What is the primary function of a Regionalliga in German-speaking countries?

A Regionalliga, which translates to 'regional league,' serves as a regional league within various sports governing bodies in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. These leagues are typically positioned in the upper or middle tiers of their respective sports league systems.

Which organization oversees the German football Regionalliga?

The German football Regionalliga is organized by the DFB, which stands for the German Football Association, the governing body for football in Germany.

When was the Regionalliga initially founded in Germany?

The Regionalliga was initially founded in Germany in 1963, making it 62 years old as of the current reference.

What is the total number of clubs participating in the German football Regionalliga?

There are 90 clubs participating in the German football Regionalliga across its various divisions.

How has the tier level of the German Regionalliga changed throughout its history?

The German Regionalliga has experienced several changes in its tier level within the German football league system. It was the second tier from 1963 to 1974, then reintroduced as the third tier from 1994 to 2008, and has been the fourth tier from 2008 to the present day.

To which higher league can teams be promoted from the German Regionalliga?

Teams from the German Regionalliga can be promoted to the 3. Liga, which is the league directly above it in the German football pyramid.

To which lower league are teams relegated from the German Regionalliga?

Teams from the German Regionalliga are relegated to the Oberliga, which is the league directly below it in the German football pyramid.

What is the professional status of clubs in the German Regionalliga compared to the top three divisions?

While all clubs in the top three divisions of German football are professional, the Regionalliga features a mix of both professional and semi-professional clubs.

How many Regionalligen existed in Germany between 1963 and 1974, and what tier did they represent?

From 1963 to 1974, there were five Regionalligen in Germany, which served as the second tier of German Football. These divisions included Regionalliga Nord, Regionalliga West, Regionalliga Berlin, Regionalliga Südwest, and Regionalliga Süd.

Which German states were covered by the Regionalliga Nord during the 1963-1974 period?

During the 1963-1974 period, the Regionalliga Nord covered the German states of Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, Bremen, and Hamburg.

What was the promotion mechanism from the Regionalligen to the Bundesliga between 1963 and 1974?

Between 1963 and 1974, the champions and runners-up from the five Regionalliga divisions competed in two post-season groups to determine which two teams would earn promotion to the Bundesliga, Germany's top football league.

What event led to the discontinuation of the Regionalligen in 1974?

The Regionalligen ceased to exist in 1974 due to the formation of the two 2. Bundesligen, Süd and Nord, which became the new second tier of German Football.

When were the Regionalligen reintroduced, and what was their tier level at that time?

The Regionalligen were reintroduced in 1994, this time as the third tier of German Football.

Which four Regionalligen were established upon their reintroduction in 1994?

Upon their reintroduction in 1994, four Regionalligen were established: Regionalliga Süd, Regionalliga West/Südwest, Regionalliga Nord, and Regionalliga Nordost.

Describe the initial promotion rules from the Regionalligen to the 2. Bundesliga between 1994 and 2000.

Between 1994 and 2000, the promotion rules were inconsistent. The champions of the South and West/Southwest divisions were automatically promoted, along with one of the two runners-up. The champions of the North and Northeast divisions had a play-off to decide the fourth promotion spot, a rule justified by the higher number of clubs in southern Germany.

How did the promotion rule change in 1998 for the Regionalligen?

In 1998, the promotion rule was altered: the winner of the play-off between the North and Northeast division champions was promoted directly, while the loser then competed against the runners-up from the West/Southwest and South divisions in another play-off for the final promotion spot.

How many Regionalligen were there between 2000 and 2008, and what were their names?

Between 2000 and 2008, the number of Regionalligen was reduced to two: Regionalliga Nord and Regionalliga Süd.

What was a notable characteristic of the divisional alignment between 2000 and 2008?

During the 2000-2008 period, the divisional alignment was no longer strictly bound to specific states, which sometimes resulted in teams being placed in a division that was not geographically aligned with their location, for example, a southern club might be in the northern division.

What was the promotion system from the two Regionalligen to the 2. Bundesliga between 2000 and 2008?

From 2000 to 2008, the champions and the runners-up of both the Regionalliga Nord and Regionalliga Süd divisions were promoted to the 2. Bundesliga.

