German Chess Championship

The German Chess Championship has been played since 1861, and determines the national champion.

Prior to 1880 three different federations organized chess activities in Germany: the Westdeutscher Schachbund (WDSB), the Norddeutscher Schachbund (NDSB) and the Mitteldeutscher Schachbund (MDSB). Each one organized its own championship. In 1880, the nationwide Deutscher Schachbund was founded, so afterwards only one German championship was played.

Starting from 1933 the Third Reich took control of all social activities and until 1943 all chess championships were organized by the Groβdeutscher Schachbund. After the end of World War II, separate championships were played in the occupied zones. Afterwards, from 1950 to 1989, two national championships were held in the Federal Republic of Germany and the German Democratic Republic.

After the reunification of Germany in 1989, a single tournament has been played.

The German Women's Championship is held every other odd-numbered year as a 9-round Swiss tournament (DFEM). In even-numbered years an international open tournament is held (IODFEM).

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