German football league system

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German football league system
Nation
 Germany
Map of Germany
States
 Baden-Württemberg
 Bavaria
 Berlin
 Brandenburg
 Bremen
 Hamburg
 Hesse
 Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
 Lower Saxony
 North Rhine-Westphalia
 Rhineland-Palatinate
 Saarland
 Saxony
 Saxony-Anhalt
 Schleswig-Holstein
 Thuringia
Current Champions (2014–15)
Bayern Munich

The German football league system, or league pyramid, refers to the hierarchically interconnected league system for the association football in Germany that in the season 2014–15 consists of 2,257 divisions having 32,163 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, whilst those that finish at the bottom find themselves sinking further down. 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.

Structure

The German football league system is held under the jurisdiction of the nationwide German Football Association and its professional body German Football League, along with its five regional associations and their 21 state associations.

On top of the system sit the level one Bundesliga and the level two 2. Bundesliga, both organized by the professional German Football League. The two top flights then are followed by the level three 3. Liga, the lowest full professional division in Germany, held by the German Football Association itself.

The semi-professional level four Regionalliga is divided into 5 regional divisions, these typically organised by one or two of the five regional associations of the German Football association, these being the Northern German Football Association, the North East German Football Association, the Western German Football and Athletics Association, the Regional Football Association South West and the Southern German Football Association. This is except for Bavaria, where the Bavarian Football Association, a state member state association of the Southern German Football Association, runs their top division under their own jurisdiction.

Starting at level five, the various fully amateur divisions are usually governed by the 21 state associations. This is except for the North East German Football Association and Regional Football Association South West, where the regional bodies still run the level five divisions under their jurisdiction, with their state member associations' pyramids therefore set to start at level six.

Level Division
1 Bundesliga
18 teams
↓ 2 relegation spots + 1 relegation playoff spot
2 2. Bundesliga
18 teams
↑ 2 promotion spots + 1 promotion playoff spot
↓ 2 relegation spots + 1 relegation playoff spot
3 3. Liga
20 teams
↑ 2 promotion spots + 1 promotion playoff spot
↓ 3 relegation spots
4 Regionalliga Nord
18 teams
↑ 1 promotion playoff spot
↓ 2 to 3 relegation spots
Regionalliga Nordost
16 teams
↑ 1 promotion playoff spot
↓ 2 to 3 relegation spots
Regionalliga West
18 teams
↑ 1 promotion playoff spot
↓ 3 to 4 relegation spots
Regionalliga Südwest
18 teams
↑ 2 promotion playoff spots
↓ 2 to 5 relegation spots
Regionalliga Bayern
18 teams
↑ 1 promotion playoff spot
↓ 2 to 4 relegation spots
5

Hamburg
state league system

↑ 1 promotion playoff spot

Bremen
state league system

↑ 1 promotion playoff spot

Schleswig-Holstein
state league system

↑ 1 promotion playoff spot

Lower Saxony
state league system

↑ 1 promotion spot
+ 1 promotion playoff spot

2 divisions of
NOFV-Oberliga
32 teams
↑ 2 promotion spots
↓ 6 relegation spots
[1]

Lower Rhine
state league system

↑ 1 promotion spot

Middle Rhine
state league system

↑ 1 promotion spot

Westphalia
state league system

↑ 2 promotion spots

Oberliga Rheinland-Pfalz/Saar
18 teams
↑ 1 promotion spot
↓ 3 to 5 relegation spots
[2]

Oberliga Baden-Württemberg
18 teams
↑ 1 promotion spot
↓ 3 to 6 relegation spots
[3]

Hesse
state league system

↑ 1 promotion spot

Bavaria
state league system
6

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
state league system

↑ 1 promotion spot

Brandenburg
state league system

↑ 1 promotion spot

Berlin
state league system

↑ 1 promotion spot

Saxony-Anhalt
state league system

↑ 1 promotion spot

Thuringia
state league system

↑ 1 promotion spot

Saxony
state league system

↑ 1 to 2 promotion spots

Rhineland
state league system

↑ 1 promotion spot to
Oberliga Rheinland-Pfalz/Saar

Saarland
state league system

↑ 1 promotion spot to
Oberliga Rheinland-Pfalz/Saar

Southwest
state league system

↑ 1 promotion spot to
Oberliga Rheinland-Pfalz/Saar

Baden
state league system

↑ 1 promotion spot
+ 1 promotion playoff spot to
Oberliga Baden-Württemberg

South Baden
state league system

↑ 1 promotion spot
+ 1 promotion playoff spot to
Oberliga Baden-Württemberg

Württemberg
state league system

↑ 1 promotion spot
+ 1 promotion playoff spot to
Oberliga Baden-Württemberg

Federal association league system

After each season, the winners of the Bundesliga are crowned German football champions. The bottom two Bundesliga teams are relegated to 2. Bundesliga, whereas the best two teams of the second level promote to the top flight. Additionally, the third-last ranked team of Bundesliga and the third-best ranked team of 2. Bundesliga play a promotion/relegation playoff for the final spot in the next Bundesliga edition. The bottom two 2. Bundesliga teams are relegated to 3. Liga, whereas the best two teams of the third level promote to the second flight. Additionally, the third-last ranked team of 2. Bundesliga and the third-best ranked team of 3. Liga play a promotion/relegation playoff for the final spot in the next 2. Bundesliga edition. The bottom three teams of 3. Liga are relegated to Regionalliga.

Regional association league systems

Whereas the professional first three levels of the German football league system each are single division only and are organised by nationwide governing bodies, the semi-professional level four Regionalliga comprises five independent divisions, each run by different regional and/or state associations. Three regional bodies, being the Northern German Football Association, the North East German Football Association and the Western German Football and Athletics Association, each run a division under their sole jurisdiction, these being the corresponding Regionalliga Nord, the Regionalliga Nordost and the Regionalliga West. The two regional bodies Regional Football Association South West and Southern German Football Association share the jurisdiction on the Regionalliga Südwest. Finally, the Bavarian Football Association, although being just a subordinate state association to the superior Southern German Football Association, runs the Regionalliga Bayern, for being the by far largest single state football association in Germany.