What caused the Regionalligen to be demoted to the fourth tier in 2008?

In 2008, the Regionalligen were demoted to become the fourth tier of football in Germany following the introduction of a new nationwide 3. Liga.

How many divisions did the Regionalliga expand to between 2008 and 2012?

Between 2008 and 2012, the Regionalliga expanded to three divisions: Regionalliga Nord, Regionalliga Süd, and Regionalliga West.

What was the DFB committee's role in divisional alignment during the 2008-2012 period?

During the 2008-2012 period, a DFB committee annually re-aligned the single divisions based on geographic location to ensure 18 teams were assigned to each division, which sometimes led to teams being placed outside their immediate geographical area.

When was the reform expanding the Regionalligen to five leagues decided upon, and when did it begin?

A reform expanding the Regionalligen to five leagues was decided upon in October 2010 and began play in the 2012–13 season.

Which new Regionalligen were created as part of the 2012 reform?

As part of the 2012 reform, the Regionalliga Nordost was re-established, and two new leagues, Regionalliga Südwest and Regionalliga Bayern, were created.

What was the purpose of creating the Regionalliga Südwest in the 2012 reform?

The Regionalliga Südwest was created in the 2012 reform to accommodate clubs from the southern portion of the former Regionalliga West and all clubs from the former Regionalliga Süd that were located outside of Bavaria.

What restriction was placed on reserve teams in the Regionalliga starting in 2012?

Starting in 2012, the number of reserve teams permitted per Regionalliga was limited to seven, although this rule could be subject to change under certain circumstances. Additionally, reserve sides of 3. Liga teams are not allowed in the Regionalliga.

Who administers the Regionalligen since the 2012 reform?

Since the 2012 reform, the Regionalligen are not administered by the DFB directly but rather by the regional football associations.

What were the primary reasons for the reorganization of the Regionalligen so soon after the 2008 changes?

The reorganization of the Regionalligen after 2008 became necessary due to a significant number of insolvencies among clubs. These financial difficulties were attributed to a lack of media interest in the leagues, coupled with high operating expenses and demanding infrastructure requirements.

How do the five league champions and the runners-up of the Regionalliga Südwest compete for promotion spots under the 2012-present system?

Under the 2012-present system, the five league champions and the runners-up of the Regionalliga Südwest engage in a play-off series, played as home-and-away games, to determine which three teams will earn promotion spots.

What changes did the Bavarian Football Association implement below the Regionalliga from the 2012–13 season?

From the 2012–13 season, the Bavarian Football Association made changes to the league system below the Regionalliga in its area by splitting the Bayernliga into a northern and a southern division and increasing the number of Landesligen from three to five.

When did the Western German Football Association confirm the Regionalliga West's status as a professional league?

The Western German Football Association (WDFV) confirmed the Regionalliga West's status as a professional league for the first time in March 2023, specifically with regard to the 2023–24 season's licensing procedure.

What was a temporary solution for promotion rules implemented for the 2018–19 and 2019–20 seasons?

For the 2018–19 and 2019–20 seasons, a temporary solution was put in place where four teams were promoted, with three guaranteed promotion places from the champions of the five regional leagues. The champion of the southwest league was automatically promoted, and two teams were promoted from the other four regional leagues.

How was the third guaranteed promotion place decided in the 2018–19 Regionalliga season?

In the 2018–19 Regionalliga season, the champion of the northeast league was directly promoted, and the winner of the third guaranteed promotion place was determined by a drawing of lots among the remaining champions.

What was the outcome for the two regional leagues whose teams participated in the playoff for the fourth promotion spot in 2018–19?

The two regional leagues whose teams took part in the playoff for the fourth promotion spot in the 2018–19 season automatically had guaranteed promotion places for the subsequent 2019–20 season.

What was the proposed change to the number of regional leagues at the 97th DFB-Bundestag in 2019?

At the 97th DFB-Bundestag in 2019, a working group led by DFB vice-president Peter Frymuth unsuccessfully proposed a system that would involve four rather than the existing five regional leagues.

Describe the reformed promotion scheme from the Regionalliga to the 3. Liga starting from the 2020–21 season.

