With divergent platforms and a promise to have a new government before Christmas, the Social Democrats, Greens and business-focused Free Democrats have their work cut out for them.
After initial talks, the top team of climate-friendly Greens has agreed to join formal coalition negotiations with the Social Democrats and the neoliberal FDP. But the plan must be put to a vote of party delegates.
The election results have left outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel's CDU party reeling after losing many of its voters. The conservatives are seeking to redefine themselves as a younger generation spearheads the strive for renewal. DW's Emmanuelle Chaze reports.
Party delegates have voted by a large majority to join formal negotiations with the Social Democrats and the neoliberal FDP to form the next government.