As an exception to the regular promotion rules within the German league system, the champions of each Regionalliga division are not granted automatic promotion. Instead the five division winners along with the runner-up of the Regionalliga Südwest enter a promotion playoff for three promotion spots to the 3. Liga. The Regionalliga Südwest is granted a second spot in the promotion playoffs for having the most team competing in the following levels of the league pyramid down to the lowest levels, the Kreisliga, as it supersedes the league pyramids of the Regional Football Association South West and of most of the league pyramid of the Southern German Football Association.

Northern Germany

The Northern German Football Association league system is the regional association league system in the states of Bremen, Hamburg, Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein and starts at level 4 of the German league system with the Regionalliga Nord on top. The champions enter a promotion playoff along with the winners of the four other Regionalliga divisions and the Regionalliga Südwest runner-up for three promotions to the 3. Liga.

Below the regional association's league system, the 4 state association league systems of the Bremen Football Association, the Hamburg Football Association, the Lower Saxony Football Association and the Schleswig-Holstein Football Association work as feeders to the Regionalliga.

Northeastern Germany

The North East German Football Association league system is the regional association league system in the states of Berlin, Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia and starts at level 4 of the German league system with the Regionalliga Nordost on top. The champions enter a promotion playoff along with the winners of the four other Regionalliga divisions and the Regionalliga Südwest runner-up for three promotions to the 3. Liga.

Below the regional association's league system, the 6 state association league systems of the Berlin Football Association, the Brandenburg Football Association, the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Football Association, the Saxony Football Association, the Saxony-Anhalt Football Association and the Thuringia Football Association work as feeders to the Oberliga.

Western Germany

The Western German Football and Athletics Association league system is the regional association league system in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and starts at level 4 of the German league system with the Regionalliga West on top. The champions enter a promotion playoff along with the winners of the four other Regionalliga divisions and the Regionalliga Südwest runner-up for three promotions to the 3. Liga.

Below the regional association's league system, the 3 state association league systems of the Lower Rhine Football Association, the Middle Rhine Football Association and the Westphalia Football and Athletics Association work as feeders to the Regionalliga.

Southwestern Germany

The Regional Football Association South West league system is the regional association league system in the states of Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland and starts at level 4 of the German league system with the Regionalliga Südwest on top, which is held under joint jurisdiction along with the Southern German Football Association. The champions and the runner-up enter a promotion playoff along with the winners of the four other Regionalliga divisions for three promotions to the 3. Liga. By rule, the champions and the runner-up will not face each other in the promotion playoffs.

Below the regional association's league system, the 3 state associations league systems of the Rhineland Football Association, the Saarland Football Association and the South West German Football Association work as feeders to the Oberliga.

Southern Germany

The Southern German Football Association league system is the regional association league system in the states of Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria and Hessen and starts at level 4 of the German league system with the Regionalliga Südwest, which is held under joint jurisdiction along with the Regional Football Association South West respectively with the Regionalliga Bayern. The champions and the runner-up of the Regionalliga Südwest and the champions of the Regionalliga Bayern enter a promotion playoff along with the winners of the three other Regionalliga divisions for three promotions to the 3. Liga.

Below the regional association's league system, the state association league system of the Baden Football Association, the Bavarian Football Association, the Hessian Football Association, the South Baden Football Association and the Württembergian Football Association work as feeders to the Regionalliga.

State association league systems

Mostly in line with the geographical borders of the 16 German states, amateur football is organised by 21 state football associations. Therefore, 13 states, these being Bavaria, Berlin, Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Hesse, Lower Saxony, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Saarland, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein and Thuringia have a state football association with a jurisdiction covering the whole area of the corresponding political entity. Three states are subdivided into more than one state football association. The state of North Rhine-Westphalia is subdivided into three state associations, these being Middle Rhine, Lower Rhine and Westphalia. The state of Baden-Württemberg is also subdivided into three state associations, these being Baden, South Baden and Württemberg. Finally, the state of Rhineland-Palatinate is subdivided into two state associations, these being Rhineland and Southwest.[4]

Starting on levels 4 to 6 of the German football league system, each of these 21 state associations runs a league pyramid under its own jurisdiction. The state association of Bavaria starts its pyramid at level 4. The top divisions of the state associations of Bremen, Hamburg, Hesse, Middle Rhine, Lower Rhine, Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein and Westphalia sit at level 5 of the pyramid. The pyramids of the remaining associations of Baden, Berlin, Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Rhineland, Saarland, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, South Baden, Southwest, Thuringia and Württemberg start at level 6 of the German football league system.

All state associations have full jurisdiction over their league pyramids, though the configuration varies in between states. A traditional state league pyramid had a Verbandsliga (English: Association League) as its top flight, followed by several divisions of Landesliga (English: State League). Due to many structural reforms in the last decades, both on federal level and on state levels, this structure has become more indeterminate. Currently, 8 of the 21 state associations (Bremen, Hamburg, Hesse, Middle Rhine, Lower Rhine, Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein and Westphalia) have an Oberliga (English: Premier League) as their top amateur state division, some followed by a Verbandsliga, some directly by a Landesliga. Starting in 2012, the state association of Bavaria organized its own Regionalliga (English: Regional League), a league formerly only organized by the superior regional associations.[5]

With the exception of Berlin and Hamburg, all other state associations usually supervise several county and/or district associations. The county associations usually cover the area of a government district, whereas the district associations have jurisdiction for the territory of an urban district. The associations of Bavaria, Bremen, Lower Saxony and Southwest are initially subdivided into several county associations, the latter are then subdivided into district associations. The associations of South Baden and Württemberg have several county associations following in the league system, but no district associations. The remaining associations (Baden, Brandenburg, Hesse, Lower Rhine, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Middle Rhine, Rhineland, Saarland, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein, Thuringia and Westphalia) are directly subdivided into district associations. The county associations usually run a single division, the Bezirksliga (English: County League) under their jurisdiction, then followed by the district associations' top flights Kreisliga (English: District League). State associations that are directly subdivided into district associations, typically run the Bezirksliga themselves.

