Degenhardt joined the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) in 1961, but was forced out in 1971 because of his support for the German Communist Party (DKP), which he joined in 1978.
Degenhardt liittyi Saksan sosialidemokraattiseen puolueeseen (SPD) 1961, mutta hänet erotettiin 1971, koska hän tuki Saksan kommunistista puoluetta (DKP), johon hän liittyi 1978.