German Social Democrat (SPD) leader Martin Schulz is to meet the country's president on Thursday, as he comes under intense pressure to help end the nation's political crisis by agreeing to coalition talks with Chancellor Angela Merkel.

President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has been meeting party leaders following Sunday's collapse in negotiations between Merkel's political bloc, the pro-business Free Democrats and the Greens.

"The SPD is fully aware of its responsibility in the current difficult situation," Schulz told dpa as he faced calls from his party's leaders to rethink his vehement opposition to rejoining or backing a Merkel-led coalition.

"I am sure that we will find a good solution for our country in the coming days and weeks," said Schulz ahead of his meeting with Steinmeier.

As head of state, Steinmeier plays a key role in paving the way for a new government in Europe's biggest economy after September's inconclusive election.

Schulz has come under pressure from SPD leaders - including from his own party faction - to step back from his opposition to talks with Merkel and avoid another general election.

Several SPD leaders have also suggested that the party should tolerate a Merkel-led minority government as a compromise to end the political drama.