Northern Germany

Schleswig-Holstein

Schleswig-Holstein Football Association

The Schleswig-Holstein Football Association league system is the state association league system in the state of Schleswig-Holstein and starts at level 5 of the German league system with the Schleswig-Holstein-Liga on top. The current (2014–15 season) champions are TSV Schilksee. The champions enter a promotion playoff along with the Bremen-Liga champions, the Oberliga Hamburg champions and the Oberliga Niedersachsen runner-up for two promotions to the Regionalliga Nord.

Below the state association league system 11 district associations work as feeders to the Verbandsliga. In the 2014–15 season, the full system comprises 60 divisions having 911 teams.[6] Additionally, 4 teams play above the state association league system: Holstein Kiel (3. Liga), TSV Schilksee, ETSV Weiche (Flensburg) and VfB Lübeck (all Regionalliga Nord).

Level

Division

1 promotion playoff spot to Regionalliga Nord

5

Schleswig-Holstein-Liga18 teams

6

4 divisions of Verbandsliga68 teams

↓ relegation to Kiel, Lübeck, Neumünster, Nordfriesland, Ostholstein, Plön, Rendsburg-Eckernförde, Schleswig-Flensburg, Segeberg, Steinburg-Dithmarschen or Stormarn-Herzogtum Lauenburg district FA league systems

7

12 divisions of Kreisliga193 teams

8

14 divisions of Kreisklasse A211 teams

9

14 divisions of Kreisklasse B206 teams

10

9 divisions of Kreisklasse C132 teams

11

6 divisions of Kreisklasse D83 teams

Hamburg

Hamburg Football Association

The Hamburg Football Association league system is the state association league system in the state of Hamburg and starts at level 5 of the German league system with the Oberliga Hamburg on top. The current (2014–15 season) champions are TuS Dassendorf. The champions enter a promotion playoff along with the Bremen-Liga champions, the Schleswig-Holstein-Liga champions and the Oberliga Niedersachsen runner-up for two promotions to the Regionalliga Nord.

As the state of Hamburg consists only of the city of Hamburg itself, there are no local associations below.[7] In the 2014–15 season, the full system comprises 27 divisions having 392 teams.[8] Additionally, 5 teams play above the state association league system: Hamburger SV (Bundesliga), FC St. Pauli (2. Bundesliga), Hamburger SV II, FC St. Pauli II and FC Eintracht Norderstedt 03 (all Regionalliga Nord).

Level

Division

1 promotion playoff spot to Regionalliga Nord

5

Oberliga Hamburg17 teams

6

2 divisions of Landesliga32 teams

7

4 divisions of Bezirksliga63 teams

8

8 divisions of Kreisliga117 teams

9

12 divisions of Kreisklasse163 teams

Lower Saxony

Lower Saxony Football Association

The Lower Saxony Football Association league system is the state association league systems in the state of Lower Saxony and starts at level 5 of the German league system with the Oberliga Niedersachsen on top. The current (2014–15 season) champions are SV Drochtersen/Assel. The champions are directly promoted to Regionalliga Nord, whereas the runner-up enters a promotion playoff along with the Bremen-Liga champions and the Oberliga Hamburg champions and the Schleswig-Holstein-Liga champions for two additional promotions.

Below the state association league system 4 county associations and following them 43 district associations work as feeders to the Oberliga. In the 2014–15 season, the full system comprises 293 divisions having 4,071 teams.[9] Additionally, 16 teams play above the state association league system: Hannover 96 and VfL Wolfsburg (Bundesliga), Eintracht Braunschweig (2. Bundesliga), VfL Osnabrück (3. Liga), Lüneburger SK Hansa, TSV Havelse, VfL Wolfsburg II, Hannover 96 II, Goslarer SC 08, Schwarz-Weiß Rehden, VfB Oldenburg, SV Meppen, BV Cloppenburg, SV Drochtersen/Assel, VfV 06 Hildesheim and Eintracht Braunschweig II (all Regionalliga Nord).

Level

Division

1 promotion spot + 1 promotion playoff spot to Regionalliga Nord

5

Oberliga Niedersachsen16 teams

↓ relegation to Braunschweig, Hannover, Lüneburg or Weser-Ems county FA league systems

6

4 divisions of Landesliga67 teams

7

17 divisions of Bezirksliga272 teams

↓ relegation to Ammerland, Aurich, Bentheim, Braunschweig, Celle, Cloppenburg, Cuxhaven, Diepholz, Emden, Emsland, Friesland, Gifhorn, Göttingen-Osterode, Hameln-Pyrmont, Hannover-Land, Hannover-Stadt, Harburg, Heidekreis, Helmstedt, Hildesheim, Holzminden, Leer, Lüchow-Dannenberg, Lüneburg, Nienburg, Nordharz, Northeim-Einbeck, Oldenburg-Land/Delmenhorst, Oldenburg-Stadt, Osnabrück-Land, Osnabrück-Stadt, Osterholz, Peine, Rotenburg, Schaumburg, Stade, Uelzen, Vechta, Verden, Wesermarsch, Wilhelmshaven, Wittmund or Wolfsburg district FA league systems

8

42 divisions of Kreisliga642 teams

9

58 divisions of 1. Kreisklasse839 teams

10

66 divisions of 2. Kreisklasse899 teams

11

66 divisions of 3. Kreisklasse819 teams

12

38 divisions of 4. Kreisklasse474 teams

13

4 divisions of 5. Kreisklasse43 teams

Bremen

Bremen Football Association

The Bremen Football Association league system is the state association league system in the state of Bremen and starts at level 5 of the German league system with the Bremen-Liga on top. The current (2014–15 season) champions are Bremer SV. The champions enter a promotion playoff along with the Oberliga Hamburg champions, the Schleswig-Holstein-Liga champions and the Oberliga Niedersachsen runner-up for two promotions to the Regionalliga Nord.

