BFC Germania 1888 was founded as BFC Germania by 17-year-old Paul Jestram, his three brothers (Max, Fritz, and Walter Jestram), and a number of their schoolmates from Askanischen Gymnasium at a time when football was not yet common in Germany, the first football games having been played in Berlin and Hamburg in the winter of 1881–82 by expatriate Englishmen.

Germania tried to join the DFuCB but was initially refused entry because of its difficult, overly nationalist attitude and inability to cooperate with other clubs while part of the BDF.

Over the next half dozen seasons league play was dominated by BTuFC Viktoria 89 with Germania frustratingly able only to earn four second-place finishes.

After World War II occupying Allied authorities banned all organizations in the country including sports and football clubs.

A number of sides – for example SSV Ulm 1846, VfL Bochum, and TSV 1860 München – have earlier founding dates, but were formed as gymnastics or athletics clubs and did not take up football until Germania's formation.

BFC Germania 1888 has a rich sporting heritage and played an important role in the early development of football in Germany.