Is it possible to apply for PhD programs without having published any research papers in Germany?

Yes, you do not need a single published paper to apply for a PhD in Germany; most German students starting a doctorate have never published before. Professors and graduate schools care far more about the quality of your master's thesis and your potential as a future researcher than about your publication list. Focus your application on proving that potential instead.

What Admissions Committees Actually Look For

How To Build A Strong Application Without Publications

• Dedicate a CV section to your master's thesis and clearly list the techniques and software you mastered.
• Write a research proposal that shows you understand the real gaps in current literature.
• Include non-published work such as poster presentations, symposium talks, or open source projects.
• Target funded research assistant vacancies directly, since professors advertising those roles prioritize your skill set over your publication record.
• Decide first whether you want an individual doctorate with a single professor, or a structured PhD program with a graduate school, since the application process differs for each.

My Advice

Start by rewriting your thesis summary as a one page research capability statement, then use it as the backbone of your proposal when you cold email professors. Apply to two or three funded research assistant postings alongside your individual doctorate outreach, since a paid position often gives you a faster, more secure route into a German PhD.