Below the state association league system 2 county associations and following them 3 district associations work as feeders to the Landesliga.[10] In the 2014–15 season, the full system comprises 10 divisions having 155 teams.[11] Additionally, 2 teams play above the state association league system: SV Werder Bremen (Bundesliga) and SV Werder Bremen II (3. Liga).

Level

Division

1 promotion playoff spot to Regionalliga Nord

5

Bremen-Liga16 teams

6

Landesliga16 teams

↓ relegation to Bremen or Bremerhaven county FA league systems

7

Bezirksliga19 teams

↓ relegation to Bremen-Nord, Bremen-Stadt or Bremerhaven district FA league systems

8

2 divisions of Kreisliga A26 teams

9

Kreisliga B16 teams

10

Kreisliga C15 teams

11

2 divisions of 1. Kreisklasse23 teams

12

2. Kreisklasse12 teams

13

3. Kreisklasse12 teams

Northeastern Germany

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Football Association

The Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Football Association league system is the state association league systems in the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and starts at level 6 of the German league system with the Verbandsliga Mecklenburg-Vorpommern on top. The current (2014–15 season) champions are FC Anker Wismar. The champions are directly promoted to Oberliga Nordost.

Below the state association league system 6 district associations work as feeders to the Landesklasse. In the 2014–15 season, the full system comprises 40 divisions having 517 teams.[12] Additionally, 7 teams play above the state association league system: Hansa Rostock (3. Liga), TSG Neustrelitz and FC Schönberg 95 (Regionalliga Nordost), Hansa Rostock II, FC Anker Wismar, Malchower SV and 1. FC Neubrandenburg (all Oberliga Nordost).

Level

Division

1 promotion spot to Oberliga Nordost

6

Verbandsliga Mecklenburg-Vorpommern16 teams

7

3 divisions of Landesliga42 teams

8

6 divisions of Landesklasse84 teams

↓ relegation to Mecklenburger Seenplatte-Vorpommern, Nordvorpommern-Rügen, Schwerin-Nordwestmecklenburg, Vorpommern-Greifswald, Warnow or Westmecklenburg district FA league systems

9

7 divisions of Kreisoberliga99 teams

10

11 divisions of Kreisliga142 teams

11

11 divisions of 1. Kreisklasse120 teams

12

2. Kreisklasse14 teams

Brandenburg

Brandenburg Football Association

The Brandenburg Football Association league system is the state association league system in the state of Brandenburg and starts at level 6 of the German league system with the Brandenburg-Liga on top. The current (2014–15 season) champions are 1. FC Frankfurt. The champions are directly promoted to Oberliga Nordost.

Below the state association league system 8 district associations work as feeders to the Landesklasse. In the 2014–15 season, the full system comprises 65 divisions having 907 teams.[13] Additionally, 12 teams play above the state association league system: FC Energie Cottbus (3. Liga), SV Babelsberg 03, FSV 63 Luckenwalde and FSV Optik Rathenow (all Regionalliga Nordost), FC Energie Cottbus II, Brandenburger SC Süd 05, SV Altlüdersdorf, SV Germania 90 Schöneiche, FSV Union Fürstenwalde, 1. FC Frankfurt, SV Victoria Seelow and FC Strausberg (all Oberliga Nordost).

Level

Division

1 promotion spot to Oberliga Nordost

6

Brandenburg-Liga16 teams

7

2 divisions of Landesliga32 teams

8

4 divisions of Landesklasse63 teams

↓ relegation to Dahme/Flaming, Havelland, Niederlausitz, Oberhavel/Barnim, Ostbrandenburg, Prignitz/Ruppin, Südbrandenburg or Uckermark district FA league systems

9

8 divisions of Kreisoberliga126 teams

10

16 divisions of Kreisliga236 teams

11

18 divisions of 1. Kreisklasse241 teams

12

16 divisions of 2. Kreisklasse193 teams

Berlin

Berlin Football Association

The Berlin Football Association league system is the state association league system in the state of Berlin and starts at level 6 of the German league system with the Berlin-Liga on top. The current (2014–15 season) champions are Tennis Borussia Berlin. The champions are directly promoted to Oberliga Nordost.

As the state of Berlin consists only of the city of Berlin itself, there are no local associations below. In the 2014–15 season, the full system comprises 20 divisions having 293 teams.[14] Additionally, 11 teams play above the state association league system: Hertha BSC (Bundesliga), 1. FC Union Berlin (2. Bundesliga), Berliner FC Dynamo, Berliner AK 07, Hertha BSC II, 1. FC Union Berlin II and FC Viktoria 1889 Berlin (all Regionalliga Nordost), CFC Hertha 06, SV Lichtenberg 47, Tennis Borussia Berlin and BSV Hürtürkel (all Oberliga Nordost).

Level

Division

1 promotion spot to Oberliga Nordost

6

Berlin-Liga18 teams

7

2 divisions of Landesliga31 teams

8

3 divisions of Bezirksliga48 teams

9

4 divisions of Kreisliga A64 teams

10

6 divisions of Kreisliga B90 teams

11

4 divisions of Kreisliga C42 teams

Saxony-Anhalt

Saxony-Anhalt Football Association

The Saxony-Anhalt Football Association league system is the association league systems in the state of Saxony-Anhalt and starts at level 6 of the German league system with the Verbandsliga Sachsen-Anhalt on top. The current (2014–15 season) champions are FSV Barleben. The champions are directly promoted to Oberliga Nordost.

Below the state association league system 14 district associations work as feeders to the Landesklasse. In the 2014–15 season, the full system comprises 75 divisions having 1,056 teams.[15] Additionally, 7 teams play above the state association league system: Hallescher FC (3. Liga), 1. FC Magdeburg and VfB Germania Halberstadt (all Regionalliga Nordost), FSV Barleben, VfL Halle 96, Askania Bernburg and Union Sandersdorf (all Oberliga Nordost).

