Based on analysing the works of the eminent German philosophers I. Kant, J. G. Fichte and G. W. F. Hegel the phenomenon of interaction and interdependence of state and civil society in the German legal tradition of the mid-to-late of the 18^th century — the 1st third of the 19th century is revealed. The grounds, forms and genesis of such interaction are analysed. It is noted that the key aspects of this process with German specifics are the rule of law, separation of powers, democratic mechanisms of social organization, social justice, etc.