From the 2020–21 season, the reformed promotion scheme to the 3. Liga continues to provide four promotion spots. The Regionalliga West and Regionalliga Südwest each secure a fixed direct promotion. An additional direct promotion place is assigned on a rotation basis among the champions of the Regionalligen Nord, Nordost, and Bayern. The remaining two Regionalligen determine the fourth promoted club through two-legged playoffs.

What does the image caption 'The Regionalligen from 1963 to 1974' illustrate?

The source material references an image illustrating the geographical divisions and structure of the Regionalligen during the period from 1963 to 1974.

What does the image caption 'The Regionalligen from 2012 onwards' depict?

The source material includes an image that depicts the geographical divisions and structure of the Regionalligen from 2012 onwards, reflecting the most recent reforms.

What is the tier level of the Regionalliga in Austrian soccer?

In Austrian soccer, the Regionalliga represents the third highest tier in the national league system.

How is promotion to the Erste Liga determined from the Austrian Regionalliga?

Promotion to the Erste Liga, which is the second tier in Austrian soccer, is determined by a short playoff circle among the three winners of each regional division (Ost, Mitte, and West) at the end of the season, played as home and away games.

What two main conditions must a club meet to play in the German Regionalliga?

A club aspiring to play in the German Regionalliga must meet two primary conditions: first, the team must qualify for the league through sporting merit, and second, the club must successfully obtain a license from the German Football Association (DFB).

What criteria does the DFB consider when granting a license for a club to play in the Regionalliga?

The DFB grants a license for a club to play in the Regionalliga if the club can demonstrate financial soundness, ensure their stadium complies with all security regulations, and prove they have a functional youth section.

Are reserve teams eligible for promotion from the Regionalliga, and are there any exceptions?

Yes, reserve teams are generally eligible for promotion from the Regionalliga, with the exception that they cannot be promoted if their respective first team is already playing in the 3. Liga.

What factors determine the exact number of teams relegated from each Regionalliga division?

While at least the bottom two teams of each Regionalliga division are demoted to their respective Oberliga, the actual number of relegated teams depends on the number of teams relegated from the 3. Liga and the number of teams promoted from the Oberliga.

Besides on-field performance, what other circumstances can lead to a team's relegation from the Regionalliga?

Beyond on-field performance, a team can also be relegated from the Regionalliga if its DFB license is revoked or if the club enters administration due to financial difficulties. Additionally, reserve teams are relegated if their first team is relegated to the 3. Liga.

Which club was the champion of Regionalliga Nord in the 2023–24 season?

In the 2023–24 season, Hannover 96 II was the champion of the Regionalliga Nord.

Which club secured the championship title for Regionalliga Südwest in the 2023–24 season?

The champion of the Regionalliga Südwest in the 2023–24 season was VfB Stuttgart II.

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Introduction

A Regional Football Tier

The term "Regionalliga" denotes a regional league within various sports governing bodies across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. In the context of German football, it represents a crucial tier within the national league system, currently positioned as the fourth level. These leagues are characterized by a blend of professional and semi-professional clubs, serving as a vital bridge between amateur and fully professional football.

German Football's Fourth Level

Since its reintroduction and subsequent reforms, the German Regionalliga has settled as the fourth tier of the German football league system. While the top three divisions (Bundesliga, 2. Bundesliga, and 3. Liga) are exclusively professional, the Regionalliga accommodates a diverse range of clubs, from aspiring professional teams to well-established semi-professional entities. The German Football Association (DFB) oversees the broader framework, though the individual Regionalligen are administered by regional football associations.

Scope and Scale

The German Regionalliga currently comprises five distinct divisions: Regionalliga Nord, Regionalliga Nordost, Regionalliga West, Regionalliga Südwest, and Regionalliga Bayern. Collectively, these divisions host approximately 90 clubs, each vying for promotion to the 3. Liga or striving to maintain their position within this competitive regional landscape. The system is designed to foster regional talent and provide a pathway for clubs to ascend the national football pyramid.

