The best way to understand the German Government is to create an organization chart. The top tier in the below org chart starts with a steering board chaired by the agency's head, followed by the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, Head of Chancellery, Federal Ministers, Foreign Affairs, Labor & Social Affairs. To make an org chart like below, use a free org chart maker like EdrawMax or EdrawMax Online. These tools have some amazing symbols and templates that let you create amazing organizational charts for free. Different departments are also illustrated below: industry, synergies, research, technology & innovation directorate, corporate services directorate, and others.