The men's single sculls competition at the 1936 Summer Olympics took place at Grünau Regatta Course, near Berlin, Germany.

The pre-race favorite was Ernst Rufli of Switzerland, the two-time reigning Diamond Challenge Sculls champion.

Humphrey Warren of Great Britain, Gustav Schäfer of Germany, and Jiří Zavřel of Czechoslovakia were also significant contenders.

[2] Argentina, Brazil, Estonia, Norway, and Yugoslavia each made their debut in the event.

Great Britain made its eighth appearance, most among nations, having missed only the 1904 Games in St. Louis.