Level

Division

1 promotion spot to Oberliga Nordost

6

Verbandsliga Sachsen-Anhalt16 teams

7

2 divisions of Landesliga32 teams

8

6 divisions of Landesklasse95 teams

↓ relegation to Altmark-Ost, Altmark-West, Anhalt, Anhalt-Bitterfeld, Börde, Burgenland, Halle, Harz, Jerichower Land, Magdeburg, Mansfeld-Südharz, Saalekreis, Salzland or Wittenberg district FA league systems

9

14 divisions of Kreisoberliga216 teams

10

23 divisions of Kreisliga318 teams

11

25 divisions of 1. Kreisklasse325 teams

12

4 divisions of 2. Kreisklasse54 teams

Thuringia

Thuringia Football Association

The Thuringia Football Association league system is the state association league systems in the state of Thuringia and starts at level 6 of the German league system with the Verbandsliga Thüringen on top. The current (2014–15 season) champions are Wacker Nordhausen II (not promoted). The champions are directly promoted to Oberliga Nordost.

Below the state association league system 9 district associations work as feeders to the Landesklasse. In the 2014–15 season, the full system comprises 80 divisions having 1,018 teams.[16] Additionally, 9 teams play above the state association league system: Rot-Weiß Erfurt (3. Liga), FC Carl Zeiss Jena, ZFC Meuselwitz and FSV Wacker 90 Nordhausen (all Regionalliga Nordost), FC Carl Zeiss Jena II, Einheit Rudolstadt, Rot-Weiß Erfurt II, BSG Wismut Gera and FC Eisenach (all Oberliga Nordost).

Level

Division

1 promotion spot to Oberliga Nordost

6

Verbandsliga Thüringen16 teams

7

3 divisions of Landesklasse50 teams

↓ relegation to Eichsfeld-Unstrut-Hainich, Erfurt-Sömmerda, Jena-Saale-Orla, Mittelthüringen, Nordthüringen, Ostthüringen, Rhön-Rennsteig, Südthüringen or Westthüringen district FA league systems

8

9 divisions of Kreisoberliga135 teams

9

18 divisions of Kreisliga246 teams

10

24 divisions of 1. Kreisklasse310 teams

11

25 divisions of 2. Kreisklasse261 teams

Saxony

Saxony Football Association

The Saxony Football Association league system is the association league systems in the state of Saxony and starts at level 6 of the German league system with the Sachsenliga on top. The current (2014–15 season) champions are Bischofswerdaer FV 08. The champions are directly promoted to Oberliga Nordost.

Below the state association league system 13 district associations work as feeders to the Bezirksliga. In the 2014–15 season, the full system comprises 93 divisions having 1,243 teams.[17] Additionally, 15 teams play above the state association league system: RB Leipzig (2. Bundesliga), FC Erzgebirge Aue, Chemnitzer FC and Dynamo Dresden (all 3. Liga), FSV Zwickau, VfB Auerbach, FC Oberlausitz Neugersdorf and FSV Budissa Bautzen (all Regionalliga Nordost), Bischofswerdaer FV 08, VFC Plauen, FC Inter Leipzig, 1. FC Lokomotive Leipzig, SSV Markranstädt and RB Leipzig II (all Oberliga Nordost).

Level

Division

1 promotion spot to Oberliga Nordost

6

Sachsenliga16 teams

7

4 divisions of Bezirksliga60 teams

↓ relegation to Chemnitz, Dresden, Erzgebirge, Leipzig, Meißen, Mittelsachsen, Muldental-Leipziger Land, Nordsachsen, Oberlausitz, Sächsische Schweiz/Osterzgebirge, Vogtland, Westlausitz or Zwickau district FA league systems

8

13 divisions of Kreisoberliga194 teams

9

24 divisions of Kreisliga A336 teams

10

8 divisions of Kreisliga B106 teams

11

Kreisliga C14 teams

12

26 divisions of 1. Kreisklasse339 teams

13

14 divisions of 2. Kreisklasse156 teams

14

2 divisions of 3. Kreisklasse22 teams

Western Germany

Lower Rhine

Lower Rhine Football Association

The Lower Rhine Football Association league system is one of three state association league systems in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, covering its northwestern part, and starts at level 5 of the German league system with the Oberliga Niederrhein on top. The current (2014–15 season) champions are SSVg Velbert. The champions are directly promoted to Regionalliga West.

Below the state association league system 14 district associations work as feeders to the Bezirksliga. In the 2014–15 season, the full system comprises 99 divisions having 1,497 teams.[18] Additionally, 9 teams play above the state association league system: Borussia Mönchengladbach (Bundesliga), Fortuna Düsseldorf and MSV Duisburg (2. Bundesliga), Borussia Mönchengladbach II, Rot-Weiß Oberhausen, Rot-Weiss Essen, FC Kray, Fortuna Düsseldorf II and SSVg Velbert (all Regionalliga West).

Level

Division

1 promotion spot to Regionalliga West

5

Oberliga Niederrhein18 teams

6

3 divisions of Landesliga41 teams

7

7 divisions of Bezirksliga118 teams

↓ relegation to Duisburg/Mülheim/Dinslaken, Düsseldorf, Essen Nord/West, Essen Süd/Ost, Grevenbroich/Neuss, Kempen/Krefeld, Kleve/Geldern, Moers, Mönchengladbach/Viersen, Oberhausen/Bottrop, Rees/Bocholt, Remscheid, Solingen or Wuppertal/Niederberg district FA league systems

8

16 divisions of Kreisliga A263 teams

9

30 divisions of Kreisliga B469 teams

10

42 divisions of Kreisliga C588 teams

Middle Rhine

Middle Rhine Football Association

The Middle Rhine Football Association league system is one of three state association league systems in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, covering its southwestern part, and starts at level 5 of the German league system with the Oberliga Mittelrhein on top. The current (2014–15 season) champions are FC Wegberg-Beeck. The champions are directly promoted to Regionalliga West.

Below the state association league system 9 district associations work as feeders to the Bezirksliga. In the 2014–15 season, the full system comprises 91 divisions having 1,362 teams.[19] Additionally, 7 teams play above the state association league system: Bayer Leverkusen and 1. FC Köln (Bundesliga), SC Fortuna Köln (3. Liga), Alemannia Aachen, 1. FC Köln II, FC Viktoria Köln and FC Wegberg-Beeck (all Regionalliga West).

