In the past, non-U.S. citizens who were hired in Germany by the United States Government to work at U.S. diplomatic and consular posts were covered under the U.S. civil service retirement system (CSRS).  When such persons are hired today, however, they are generally covered under the German social security system.  Under the U.S.-German social security agreement, Germany counts periods of U.S. Social Security coverage to determine eligibility for German benefits.  Since the agreement does not apply to the CSRS, however, persons who worked in Germany for the U.S. Government and who were covered under the CSRS cannot use their periods of CSRS coverage to qualify for German benefits.  Under paragraph 8, Germany counts periods of CSRS coverage earned by a person while working for the U.S. Government in Germany for purposes of qualifying for German social security benefits.  Paragraph 8 has no effect on eligibility for U.S. Social Security or CSRS benefits.