As in previous years the league is sponsored by Toyota and carries the official name Toyota-Handball-Bundesliga.
GWD Minden and HSG Düsseldorf were directly relegated after finishing in the bottom two places.
This play-off was won by DHC Rheinland who had finished the previous season in 16th place.
Notes: * Der DHC Rheinland steht nach einem Insolvenzverfahren als Zwangsabsteiger fest.
The winner on aggregate score after both matches will earn the final spot in the 2011–12 Handball-Bundesliga.