Level

Division

1 promotion spot to Regionalliga West

5

Oberliga Mittelrhein16 teams

6

2 divisions of Landesliga31 teams

7

4 divisions of Bezirksliga60 teams

↓ relegation to Aachen, Berg, Bonn, Düren, Euskirchen, Heinsberg, Köln, Rhein-Erft or Sieg district FA league systems

8

9 divisions of Kreisliga A144 teams

9

20 divisions of Kreisliga B311 teams

10

36 divisions of Kreisliga C534 teams

11

19 divisions of Kreisliga D266 teams

Westphalia

Westphalia Football and Athletics Association

The Westphalia Football and Athletics Association league system is one of three state association league systems in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, covering its eastern part, and starts at level 5 of the German league system with the Oberliga Westfalen on top. The current (2014–15 season) champions are TuS Erndtebrück. The champions and the runner-up are directly promoted to Regionalliga West.

Below the state association league system 30 district associations work as feeders to the Bezirksliga. In the 2014–15 season, the full system comprises 215 divisions having 3,286 teams. Additionally, 15 teams play above the state association league system: Borussia Dortmund and FC Schalke 04 (Bundesliga), Arminia Bielefeld, VfL Bochum and SC Paderborn 07 (all 2. Bundesliga), Preußen Münster (3. Liga), Rot Weiss Ahlen, Borussia Dortmund II, TuS Erndtebrück, Sportfreunde Lotte, FC Schalke 04 II, SC Verl, SC Wiedenbrück 2000, SV Rödinghausen and SG Wattenscheid 09 (all Regionalliga West).

Level

Division

2 promotion spots to Regionalliga West

5

Oberliga Westfalen18 teams

6

2 divisions of Westfalenliga32 teams

7

4 divisions of Landesliga64 teams

8

12 divisions of Bezirksliga198 teams

↓ relegation to Ahaus-Coesfeld, Arnsberg, Beckum, Bielefeld, Bochum, Detmold, Dortmund, Gelsenkirchen, Gütersloh, Hagen, Herford, Herne, Hochsauerlandkreis, Höxter, Iserlohn, Lemgo, Lippstadt, Lübbecke, Lüdenscheid, Lüdinghausen, Minden, Münster/Warendorf, Olpe, Paderborn, Recklinghausen, Siegen-Wittgenstein, Soest, Steinfurt, Tecklenburg or Unna-Hamm district FA league systems

9

39 divisions of Kreisliga A635 teams

10

58 divisions of Kreisliga B935 teams

11

81 divisions of Kreisliga C1,152 teams

12

18 divisions of Kreisliga D252 teams

Southwestern Germany

Rhineland

Rhineland Football Association

The Rhineland Football Association league system is one of two state association league systems in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, covering its northern part, and starts at level 6 of the German league system with the Rheinlandliga on top. The current (2014–15 season) champions are FC Karbach. The champions are directly promoted to Oberliga Rheinland-Pfalz/Saar.

Below the state association league system 9 district associations work as feeders to the Bezirksliga. In the 2014–15 season, the full system comprises 73 divisions having 931 teams.[20] Additionally, 6 teams play above the state association league system: Eintracht Trier (Regionalliga Südwest), FC Karbach, TuS Koblenz, SV Mehring, SpVgg EGC Wirges and FSV Salmrohr (all Oberliga Rheinland-Pfalz/Saar).

Level

Division

1 promotion spot to Oberliga Rheinland-Pfalz/Saar

6

Rheinlandliga18 teams

7

3 divisions of Bezirksliga48 teams

↓ relegation to Eifel, Hunsrück/Mosel, Koblenz, Mosel, Rhein/Ahr, Rhein/Lahr, Trier/Saarburg, Westerwald/Sieg or Westerwald/Wied district FA league systems

8

9 divisions of Kreisliga A128 teams

9

16 divisions of Kreisliga B224 teams

10

22 divisions of Kreisliga C271 teams

11

22 divisions of Kreisliga D242 teams

Southwest

South West German Football Association

The South West German Football Association league system is one of two state association league systems in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, covering its southern part, and starts at level 6 of the German league system with the Verbandsliga Südwest on top. The current (2014–15 season) champions are FK Pirmasens II. The champions are directly promoted to Oberliga Rheinland-Pfalz/Saar.

Below the state association league system 10 district associations work as feeders to the Bezirksliga.[21] In the 2014–15 season, the full system comprises 69 divisions having 1,060 teams.[22] Additionally, 14 teams play above the state association league system: 1. FSV Mainz 05 (Bundesliga), 1. FC Kaiserslautern (2. Bundesliga), 1. FSV Mainz 05 II (3. Liga), Wormatia Worms, FK Pirmasens and 1. FC Kaiserslautern II (all Regionalliga Südwest), SVN Zweibrücken, SC Hauenstein, FK Pirmasens II, TSG Pfeddersheim, TSV Schott Mainz, SV Gonsenheim, SV Alemannia Waldalgesheim and Arminia Ludwigshafen (all Oberliga Rheinland-Pfalz/Saar).

Level

Division

1 promotion spot to Oberliga Rheinland-Pfalz/Saar

6

Verbandsliga Südwest16 teams

7

2 divisions of Landesliga31 teams

8

4 divisions of Bezirksliga64 teams

↓ relegation to Alzey/Worms, Bad Kreuznach, Birkenfeld, Kaiserslautern-Donnersberg, Kusel-Kaiserslautern, Mainz/Bingen, Pirmasens/Zweibrücken, Rhein-Mittelhaardt, Rhein-Pfalz and Südpfalz district FA league systems

9

10 divisions of A-Klasse160 teams

10

20 divisions of B-Klasse320 teams

11

29 divisions of C-Klasse421 teams

12

3 divisions of D-Klasse48 teams

Saarland

Saarland Football Association

The Saarland Football Association league system is the association league systems in the state of Saarland and starts at level 6 of the German league system with the Saarlandliga on top. The current (2014–15 season) champions are FSV Jägersburg. The champions are directly promoted to Oberliga Rheinland-Pfalz/Saar.

