German Chess Championship


The German Chess Championship has been played since 1861, and determines the national champion.
Prior to 1880 three different federations organized chess activities in Germany: the Westdeutscher Schachbund, the Norddeutscher Schachbund and the Mitteldeutscher Schachbund. Each one organized its own championship. In 1880, the nationwide Deutscher Schachbund was founded, so afterwards only one German championship was played.
Starting from 1933, the Nazi Party took control of all social activities and until 1943 all chess championships were organized by the Großdeutscher Schachbund. After the end of World War II, separate championships were played in the occupied zones. Afterwards, from 1950 to 1989, two national championships were held in the Federal Republic of Germany and the German Democratic Republic.
After the reunification of Germany in 1989, a single tournament has been played.

Championships 1861-1932

WDSB-Congresses 1861-1880

MDSB-Congresses 1871-1877

NDSB-Congresses 1868-1872

German Congresses 1879-1932

German Championships 1933-1949

Championships in Nazi Germany (1933-1943)

Western and Soviet zones championships

1. Western zone championships (1947–1953)

2. Soviet zone championships

West and East Germany championships

West Germany championships 1953-1989

East Germany championships 1950-1990

German championships since 1991

Women

Congress of the German Chess Federation 1927

Championships of the Greater German Chess Federation 1939–1943

All-German championships 1947–1953

Championships of the Federal Republic of Germany 1953–1989

YearCityWinner
1955KrefeldFriedl Rinder
1956WolfratshausenFriedl Rinder
1957LindauHelga Axt
1958GießenHelga Axt
1959DahnFriedl Rinder
1960BüdingenMaria Scheffold
1961WennigsenHelga Axt
1962EckernfördeAnneliese Brandler
1963KrefeldHannelore Lucht
1964BremenIrmgard Kärner
1965Wangen im AllgäuOttilie Stibaner
1968FürstenfeldbruckUrsula Wasnetsky
1970LauterbachAnni Laakmann
1972BurgAnni Laakmann
1974KasselAnni Laakmann
1976BrilonAnni Laakmann
1978DeleckeBarbara Hund
1980Schwäbisch GmündIsabel Hund
1982PorzBarbara Hund
1984Bad AiblingBarbara Hund
1987Bad LauterbergUte Späte
1989Bad AiblingIsabel Hund

Open German Women's Championships since 1971

International Open German Women's Championships since 1977

Championships of the Soviet occupation zone 1948/49

Championships of the GDR 1950–1990

Since 1991 German championships

The German Women's Championship is held every other odd-numbered year as a 9-round Swiss tournament. In even-numbered years an international open tournament is held.