The championship was decided on the last match day in a direct duel between the two upstarts, which Fortuna Düsseldorf won.
Holstein Kiel was able to reach the autumn championship as a starter and placed third one match day before the end, but lost in the relegation games to VfL Wolfsburg.
FC Erzgebirge Aue had to go into the relegation playoff against Karlsruher SC and were able to secure their stay in the 2.
VfL Wolfsburg won 4–1 on aggregate and therefore both clubs remain in their respective leagues.
Erzgebirge Aue won 3–1 on aggregate and therefore both clubs remain in their respective leagues.