In order to govern successfully, the Berlin Senate needs a majority in the House of Representatives. Since individual parties usually do not achieve a majority on their own, they form a coalition. During coalition negotiations, they agree on a joint government programme, which forms the basis of their cooperation.

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Before the actual coalition negotiations begin, the parties first hold exploratory talks to determine whether there is sufficient common ground for cooperation. During the subsequent coalition negotiations, they negotiate various policy areas such as finance, education, transport and housing. To do so, they establish working groups in which politicians and experts jointly develop solutions. They also decide which party will be responsible for which government portfolio.

The results of the negotiations are recorded in a written coalition agreement. In most cases, the members of the participating parties vote on the negotiated agreement at party conferences or through membership ballots. Once all parties have approved the agreement, it is signed. The House of Representatives then elects the Governing Mayor.