Historical Evolution

Early Incarnation (1963–1974)

The Regionalliga first emerged in 1963, coinciding with the establishment of the Bundesliga. During this period, it functioned as the second tier of German football, comprising five regional divisions: Nord, West, Berlin, Südwest, and Süd. The champions and runners-up of these divisions competed in a playoff system to determine which two teams would be promoted to the Bundesliga. This structure was dissolved in 1974 with the formation of the 2. Bundesliga, which became the new second tier.

Regionalliga Nord: Covered Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, Bremen, Hamburg.
Regionalliga West: Covered North Rhine-Westphalia.
Regionalliga Berlin: Covered West Berlin.
Regionalliga Südwest: Covered Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland.
Regionalliga Süd: Covered Bavaria, Hesse, Baden-Württemberg.

Reintroduction as Third Tier (1994–2008)

After a 20-year hiatus, the Regionalliga was reintroduced in 1994, this time as the third tier of German football. Initially, there were four divisions: Süd, West/Südwest, Nord, and Nordost. The promotion rules during this era were notably complex and lacked consistent continuity, often involving playoffs between division champions and runners-up to determine promotion to the 2. Bundesliga. This system was further streamlined in 2000, reducing the number of Regionalligen to two (Nord and Süd) with more direct promotion pathways.

1994–2000 Divisions:

Regionalliga Süd: Bavaria, Hesse, Baden-Württemberg.
Regionalliga West/Südwest: Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland, North Rhine-Westphalia.
Regionalliga Nord: Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, Bremen, Hamburg.
Regionalliga Nordost: Brandenburg, Berlin, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Saxony-Anhalt, Thuringia, Saxony.

Promotion rules were complex, often involving playoffs. For instance, North and Northeast champions would play off, with the winner promoted, and the loser facing runners-up from West/Southwest and South for another spot.

2000–2008 Divisions:

Regionalliga Nord: Covering northern Germany.
Regionalliga Süd: Covering southern Germany.

Champions and runners-up from both divisions were promoted to the 2. Bundesliga.

Current Structure (2008–Present)

In 2008, with the introduction of the nationwide 3. Liga, the Regionalliga was demoted to its current position as the fourth tier. This change initially saw an expansion to three divisions (Nord, West, Süd). A further reform in 2010, implemented for the 2012–13 season, expanded the league to five divisions: Nord, Nordost, West, Südwest, and Bayern. This reorganization was partly a response to financial challenges faced by clubs due to limited media interest and high operational costs, aiming for a more sustainable regional structure.

2008–2012 Divisions:

Regionalliga Nord: Brandenburg, Berlin, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Saxony-Anhalt, Thuringia, Saxony, Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, Bremen, Hamburg.
Regionalliga Süd: Bavaria, Hesse, Baden-Württemberg.
Regionalliga West: Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland, North Rhine-Westphalia.

Divisions were annually realigned geographically by a DFB committee.

2012–Present Divisions:

Regionalliga Nord: Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, Bremen, Hamburg.
Regionalliga Nordost: Brandenburg, Berlin, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Saxony-Anhalt, Thuringia, Saxony.
Regionalliga West: North Rhine-Westphalia.
Regionalliga Südwest: Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland, Hesse, Baden-Württemberg.
Regionalliga Bayern: Bavaria.

This five-division structure aimed to address financial issues and improve regional administration.

Current Structure

Geographical Divisions

The current German Regionalliga system, established in 2012, is segmented into five distinct geographical divisions. This structure is designed to ensure regional relevance and manage the logistical demands of semi-professional football. Each division encompasses specific German states, fostering local rivalries and reducing travel burdens for clubs.

Regionalliga Nord: Covers the states of Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, Bremen, and Hamburg.
Regionalliga Nordost: Encompasses Brandenburg, Berlin, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Saxony-Anhalt, Thuringia, and Saxony.
Regionalliga West: Exclusively covers the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Regionalliga Südwest: Includes Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland, Hesse, and Baden-Württemberg.
Regionalliga Bayern: Dedicated to the state of Bavaria.

Administrative Autonomy

Unlike the higher national leagues, the Regionalligen are not directly administered by the German Football Association (DFB). Instead, they are managed by their respective regional football associations. This decentralized administration allows for greater flexibility in addressing local needs and specific challenges within each region, from scheduling to club support. This also means that some regional associations, like the Bavarian Football Association, have made corresponding changes to the league systems directly below the Regionalliga in their areas.

