1967年为支持德国天文观察而成立，凭借世界一流的观测和理论研究，揭示从行星和恒星到星系和黑洞的形成发展和宇宙的本质。开发和利用领先的仪器帮助研究发展，培训天文学及其他领域的专业研究人员，促进天文学和宇宙学发展，将研究结果传达给科学界和公众，推动天文学和人类科学发展。

Founded in 1967 in support of German astronomical observations, it relies on world-class observational and theoretical research to reveal the development of the universe from planets and stars to the formation of galaxies and black holes and the nature of the universe. Develop and utilize leading instruments to help with research development, train professional researchers in astronomy and other fields, promote the development of astronomy and cosmology, communicate research results to the scientific community and the public, and promote the development of astronomy and human science.