The various German ice sports associations constitute the membership of the DEU; individuals cannot become members.

It has training programs not only for athletes, but also for coaches, competition judges, and others in the ice skating industry.

Among the events that the DEU holds is the annual Nebelhorn Trophy, an international competition in singles, pairs, and ice dancing.

It also holds the ISU Junior Grand Prix competition Blue Swords in Chemnitz in some years.

Upon the dissolution of the Deutscher Eissport-Verband, the DEU became a member of the German Olympic Sport Federation (DOSB) as an independent organization.