The European financial superpower commands Nato’s fifth largest military – behind Turkey, the UK, France and the US.
But Merkel has refused to pledge her allegiance to a US military conflict in North Korea, despite being part of Nato’s Article 5 commitments.
Article 5 affirms that an attack on one Nato member is an attack on all – but the agreement was snubbed by Donald Trump during his speech at May’s Nato summit leading to criticism of his commitment to the alliance.
Now the German Chancellor has snubbed the notion herself ahead of the German election where she is expected to hold onto power.
When asked if she would support the US if war broke out, she said: “No, not automatically.
“I do not see any military solution to [the crisis with] North Korea. I think it is wrong.”
Her statement clashes with recent comments she made about Donald Trump’s lack of commitment to the rest of the world.
During an interview with the business newspaper Handelsblatt, Chancellor Merkel said: “America cannot be great if it does not concern itself with things outside its borders.”
She did however, admit Mr Trump deserved respect for winning the US election last November.
Mrs Merkel said: “He won a tough campaign. No matter my opinion of him, he deserves respect.”
She added: “This is not about being friends or being in a family.
“Each of us represents the interests of our countries and our citizens and we have to try as much as we can to advance these interests.”
Meanwhile Martin Schulz, her electoral rival, as claimed she is pandering to the US president.
The Social Democrat leader has accused Mrs Merkel for not taking a tough enough stance on Mr Trump.
Mr Schulz lashed out at Europe’s “failure” to denounce Mr Trump’s comments over the Charlottesville riots.
He said: “It’s racist, far-right violence and that requires determined and forceful resistance no matter where in the world it appears.”