It contained parts of the abolished constituencies of Husum – Südtondern – Eiderstedt and Norder- und Süderdithmarschen.

After reform of the administrative divisions in Schleswig-Holstein, the constituency acquired its current name and configuration, containing Nordfriesland and the northern part of Dithmarschen.

The constituency has been held by the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) during all but two Bundestag terms since its creation in 1965.

It was won by the Social Democratic Party (SPD) in 1980, and represented by Wolfgang Rayer for a single term, before returning to the CDU in 1983.

The constituency was won by the SPD's Manfred Opel in 1998, but again returned to the CDU in 2002, and was represented by Carstensen for another term.

Yellow background denotes an electorate win by a list member, or other incumbent.

Yellow background denotes an electorate win by a list member, or other incumbent.

Yellow background denotes an electorate win by a list member, or other incumbent.