The German Regionalliga is a football league system that forms the fourth tier of men’s football in Germany. It sits below the nationwide 3. Liga and above various regional amateur leagues known as Oberligen.
Introduced in 1963, the Regionalliga was originally the second level of German football. After several reorganisations, it became the third tier in 1994 and then the fourth tier in 2008 when the nationwide 3. Liga was created.
The Regionalliga is divided into five regional divisions that reflect geography and local associations. These divisions are Nord, Nordost, West, Südwest and Bayern. Each division typically has 18–20 clubs competing in a season, which runs from late summer to spring.
Clubs play home and away matches within their division, earning three points for a win and one point for a draw. The season standings determine both promotion and relegation. Top clubs from the Regionalliga compete for promotion to the 3. Liga through a combination of direct promotion spots and playoff matches, depending on the division. The bottom clubs are relegated to the Oberliga, the fifth tier.
The league features a mix of semi-professional and amateur clubs. Some teams are reserve sides of higher-level professional clubs, while others are independent clubs with strong local followings. Many clubs use this level to develop young players and build experience before moving higher in the league pyramid.
Fans of lower-tier German football follow results, standings, and club performance throughout the season. Ahead of important matchweeks, supporters often compare odds and market views on the best bookmakers Germany has to offer to see how clubs are rated and what bonuses operators offer for Regionalliga fixtures.