There is little documentation on the management and preservation of indigenous built cultural heritage in the former German colonial territories during the German colonial period (approx. 1880-1920), especially when compared to the practices of other European colonial powers. This is partly because Germany became a colonial power later than most European nations and was such for a relatively short period. Additionally, with the exception of China, the territories under German rule contained few built cultural heritage sites considered valuable from a European perspective. This essay aims to give a brief history of the German colonial presence in several parts of the world, mentioning various heritage remains still existing there.