The Polish-born 31-year-old helped his country win the 2014 World Cup, and scored 48 goals in a 129-cap career.
An appearance off the bench in the 3-0 win over Slovakia at Euro 2016 was Podolski's final outing for Germany.
The ex-FC Koln, Bayern Munich and Arsenal player, now at Galatasaray, told German fans, "It was amazing, it was great, and it was an honour."
Germany striker Lukas Podolski has announced his retirement from international football.