In May 2007, Hanke moved to Hannover 96, and netted eleven league goals, while the side achieved a midtable final position.

I had spoken to Christian Streich beforehand and got to know the place, and I think I'll fit in well here, the opportunity to play in Europe again certainly attracted me, but I also see it as my duty to help the younger players achieve their potential.

In his second game, on 18 June against Tunisia in the group stage of the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup, he came on for Lukas Podolski in the 87th minute.

He appeared as a substitute in Germany's 3–1 win over Portugal in the third-place play-off, replacing Lukas Podolski after 71 minutes.

[10] Hanke appeared in three of Germany's qualifiers for Euro 2008, earning the last of 12 caps on 17 November 2007 in a 4–0 home win over Cyprus.