Below the state association league system 4 district associations work as feeders to the Bezirksliga.[23] In the 2014–15 season, the full system comprises 41 divisions having 579 teams.[24] Additionally, 9 teams play above the state association league system: 1. FC Saarbrücken, SV Saar 05 Saarbrücken, FC Homburg and SV Elversberg (all Regionalliga Südwest), FC Hertha Wiesbach, FSV Jägersburg, SV Elversberg II, Borussia Neunkirchen and SV Röchling Völklingen (all Oberliga Rheinland-Pfalz/Saar).

Level

Division

1 promotion spot to Oberliga Rheinland-Pfalz/Saar

6

Saarlandliga18 teams

7

2 divisions of Verbandsliga32 teams

8

4 divisions of Landesliga64 teams

9

6 divisions of Bezirksliga96 teams

↓ relegation to Nordsaar, Ostsaar, Südsaar or Westsaar district FA league systems

10

14 divisions of Kreisliga A218 teams

11

14 divisions of Kreisliga B151 teams

Southern Germany

Hesse

Hessian Football Association

The Hessian Football Association league system is the state association league system in the state of Hesse and starts at level 5 of the German league system with the Hessenliga on top. The current (2014–15 season) champions are TSV Steinbach. The champions are directly promoted to Regionalliga Südwest.

Below the state association league system 6 county associations and following them 32 district associations work as feeders to the Verbandsliga.[25] In the 2014–15 season, the full system comprises 166 divisions having 2,546 teams.[26] Additionally, 7 teams play above the state association league system: Eintracht Frankfurt and SV Darmstadt 98 (Bundesliga), FSV Frankfurt (2. Bundesliga), SV Wehen-Wiesbaden (3. Liga), Kickers Offenbach, KSV Hessen Kassel and TSV Steinbach (all Regionalliga Südwest).

Level

Division

1 promotion spot to Regionalliga Südwest

5

Hessenliga17 teams

6

3 divisions of Verbandsliga51 teams

↓ relegation to Darmstadt, Frankfurt, Fulda, Gießen/Marburg, Kassel or Wiesbaden county FA league systems

7

8 divisions of Gruppenliga135 teams

↓ relegation to Alsfeld, Bergstraße, Biedenkopf, Büdingen, Darmstadt, Dieburg, Dillenburg, Frankenberg, Frankfurt, Friedberg, Fulda, Gelnhausen, Gießen, Groß-Gerau, Hanau, Hersfeld-Rotenburg, Hochtaunus, Hofgeismar/Wolfhagen, Kassel, Lauterbach-Hünfeld, Limburg-Weilburg, Maintaunus, Marburg, Odenwald, Offenbach, Rheingau-Taunus, Schlüchtern, Schwalm-Eder, Waldeck, Werra/Meißner, Wetzlar or Wiesbaden district FA league systems

8

25 divisions of Kreisoberliga411 teams

9

38 divisions of Kreisliga A608 teams

10

49 divisions of Kreisliga B751 teams

11

32 divisions of Kreisliga C432 teams

12

10 divisions of Kreisliga D141 teams

Baden

Baden Football Association

The Baden Football Association league system is one of three state association league systems in the state of Baden-Württemberg, covering its northwestern part, and starts at level 6 of the German league system with the Verbandsliga Baden on top. The current (2014–15 season) champions are SV Sandhausen II. The champions are directly promoted to Oberliga Baden-Württemberg, whereas the runner-up enters a promotion playoff along with the Verbandsliga Südbaden runner-up and the Verbandsliga Württemberg runner-up for one additional promotion.

Below the state association league system 9 district associations league systems work as feeders to the Landesliga. In the 2014–15 season, the full system comprises 56 divisions having 833 teams.[27] Additionally, 12 teams play above the state association league system: TSG 1899 Hoffenheim (Bundesliga), SV Sandhausen and Karlsruher SC (2. Bundesliga), SV Spielberg, 1899 Hoffenheim II, SV Waldhof Mannheim and SpVgg Neckarelz (all Regionalliga Südwest), FC Germania Friedrichstal, Karlsruher SC II, FC Nöttingen, 1. CfR Pforzheim and SV Sandhausen II (all Oberliga Baden-Württemberg).

Level

Division

1 promotion spot + 1 promotion playoff spot to Oberliga Baden-Württemberg

6

Verbandsliga Baden15 teams

7

3 divisions of Landesliga48 teams

↓ relegation to Bruchsal, Buchen, Heidelberg, Karlsruhe, Mannheim, Mosbach, Pforzheim, Sinsheim or Tauberbischofsheim district FA league systems

8

9 divisions of Kreisliga142 teams

9

12 divisions of Kreisklasse A188 teams

10

17 divisions of Kreisklasse B252 teams

11

14 divisions of Kreisklasse C188 teams

South Baden

South Baden Football Association

The South Baden Football Association league system is one of three state association league systems in the state of Baden-Württemberg, covering its southwestern part, and starts at level 6 of the German league system with the Verbandsliga Südbaden on top. The current (2014–15 season) champions are SV Oberachern. The champions are directly promoted to Oberliga Baden-Württemberg, whereas the runner-up enters a promotion playoff along with the Verbandsliga Baden runner-up and the Verbandsliga Württemberg runner-up for one additional promotion.

Below the state association league system 6 county associations work as feeders to the Landesliga.[28] In the 2014–15 season, the full system comprises 86 divisions having 1,145 teams.[29] Additionally, 8 teams play above the state association league system: SC Freiburg (2. Bundesliga), SC Freiburg II (Regionalliga Südwest), Bahlinger SC, TSG Balingen, Kehler FV, FC 08 Villingen, SV Oberachern and Freiburger FC (all Oberliga Baden-Württemberg).

