Full edition for scientific use. This dataset results from a web-based survey of German political elites. The survey examined the self-concept of German political elites with regard to a potential or actual leadership role in the European Union (EU). More precisely, the dataset provides information on whether and how respondents believe Germany should assume a leadership role in the EU and to what extent it actually does so in their view. In addition, the data covers related aspects, such as what respondents understand by regional leadership, whether they perceive a demand for German leadership from other EU member states, and in which policy areas they see the greatest need for action in the EU.