Germany's New Era of Eurovision Selection

The Eurovision Song Contest – Das Deutsche Finale 2026 marks a significant moment in German Eurovision history. Taking place on Saturday, 28 February 2026, at Studio Berlin Adlershof, this national selection is the first year under the leadership of Südwestrundfunk (SWR), which has assumed responsibility for Germany's Eurovision participation after nearly three decades under NDR. Nine diverse acts compete for the honour of representing Germany at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna, Austria.

The show is broadcast live on Das Erste (ARD) and One from 20:15 to 23:15 CET, with streaming via the ARD Mediathek. International viewers can also watch live on the official ARD YouTube channel, ensuring global accessibility for Eurovision fans. The hosts are Barbara Schöneberger and Hazel Brugger.

The Nine Competing Acts

BELA – "Herz"

BELA brings "Herz" (Heart) to the stage — an emotionally resonant entry in German, signalling a connection to authentic German musical expression. The German-language title could appeal to both domestic audiences and Eurovision voters who appreciate linguistic diversity on the Eurovision stage.

Dreamboys The Band – "Jeanie"

Dreamboys The Band bring their band energy to "Jeanie." The live-band format offers the potential for dynamic performance — a crucial factor in Eurovision success — and stands out among the nine competing acts.

Laura Nahr – "Wonderland"

Laura Nahr presents "Wonderland," evoking imagery of escapism and imagination. The English-language entry reflects a strategic approach often employed by Eurovision participants seeking broader European appeal.

Malou Lovis – "when I'm with you"

Malou Lovis competes with "when I'm with you," a title suggesting an intimate, relationship-focused approach. The lowercase styling signals a modern aesthetic resonating with younger Eurovision demographics.

Molly Sue – "Optimist (Ha Ha Ha)"

Molly Sue brings energy and attitude with "Optimist (Ha Ha Ha)." The parenthetical "Ha Ha Ha" adds a playful, ironic element that could translate into memorable staging and performance moments that stand out in the Eurovision arena.

MYLE – "A OK"

MYLE performs "A OK," projecting confidence through its concise, punchy title. A contemporary pop approach with broad appeal potential.

Ragazzki – "Ciao Ragazzki"

Ragazzki presents "Ciao Ragazzki," a self-referential, Italian-influenced title that creates immediate memorability — demonstrating how Germany's national final embraces diverse European cultural influences.

Sarah Engels – "Fire"

Sarah Engels is one of the most recognisable names in the Das Deutsche Finale 2026 lineup. Known to millions of Germans from Deutschland sucht den Superstar (DSDS) — Germany's equivalent of Pop Idol — Engels has built a successful career as a singer and television personality since her breakthrough. Her song "Fire" brings established star power and mass-audience recognition to the competition, promising a passionate and intense performance styled to make an immediate impact on both the international jury and the public vote.

wavvyboi – "black glitter"

wavvyboi brings "black glitter" — with stylised artist name and evocative title suggesting a contemporary alternative pop aesthetic. The lowercase styling and unique imagery indicate a distinct visual and sonic identity, representing the experimental edge of Germany's 2026 selection.

Special Guests

Das Deutsche Finale 2026 features an exceptional lineup of guest performers alongside the competition:

Abor & Tynna – Germany's representatives at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, returning to the Das Deutsche Finale stage as guests just one year after their own selection. Their appearance connects this year's event to Germany's most recent Eurovision chapter.
Paola – A living piece of Eurovision history: the Swiss pop legend represented Switzerland at Eurovision in both 1969 (winning with "De temps en temps" as a teenager) and 1980. Her guest appearance adds decades of Eurovision heritage to the evening.
Carolin Kebekus – One of Germany's most celebrated comedians and television personalities, bringing humour and entertainment energy to the show.

The Two-Round Voting System

Das Deutsche Finale 2026 employs an innovative two-round system designed to balance professional expertise with public preference:

Round One — International Jury: A 20-member international jury evaluates all nine competing entries and selects the top three acts to advance to the Superfinal. This jury component incorporates perspectives from across Europe, mirroring the international voting environment the winner will face at Eurovision.

Round Two — Public Superfinal: The final decision belongs entirely to the German public. From the three jury-selected finalists, viewers vote to determine Germany's Eurovision 2026 representative — ensuring genuine popular support for the chosen act.

The Venue: Studio Berlin Adlershof

Studio Berlin Adlershof is one of Germany's premier television production facilities, located in Berlin's Adlershof district. Its origins trace to the early 1950s as the television centre for East Germany's Deutscher Fernsehfunk (DFF). The complex began regular broadcasting on 3 January 1956 and today comprises ten studios including two "Mega-Studios" (Studio G and Studio H, each ~2,400 sqm). Studio H — which hosts Das Deutsche Finale — accommodates up to 1,500 seated or 2,000 standing spectators, providing state-of-the-art production values befitting Germany's Eurovision national selection.

Germany's Eurovision Legacy

Germany is one of Eurovision's founding participants and a member of the "Big Five" (with France, Italy, Spain, and the UK), which means the winner of Das Deutsche Finale automatically qualifies for the Eurovision 2026 Grand Final on 16 May — bypassing the semi-finals entirely. Germany has won Eurovision twice: Nicole in 1982 with "Ein bißchen Frieden" and Lena Meyer-Landrut in 2010 with "Satellite" (246 points) — discovered through Stefan Raab's "Unser Star für Oslo" national selection. The SWR-led Das Deutsche Finale represents Germany's renewed ambition to find a winning Eurovision formula. For more information, visit ARD Mediathek and Eurovision.com – Vienna 2026. See the Events Calendar for all upcoming Eurovision 2026 events.

Final Results

This event concluded on 28 February 2026. The winner was selected through a two-round process: a 20-member international jury selected three acts for the Superfinal, then the public decided the winner by televote alone. Congratulations!

🏆 Winner: Germany's Eurovision 2026 Representative

Sarah Engels – "Fire"
Superfinal public vote: 38.30%

The Superfinal (Top 3 selected by international jury)

Sarah Engels – "Fire" 🏆 — 38.30% public vote — Winner
Wavvyboi – "Black Glitter"
Molly Sue – "Optimist (Ha Ha Ha)"

All 9 Competing Acts

Bela – "Herz"
Dreamboys The Band – "Jeanie"
Myle – "A Ok"
Ragazzki – "Ciao Ragazzki"
Laura Nahr – "Wonderland"
Malou Lovis – "When I'm With You"
Wavvyboi – "Black Glitter" (Superfinal)
Sarah Engels – "Fire" (Superfinal — Winner)
Molly Sue – "Optimist (Ha Ha Ha)" (Superfinal)

Read the full official report on the official eurovision.de winner article.

What's Next for Germany?

As a Big Five country, Germany automatically qualifies for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 Grand Final on 16 May 2026 in Vienna — no semi-final required. Visit the Events Calendar for all upcoming Eurovision 2026 events.