Introduction - the scope and nature of planning Chapter 2: Planning and planning paradigms in Germany Chapter 3: Strategic national framework - providing overarching planning principles Chapter 4: State and regional planning - providing a strategic spatial framework for local authorities and major projects Chapter 5: Local level planning - great responsibilities and powers assigned to local authorities Chapter 6: Relationship of spatial planning and sectoral planning for major infrastructure Chapter 7: Major planning challenges: climate change, urban regeneration and intensification, space for asylum seekers and refugees Chapter 8: Strategic and applied research - deliberately challenging and changing the planning system as well as planning practice Chapter 9: Lessons to be learnt from the German planning system.