Beginning in 1979, it has been held annually, for the categories Musical and Chanson in uneven years, for Opera, Operetta and concert singing in even years.
The patron of the competition is the mayor of Berlin, where the competition is organized and held by the association Bundeswettbewerb Gesang Berlin.
The competition supports young singers for stages in German-speaking countries who have to display varied repertory.
They have to be of German nationality and finished school in Germany.
The final rounds are held in public in Berlin, where also concerts of the winners are presented in the city's music theatres.