Germany's delegations are typically among the largest at the competition, numbering around 60-80 athletes.

The country has a strong history in the sport for both men's and women's teams, and it enters competitors in most events at each championships.

It ranks second behind the United States in the World Athletics placing tables, which awards points for top eight finishes.

The country's most successful athlete is men's discus throw champion Lars Riedel, who from 1991 to 2001 won five world titles and one bronze medal.

Several women hold a claim to be Germany's most successful female athlete: Astrid Kumbernuss and Franka Dietzsch each have won three gold medals in throwing events, sprinter Grit Breuer has the highest total at six medals, while another sprinter Katrin Krabbe has two golds and two bronze medals (all won in 1991).