The network of currently 141 German schools abroad plays an important role in Germany’s Foreign Cultural and Education Policy. Originally established to provide schooling for German children who were living abroad temporarily, by now most of these institutions are so called ‘contact schools’ (Begegnungsschulen) with a strong bridging function as they open their gates to children from the host countries and other nations. German schools abroad therefore provide the opportunity for children from different cultures to meet and engage in dialogue. They prepare pupils from various countries and cultural backgrounds for a shared future. So far, however, German schools abroad have not been subject to empirical educational research. This article takes up this desideratum and gives a data-based overview of the network of German schools abroad at system level and of the regional and institutional conditions at school level. After summarizing the current state of research, the article outlines the methodology used in this study which is followed by the presentation of key findings. Finally, several perspectives for further research will be described and criticaly discussed in the light of research limitations experienced during this study.