Germany debuted at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1956 as one of the founding countries and has participated every year since, making it the most consistent participant in Eurovision history. As part of the “Big Five,” Germany is guaranteed a spot in the final each year. The country has won twice: in 1982 with Nicole’s Ein bißchen Frieden and in 2010 with Lena’s Satellite. Both songs achieved commercial success across Europe, with Satellite revitalizing Germany’s Eurovision prospects.
Germany’s Eurovision entries showcase a wide range of genres, from pop and rock to ballads and electronic music, often performed in English to broaden appeal. The national selection, Unser Lied für … and more recently Germany 12 Points, has been instrumental in finding diverse talent.
In recent years, Germany has faced challenges, including several last-place finishes, despite efforts to modernize its approach. Notable recent entries include Michael Schulte’s You Let Me Walk Alone, which finished fourth in 2018, proving that Germany’s blend of emotional ballads and contemporary pop can resonate with audiences when done right.
Germany continues to strive for a balance between mainstream appeal and distinctiveness on the Eurovision stage.
