The conception and development of digital twins (DT) are increasingly under investigation within the domain of civil engineering. They manifest considerable potential across diverse stages of construction, encompassing design, construction, operation, and maintenance. This paper focuses on the development and advances in digital twins for bridges in Germany. Firstly, the application and development of DTs in bridge engineering are introduced. Different maturity levels of DTs and the essential parts are explained. Subsequently, a screening of the bridge digital twin projects following the essential parts of DTs in German industry and research field is conducted. Next, two pilot projects in Germany, including the cable-stayed Köhlbrand Bridge in Hamburg and the prestressed concrete Nibelungen Bridge in Worms, are presented as examples in detail to elaborate on the functions, technologies and methods in applying DTs in bridge engineering for operation and maintenance (O&M). Afterward, the challenges and solutions in improving DTs in bridge engineering are concluded. Finally, some conclusions and outlooks are provided.