Publication

The Major German Brands 2027

The 2027 edition highlights brands that see design not as an add-on, but as a strategic driver. The Major German Brands showcases the success stories of companies that demonstrate what becomes possible when design propels business models forward.

Study "Design in Business"

How Design Drives Business Transformation

Our study, “Design in Business,” analyses how companies utilise design to drive innovation, enhance competitiveness, and lead cultural transformation. Evidence that design drives measurable success.

Mission

Moving Businessby Design

The German Design Council is Germany’s leading authority on design. Since 1953. As a thought leader in the field, we are committed to realising the potential of design for a sustainable future. We connect business with design – for circular design, transformation, and economic success.

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Independent Since 1953

As a non-profit foundation, established by the German Bundestag, we promote design as a cultural and economic factor. Free from individual interests.

Photo: Grand Visions © German Design Council

Bridge Between Business & Design

Over 330 member companies benefit from our cross-sector network and from our role as a bridge between industry and the creative economy.

Shaping Tomorrow by Design

We drive the future of design with circular principles, AI and transformative innovation for a sustainable tomorrow.

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Showcasing Design Excellence

Our awards and support programmes make design excellence visible and offer young talents a platform.

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Upcoming

Awards

Awards Ceremony | German Innovation Award 2026

12-05-2026

Berlin

Membes only

Members Talk with studiokurbos

Speaker: Andreas Kurbos, CEO studiokurbos Title: Design between robotics and AI

21-05-2026

14:00 - 15:00

Online

Membes only

Members Talk with FPS

Speaker: Dr. Christoph Matras & Sarah Rost Title: AI-generated works in practice: rights management, attribution, liability and more

11-06-2026

14:00 - 15:00

Online

Awards

Eurobike Award 2026

24-06-2026

Messe, Frankfurt am Main

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Consulting Services

Leveraging Design Strategically

Teaser: We support you with strategic consulting, process and design expertise, and a strong partner network. Our goal is to translate design into value creation, innovation and transformation.

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The Magazine of the German Design Council

Kaldewei at Milan

Bubbles of Time: Bathroom Architecture Through the Ages

During Milan Design Week 2026, Kaldewei showcased the brilliant architecture and visionary bathroom designs of Piero Portaluppi. An installation staged by Parasite 2.0 in the historic ...

By Fabian Peters, 27 April 2026

Salone del Mobile 2026

Between Material, Time and the Longing for the Real

At Salone del Mobile 2026, the focus shifts to materiality, craftsmanship, and continuity. New formats showcasing collectible design and elaborate spatial installations emerged across the ...

By Katharina de Silva, 24 April 2026

125 Years Hansgrohe

Design History in the Bathroom

The bathroom fittings manufacturer Hansgrohe will celebrate its 125th anniversary in 2026. Based in Schiltach in the Black Forest, the company has had a significant influence on bathroom ...

By Fabian Peters, 15 April 2026

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Knowledge

The Design Library

Teaser: Our Design Library gives you access to one of the most extensive collections of international design literature – from specialist books and journals to rare historical sources. It supports in-depth research and helps you apply design history to today’s questions.

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Latest News

Circular Design Clinic

Ready for the Circular Economy? Turning Analysis into Action

From theory to the circular economy: At our workshop in Stuttgart, companies, designers and institutions worked on circular solutions. Directly on real products and with clear next steps.

23 April 2026

Press release

Call for Entries

Hessian State Prize for Universal Design 2026: Apply Now

The Hessian State Prize for Universal Design 2026 has launched. Innovative solutions are sought that demonstrate how design can contribute to greater inclusion, sustainability, and quality of life.

14 April 2026

German Design Council Foundation

Erik Spiekermann awarded the Gutenberg Prize 2026

Typographer, type designer and Foundation member Erik Spiekermann is to receive the Gutenberg Prize 2026 – one of the most prestigious awards in the field of book and printing arts.

20 March 2026

German Design Council Foundation

Members Meetup With serien.lighting: 40 Years of Design at the Intersection of Technology, Architecture and Aesthetics

At the Members Meetup during Light + Building in Frankfurt am Main, members of the German Design Council gathered at serien.lighting. In conversation with founders Jean-Marc da Costa and Manfred Wolf, ...

17 March 2026

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Subscribe to the newsletter!

Discover how design strengthens organisations – in our monthly newsletter. We share insights from events, research and our international network, along with updates on key programmes for our foundation members. The newsletter keeps you connected to developments in design, brand strategy and innovation that support clarity, collaboration and long-term economic success.

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