What the competition is
The DFB’s competition information identifies the first-round field and the draw process. A cup tie can bring teams from different divisions together, so a fixture’s league position is background rather than an entry in one shared table. The final has been staged in Berlin annually since 1985. The cup’s own round calendar, rather than the Bundesliga matchday list, is the correct reference for its progression.
Following the competition
Save both the round and the home team when following the draw. If a lower-division club appears next to a familiar Bundesliga name, that does not mean the listing is incorrect. It is part of the cup’s mixed field. A league draw and a knockout tie require different interpretations, so use the DFB’s current match rules to understand how an unresolved score is settled.
| Detail | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Opening field | 64 teams enter the first main round. |
| Structure | A national knockout cup. |
| Mixed divisions | Clubs need not share a domestic league. |
| Final venue | Berlin hosts the final. |
Questions about this guide
Is DFB-Pokal another name for Bundesliga?
No. It is the German cup.
Can a lower-division team face a Bundesliga side?
Yes. Clubs from different domestic levels can meet in the cup.