Club Composition

Each Regionalliga division typically consists of 16 to 18 clubs, though inaugural seasons might see up to 22 clubs. A specific rule limits the number of reserve teams from higher-tier clubs to seven per Regionalliga, and reserve sides of 3. Liga teams are explicitly not permitted in the Regionalliga. This regulation aims to maintain competitive balance and provide opportunities for independent clubs to thrive.

League Regulations

Licensing Requirements

For a club to participate in the Regionalliga, it must satisfy two primary conditions. Firstly, the team must achieve sporting qualification for the league. Secondly, and equally critical, the club must secure a license from the DFB. This license is contingent upon demonstrating robust financial health, ensuring the stadium adheres to all security regulations, and maintaining a functional youth development section. These requirements underscore the DFB's commitment to stability and player development.

Promotion Dynamics

The promotion system from the Regionalliga to the 3. Liga is a complex and frequently debated aspect of the German football pyramid. Currently, four teams are promoted each season. The champions of Regionalliga West and Regionalliga Südwest are granted fixed direct promotion spots. A third direct promotion place is allocated on a rotating basis among the champions of Regionalliga Nord, Nordost, and Bayern. The remaining two Regionalliga champions then compete in a two-legged playoff to determine the fourth promoted club. Reserve teams are eligible for promotion, provided their respective first team is not already in the 3. Liga.

The promotion rules have undergone several changes to balance fairness and competitive integrity:

Pre-2018: Five league champions and the runners-up of Regionalliga Südwest played off for three promotion spots.
2018–2020 (Temporary): Four teams were promoted. Three guaranteed spots (Southwest champion, Northeast champion in 2018-19, and one determined by lot). The remaining two champions played a two-legged playoff for the fourth spot.
2020–Present: Regionalliga West and Südwest champions get direct promotion. A third direct spot rotates among Nord, Nordost, and Bayern champions. The remaining two champions play a two-legged playoff for the fourth spot.

Relegation Protocols

Relegation from the Regionalliga is determined by several factors. At a minimum, the bottom two teams from each division are demoted to their respective Oberliga. However, the precise number of relegated teams can fluctuate based on the number of teams relegated from the 3. Liga and those promoted from the Oberliga. Beyond on-field performance, clubs can also face relegation if their DFB license is revoked due to financial insolvency or other administrative breaches. Reserve teams are also subject to relegation if their first team drops to the 3. Liga.

Squad Composition

To foster national talent and regulate international player presence, specific squad rules are enforced in the Regionalliga. Matchday squads must include at least six players of German nationality who are under the age of 24. Additionally, a minimum of two players must be under the age of 21. The league also imposes a limit of a maximum of three non-EU players allowed in a matchday squad. These regulations aim to ensure a strong foundation of domestic youth development within the league.

Division Champions

Champions: 1963–1974 (Tier II)

During its initial period as the second tier of German football, the Regionalliga saw various clubs achieve championship status across its five divisions. These teams often went on to compete for promotion to the Bundesliga.

Season	Regionalliga Nord	Regionalliga West	Regionalliga Berlin	Regionalliga Südwest	Regionalliga Süd
1963–64	FC St. Pauli	Alemannia Aachen	SC Tasmania 1900 Berlin	Borussia Neunkirchen	KSV Hessen Kassel
1964–65	Holstein Kiel	Borussia Mönchengladbach	Tennis Borussia Berlin	1. FC Saarbrücken	Bayern Munich
1965–66	FC St. Pauli	Fortuna Düsseldorf	Hertha BSC	FK Pirmasens	1. FC Schweinfurt 05
1966–67	Arminia Hannover	Alemannia Aachen	Hertha BSC	Borussia Neunkirchen	Kickers Offenbach
1967–68	Arminia Hannover	Bayer Leverkusen	Hertha BSC	SV Alsenborn	SpVgg Bayern Hof
1968–69	VfL Osnabrück	Rot-Weiss Oberhausen	Hertha Zehlendorf	SV Alsenborn	Karlsruher SC
1969–70	VfL Osnabrück	VfL Bochum	Hertha Zehlendorf	SV Alsenborn	Kickers Offenbach
1970–71	VfL Osnabrück	VfL Bochum	SC Tasmania 1900 Berlin	Borussia Neunkirchen	1. FC Nürnberg
1971–72	FC St. Pauli	Wuppertaler SV	SC Wacker 04 Berlin	Borussia Neunkirchen	Kickers Offenbach
1972–73	FC St. Pauli	Rot-Weiss Essen	Blau-Weiß 1890 Berlin	FSV Mainz 05	SV Darmstadt 98
1973–74	Eintracht Braunschweig	SG Wattenscheid 09	Tennis Borussia Berlin	Borussia Neunkirchen	FC Augsburg

