for solutions in a turbulent world.

We Germans are deeply indebted to the United States for your support for the freedom, unity and security of Germany and Europe. As democracies, we share a close connection. We have a joint responsibility to freedom, democracy, and the rule of law.

You stand for an America that appreciates the value of alliances and friends, of dependability and trust. You will find in Germany a strong partner. Together with our European neighbors, let us reinvigorate the transatlantic partnership. Germany stands ready to join forces with you in pursuit of a better, more peaceful and more just world.

For the tasks that lie ahead of you – including the momentous challenge of forging common ground among all Americans – I sincerely wish you wisdom and strength, good fortune, and every success.