Liga in 2008, reserve teams can not take part in the German Cup anymore, but are permitted to play in the regional competitions.

Clubs from fully professional leagues are not permitted to enter the competition, meaning, no teams from the Bundesliga and the 2.

Liga (III), Regionalliga West (IV), Oberliga Südwest (V), Verbandsliga Rheinland (VI) and the three Bezirksligas (VII) gain direct entry to the first round.

Additionally, the best teams out of the regional Kreis (District) cup competitions also qualify for the first round.

[2] The lower classed team always receives home advantage, except in the final, which is played on neutral ground.