The German Sociological Association (DGS) is the association of academically qualified sociologists in Germany. It currently has around 3,500 members. Around four-fifths of all sociologists in Germany with a doctorate belong to it. Membership of the society is open to all persons who have proven themselves academically through their studies, research, teaching or publications in the field of sociology.

The DGS is a non-profit association whose main objectives are to discuss sociological problems, to promote scientific communication among its members and to contribute to the dissemination and deepening of sociological knowledge. The DGS participates in the clarification of technical and academic issues in sociology and maintains relations with sociology abroad. Every two years, the DGS organizes the ›Congresses of the German Sociological Association‹, which have recently been attended by several thousand participants. The lectures held here over the last hundred years have been published in anthologies.

The organizational tasks of the DGS are carried out by the Executive Board and special committees. The parliamentary supervisory body is the Council. Elections for the committees take place every two years. To date, 36 sections and numerous working groups have been established in the main research areas of sociology. These organize numerous conferences every year, the results of which are usually published.