Germany’s national broadcaster SWR has unveiled the new format for “Das Deutsche Finale 2026”, with the winner set to represent Germany at Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, Austria.
Germany’s national broadcaster SWR has just revealed the new format for “Eurovision Song Contest – Das Deutsche Finale 2026”, which will take place on February 28th, at 20:15 CET. However, SWR clarified that additional details about the full format are expected to be announced in the coming days. The national final will be hosted by German actress and singer Barbara Schöneberger and beloved Eurovision 2025 host Hazel Brugger.
The new selection format
Following last year’s national final, “Chefsache ESC 2025”, Stefan Raab and a small committee were responsible for selecting the participants for both the semi-final and the final, with the German public only gaining the power to choose the representative at the final stage from five finalists selected by the same committee. This year, the national broadcaster SWR is shifting its approach. Nine artists will compete under a two-stage format. In the first phase, an international jury consisting of 20 music experts from 20 participating Eurovision countries will vote and select the top three candidates. In the second and final phase, the decision will be entirely handed over to the German public, who will choose the artist set to represent Germany at Eurovision 2026, to be held in Vienna, Austria.
Here is the full participants List:
- Sarah Engels – “Fire“
- Malou Lovis – “When I’m With You”
- Dreamboys The Band – “Jeanie“
- Wavvyboi – “Black Glitter“
- Ragazzki – “Ciao Raggazki“
- BELA – “Herz“
- Laura Nahr – “Wonderland”
- Molly Sue – “Optimist (Ha Ha Ha)”
- MYLE – “A Ok”
Germany Isn’t Playing Around
This year, Germany’s selection process included multiple stages, among them songwriting camps organized by SWR. During these camps, artists aspiring to represent Germany have been collaborating with well-known and experienced producers and performers, all with one clear goal – to secure Germany’s best Eurovision result in years, or possibly even a victory. Several songs submitted to compete in the national final were reviewed by industry professionals, international judges, and selected members of the public who were invited to preview the entries before official release. After an intensive selection process, only the strongest songs were chosen to advance to the final stage and compete for the right to represent Germany in the major contest.
Tina Sikorski, head of Germany’s Eurovision 2026 delegation, emphasized the cultural significance of the competition, describing music as
“a universal language that continues to resonate powerfully throughout Europe.” Sikorski shared that the German national final will feature “outstanding performances” and promised that the show will reveal the song capable of making Germany “shine in the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest”.
Further details regarding the show format, participating artists, and other production aspects will be revealed in January. Until then, Eurovision fans can only wait and anticipate what Germany has in store for the milestone 70th edition of the competition.
Germany at Eurovision 2025
“Baller” (in English: “Shooter”) is the title of the song performed by duo Abor & Tynna, who represented Germany at the Eurovision 2025. The pair finished 15th in the Grand Final with a total of 151 points. The public televote ranked them 11th, while the professional juries placed them 13th.
This marks the second consecutive year in which Germany has achieved a relatively successful Eurovision result, avoiding the bottom of the scoreboard. Last year, singer Isaak secured 12th place in the Grand Final with his song “Always on the Run”.
Eurovision 2026: This will be Germany’s 69th participation in Eurovision. Germany joined the competition in 1956, was one of the seven founding countries, and has won twice over the years. Germany’s last victory was in Eurovision 2010 with the song “Satellite” performed by singer Lena Meyer-Landrut.
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A writer and content creator with a strong specialization in the Eurovision scene, particularly across Eastern Europe and post-Soviet countries. His work highlights the artistry, storytelling, and cultural variety that define the contest, offering readers a deeper look into both established performers and emerging voices.
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