But what are Mr Kohl's Christian Democratic Union and Mr Schröder's Social Democrat Party promising to do if they get elected?

Unemployment

More than 10% of the workforce are unemployed

CDU: Decrease number of jobless - currently about 4.2 million - by 500,000 within a year. Lower starting pay of skilled labour and provide government subsidies to those who take low paying jobs.

SDP: An "alliance for jobs" between government, employers and trade unions. Shorten working hours. Subsidise companies offering job training.

Citizenship

German's citizen rules are amongst the toughest in Europe

CDU: Ease laws giving citizenship to foreign residents, but with strict rule that foreigners becoming German must give up old citizenship. Hasten deportation of foreigners evicted of crimes.

SDP: Allow dual citizenship for foreign residents who become German.

Taxes and Economy

Different approaches to taxation

CDU: Cut income taxes by DM30 bn. Possible increase in VAT to compensate. Reform Byzantine tax system. Cut Germany's contributions to the EU.

SDP: Lower taxes for low earners. Reverse cuts in social security. More priority to rebuilding east. Double government funding for technology research.

Energy

The anti-nuclear movement is strong

CDU: Maintain nuclear plants. Increase safety of nuclear waste transports. Double solar, wind and hydro power by 2010. Create energy tax with support of other EU nations.

SDP: Close nuclear plants "as quickly as possible." Cease transport of nuclear waste, storing it instead at nuclear plants.

Defence

Most Germans defend conscription

CDU: Maintain mandatory conscription and military strengh at 340,000 soldiers. Support reform and strengthening of Nato.

SDP: Reduce draft according to demand. Reduce size of forces. Send German soldiers as UN peacekeepers. Support Nato.