Level

Division

1 promotion spot + 1 promotion playoff spot to Oberliga Baden-Württemberg

6

Verbandsliga Südbaden16 teams

7

3 divisions of Landesliga49 teams

↓ relegation to Baden-Baden, Bodensee, Freiburg, Hochrhein, Offenburg or Schwarzwald county FA league systems

8

6 divisions of Bezirksliga100 teams

9

14 divisions of Kreisliga A215 teams

10

36 divisions of Kreisliga B485 teams

11

26 divisions of Kreisliga C280 teams

Württemberg

Württembergian Football Association

The Württembergian Football Association league system is one of three state association league systems in the state of Baden-Württemberg, covering its southwestern part, and starts at level 6 of the German league system with the Verbandsliga Württemberg on top. The current (2014–15 season) champions are FSV 08 Bissingen. The champions are directly promoted to Oberliga Baden-Württemberg, whereas the runner-up enters a promotion playoff along with the Verbandsliga Baden runner-up and the Verbandsliga Südbaden runner-up for one additional promotion.[30]

Below the state association league system 16 county associations work as feeders to the Landesliga. In the 2014–15 season, the full system comprises 149 divisions having 2,106 teams.[31] Additionally, 12 teams play above the state association league system: VfB Stuttgart (Bundesliga), 1. FC Heidenheim (2. Bundesliga), VfR Aalen, SG Sonnenhof Großaspach, VfB Stuttgart II and Stuttgarter Kickers (all 3. Liga), FSV 08 Bissingen, SGV Freiberg, FSV Hollenbach, Stuttgarter Kickers II, SSV Reutlingen 05 and SSV Ulm 1846 Fußball (all Oberliga Baden-Württemberg).

Level

Division

1 promotion spot + 1 promotion playoff spot to Oberliga Baden-Württemberg

6

Verbandsliga Württemberg16 teams

7

4 divisions of Landesliga65 teams

↓ relegation to Alb, Böblingen/Calw, Bodensee, Donau, Donau/Iller, Enz/Murr, Hohenlohe, Kocher/Rems, Neckar/Fils, Nördlicher Schwarzwald, Rems/Murr, Riß, Schwarzwald, Stuttgart, Unterland or Zollern county FA league systems

8

16 divisions of Bezirksliga252 teams

9

41 divisions of Kreisliga A615 teams

10

73 divisions of Kreisliga B1,000 teams

11

14 divisions of Kreisliga C158 teams

Bavaria

Bavarian Football Association

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The Bavarian Football Association league system is the state association league system in the state of Bavaria and starts at level 4 of the German league system with the Regionalliga Bayern on top. The champions enter a promotion playoff along with the Regionalliga Nord champions, the Regionalliga Nordost champions, the Regionalliga Südwest champions and runner-up and the Regionalliga West champions for three promotions to the 3. Liga. The current (2014–15 season) champions are Würzburger Kickers.

Below the state association league system 7 county associations and following them 24 district associations work as feeders to the Landesliga. In the 2014–15 season, the full system comprises 449 divisions having 6,255 teams.[32] Additionally, 7 teams play above the state association league system: FC Bayern München, FC Augsburg and FC Ingolstadt (all Bundesliga), SpVgg Greuther Fürth, TSV 1860 München and 1. FC Nürnberg (all 2. Bundesliga), Würzburger Kickers (3. Liga).

Level

Division

1 promotion playoff spot to 3. Liga

4

Regionalliga Bayern18 teams

5

2 divisions of Bayernliga37 teams

6

5 divisions of Landesliga88 teams

↓ relegation to Mittelfranken, Niederbayern, Oberbayern, Oberfranken, Oberpfalz, Schwaben and Unterfranken county FA league systems

7

15 divisions of Bezirksliga246 teams

↓ relegation to Allgäu, Amberg/Weiden, Aschaffenburg, Augsburg, Bamberg/Bayreuth, Bayerwald, Cham/Schwandorf, Coburg/Kronach, Donau, Donau/Isar, Erlangen/Pegnitzgrund, Hof/Marktredwitz, Inn/Salzach, Landshut, München, Neumarkt/Jura, Nürnberg/Frankenhöhe, Passau, Regensburg, Rhön, Schweinfurt, Straubing, Würzburg and Zugspitze district FA league systems

8

43 divisions of Kreisliga653 teams

9

91 divisions of Kreisklasse1,323 teams

10

134 divisions of A-Klasse1,854 teams

11

132 divisions of B-Klasse1,679 teams

12

27 divisions of C-Klasse357 teams

References

  1. Oberliga Nordost 2014-15 promotion and relegation (German)
  2. Oberliga Rheinland-Pfalz/Saar 2014-15 promotion and relegation (German)
  3. Oberliga Baden-Württemberg 2014-15 promotion and relegation (German)
  4. Map of German regional and state football associations
  5. Regionalliga Bayern (German)
  6. Schleswig-Holstein official results and tables[dead link]
  7. Hamburg FA regulations (German)
  8. Hamburg FA level 5 to 9 official results and tables[dead link]
  9. Lower Saxony official results and tables[dead link]
  10. Bremen FA regulations (German)
  11. Bremen FA level 5 to 13 official results and tables[dead link]
  12. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern official results and tables[dead link]
  13. Brandenburg FA level 6 to 11 official results and tables[dead link]
  14. Berlin FA level 6 to 11 official results and tables[dead link]
  15. Saxony-Anhalt official results and tables[dead link]
  16. Thuringia FA official level 6 to 12 results and tables (German)[dead link]
  17. Sachsen official results and tables[dead link]
  18. Lower Rhine official results and tables[dead link]
  19. Middle Rhine official results and tables[dead link]
  20. Rhineland official results and tables[dead link]
  21. Southwest FA 2014-15 regulations (German)
  22. Southwest FA official level 6 to 12 results and tables (German)[dead link]
  23. Saarland FA 2014-15 regulations (German)
  24. Saarland official results and tables[dead link]
  25. Hesse FA regulations
  26. Hesse FA level 5 to 12 official results and tables[dead link]
  27. Baden: Full official results and tables[dead link]
  28. South Baden FA 2014-15 regulations (German)
  29. South Baden results and tables[dead link]
  30. Württemberg FA 2014-15 regulations (German)
  31. Württemberg level 6 to 11 results and tables[dead link]
  32. Bayern: full official results and tables[dead link]

External links