German football championship

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The history of the German football championship is complex and reflects the turbulent history of the country through the course of the 20th century. Germany's first recognized national football championship took place in 1900 following the establishment of the German Football Association (Deutscher Fußball Bund).

Prior to the formation of the Bundesliga in 1963, the national championship format was based on a knockout competition contested between the winners of each of the country's top regional leagues.

During the Nazi-era from 1936-45, the early regional league structure was replaced by the Gauliga system governing play in Germany and territories occupied during World War II.

Following the war, five regional Oberligen were established in West Germany. In addition, a separate competition took place in Russian-occupied East Germany which awarded its own national championship until the reunification of Germany in 1991 and the reintegration of the two competitions.

Since 1963, the first-place finisher in the Bundesliga has been recognized as the national champion.