Champions: 1994–2008 (Tier III)

Upon its reintroduction as the third tier, the Regionalliga saw a new set of champions emerge. The structure shifted from four to two divisions during this period, impacting the competitive landscape.

Season	Regionalliga Nord	Regionalliga Nordost	Regionalliga West/Südwest	Regionalliga Süd
1994–95	VfB Lübeck	Carl Zeiss Jena	Arminia Bielefeld	SpVgg Unterhaching
1995–96	VfB Oldenburg	Tennis Borussia Berlin	FC Gütersloh	Stuttgarter Kickers
1996–97	Hannover 96	FC Energie Cottbus	SG Wattenscheid 09	1. FC Nürnberg
1997–98	Hannover 96	Tennis Borussia Berlin	Rot-Weiß Oberhausen	SSV Ulm 1846
1998–99	VfL Osnabrück	Chemnitzer FC	Alemannia Aachen	SV Waldhof Mannheim
1999–2000	VfL Osnabrück	1. FC Union Berlin	1. FC Saarbrücken	SSV Reutlingen 05

Season	Regionalliga Nord	Regionalliga Süd
2000–01	1. FC Union Berlin	Karlsruher SC
2001–02	VfB Lübeck	Wacker Burghausen
2002–03	Erzgebirge Aue	SpVgg Unterhaching
2003–04	Rot-Weiss Essen	Bayern Munich II
2004–05	Eintracht Braunschweig	Kickers Offenbach
2005–06	Rot-Weiss Essen	FC Augsburg
2006–07	FC St. Pauli	SV Wehen
2007–08	Rot Weiss Ahlen	FSV Frankfurt

Champions: 2008–Present (Tier IV)

Since becoming the fourth tier, the Regionalliga has seen further structural changes, including an expansion to five divisions. The champions from these periods reflect the evolving competitive landscape of German regional football.

Season	Regionalliga Nord	Regionalliga West	Regionalliga Süd
2008–09	Holstein Kiel	Borussia Dortmund II	1. FC Heidenheim
2009–10	SV Babelsberg 03	1. FC Saarbrücken	VfR Aalen
2010–11	Chemnitzer FC	Preußen Münster	SV Darmstadt 98
2011–12	Hallescher FC	Borussia Dortmund II	Stuttgarter Kickers

Season	Regionalliga Nord	Regionalliga Nordost	Regionalliga West	Regionalliga Südwest	Regionalliga Bayern
2012–13	Holstein Kiel	RB Leipzig	Sportfreunde Lotte	Hessen Kassel	1860 Munich II
2013–14	VfL Wolfsburg II	TSG Neustrelitz	SC Fortuna Köln	SG Sonnenhof Großaspach	Bayern Munich II
2014–15	Werder Bremen II	1. FC Magdeburg	Borussia Mönchengladbach II	Kickers Offenbach	Würzburger Kickers
2015–16	VfL Wolfsburg II	FSV Zwickau	Sportfreunde Lotte	SV Waldhof Mannheim	SSV Jahn Regensburg
2016–17	SV Meppen	Carl Zeiss Jena	FC Viktoria Köln	SV Elversberg	SpVgg Unterhaching
2017–18	SC Weiche Flensburg 08	Energie Cottbus	KFC Uerdingen 05	1. FC Saarbrücken	1860 Munich
2018–19	VfL Wolfsburg II	Chemnitzer FC	FC Viktoria Köln	SV Waldhof Mannheim	Bayern Munich II
2019–20	VfB Lübeck¹	Lokomotive Leipzig¹	SV Rödinghausen¹	1. FC Saarbrücken¹	(no champion)
2020–21	(no champion)	Viktoria Berlin¹	Borussia Dortmund II	SC Freiburg II	FC Schweinfurt²
2021–22	VfB Oldenburg	BFC Dynamo	Rot-Weiss Essen	SV Elversberg	SpVgg Bayreuth
2022–23	VfB Lübeck	Energie Cottbus	Preußen Münster	SSV Ulm 1846	SpVgg Unterhaching
2023–24	Hannover 96 II	Energie Cottbus	Alemannia Aachen	VfB Stuttgart II	Würzburger Kickers
2024–25	TSV Havelse	Lokomotive Leipzig	MSV Duisburg	TSG Hoffenheim II	FC Schweinfurt

