It contained parts of the abolished constituencies of Steinburg and Norder- und Süderdithmarschen.

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

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

Its first representative was the CDU's Kai-Uwe von Hassel, who served from 1965 until 1980, when the constituency was won by the Social Democratic Party (SPD).

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.

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