German Chess Championship

The German Chess Championship has been played since 1861, and determines the national champion.

In 1880, the nationwide Deutscher Schachbund was founded, so afterwards only one German championship was played.

Starting from 1933, the Nazi Party took control of all social activities and until 1943 all chess championships were organized by the Großdeutscher Schachbund.

After the end of World War II, separate championships were played in the occupied zones.

The German Women's Championship is held every odd-numbered year as a 9-round Swiss tournament (DFEM).