For a historical overview of the (West) German football league system, see History of the German football league system. For the league system of former East Germany, see East German football league system. For the women's league system, see Women's football in Germany.
Hierarchically interconnected league system for association football in Germany
German football league system
Country
Germany
Sport
Association football
Promotion and relegation
Yes
National system
Federation
German Football Association
Confederation
UEFA
Top division
Bundesliga (men)
Frauen-Bundesliga (women)
Second division
2. Bundesliga (men)
2. Frauen-Bundesliga (women)
Cup competition
Men:
DFB Cup
DFL-Supercup
Women:
DFB-Pokal Frauen
Regional systems
Federations
Northeastern German Football Association
Northern German Football Association
Southern German Football Association
Southwestern Regional Football Association
Western German Football Association
Association football in Germany
The German football league system, or league pyramid, refers to the hierarchically interconnected league system for association football in Germany that in the 2016–17 season consisted of 2,235 leagues in up to 13 levels having 31,645 teams, in which all divisions are bound together by the principle of promotion and relegation. The top three professional levels contain one division each. Below this, the semi-professional and amateur levels have progressively more parallel divisions, which each cover progressively smaller geographic areas. Teams that finish at the top of their division at the end of each season can rise higher in the pyramid, while those that finish at the bottom find themselves sinking further down. Therefore, in theory, it is possible for even the lowest local amateur club to rise to the top of the system and become German football champions one day. The number of teams promoted and relegated between the divisions varies, and promotion to the upper levels of the pyramid is usually contingent on meeting additional criteria, especially concerning appropriate facilities and finances.
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