[1] VfL Bochum did not apply for this season's license due to financial problems, thus automatically relegating them back to the Regionalliga.
[2] SV Henstedt-Ulzburg was promoted from the Regionalliga Nord and played in the north group.
[3] Borussia Mönchengladbach was promoted from the Regionalliga West.
[4] TSV Schott Mainz was promoted from the Regionalliga Südwest.
[6] Blau-Weiß Hohen Neuendorf was promoted from the Regionalliga Nordost.