¹ Awarded on points-per-game basis after season was not completed.

² Play-off winner.

Austrian Context

Regionalliga in Austria

While primarily associated with Germany, the term "Regionalliga" also designates a significant tier within the Austrian football league system. In Austria, the Regionalliga stands as the third-highest tier, positioned beneath the Austrian Bundesliga (top tier) and the Erste Liga (second tier). This structure highlights a similar regional approach to football organization, albeit at a different level of the national pyramid.

Regional Divisions

The Austrian Regionalliga is organized into three distinct regional divisions: Regionalliga Ost (East), Regionalliga Mitte (Middle), and Regionalliga West. This geographical segmentation ensures that clubs compete against local rivals, fostering community engagement and managing travel logistics effectively. Each division operates independently, with its own set of participating clubs and competitive dynamics.

Promotion to Erste Liga

At the conclusion of each season, the champions of the three Austrian Regionalliga divisions engage in a short playoff series. This playoff, typically conducted as home-and-away games, determines which single team will earn promotion to the Erste Liga, the second tier of Austrian football. This competitive playoff system adds an exciting dimension to the end of the season, providing a clear pathway for regional success to translate into national advancement.

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References

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional sports or financial advice. The information provided on this website regarding football league structures, rules, or club statuses is for general understanding and academic interest. It is not a substitute for official league documentation, expert analysis, or professional consultation in sports management or related fields. Always refer to the official German Football Association (DFB) and regional association guidelines for the most current and accurate information.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

The German Football Pyramid: Deconstructing the Regionalliga

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Introduction ℹ️

🌍 A Regional Football Tier

🇩🇪 German Football's Fourth Level

📊 Scope and Scale

Historical Evolution 📜

🕰️ Early Incarnation (1963–1974)

🔄 Reintroduction as Third Tier (1994–2008)

1994–2000 Divisions:

2000–2008 Divisions:

📈 Current Structure (2008–Present)

2008–2012 Divisions:

2012–Present Divisions:

Current Structure 🧩

🗺️ Geographical Divisions

🏛️ Administrative Autonomy

🥅 Club Composition

League Regulations ⚖️

✅ Licensing Requirements

⬆️ Promotion Dynamics

⬇️ Relegation Protocols

👥 Squad Composition

Division Champions 🏆

🥇 Champions: 1963–1974 (Tier II)

🏅 Champions: 1994–2008 (Tier III)

🌟 Champions: 2008–Present (Tier IV)

Austrian Context 🇦🇹

🏔️ Regionalliga in Austria

🗺️ Regional Divisions

🚀 Promotion to Erste Liga

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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Introduction

A Regional Football Tier

German Football's Fourth Level

Scope and Scale

Historical Evolution

Early Incarnation (1963–1974)

Reintroduction as Third Tier (1994–2008)

Current Structure (2008–Present)

Current Structure

Geographical Divisions

Administrative Autonomy

Club Composition

League Regulations

Licensing Requirements

Promotion Dynamics

Relegation Protocols

Squad Composition

Division Champions

Champions: 1963–1974 (Tier II)

Champions: 1994–2008 (Tier III)

Champions: 2008–Present (Tier IV)

Austrian Context

Regionalliga in Austria

Regional Divisions

Promotion to Erste Liga

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

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Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice