In The Major German Brands 2026, the German Design Council explores how design enables transformation – far beyond aesthetics or functionality. Design has become a strategic resource that empowers organisations to turn complexity into opportunity.

At the heart of this edition lies the transformative impact of design: it connects technology, culture and responsibility, drives new business models and strengthens brands in a global context.

The Major German Brands 2026 highlights how design acts as a driving force for innovation, cultural progress and societal dialogue. Brands that embrace transformation are shaping the future.

In the latest edition of The Major German Brands, the German Design Council places a strong focus on Circular Design. At its core lies one of the defining questions of our time: How can economic growth be aligned with the responsible use of resources? And how can we drive a circular transformation of the economy?

Future-oriented design means rethinking resource flows and closing material cycles. Companies that see design as a strategic instrument can actively contribute to sustainable development. The Major German Brands 2025 demonstrates how design acts as a catalyst for innovation and sustainability — because brands that take responsibility shape change.

With "The Major German Brands - connect. collaborate. continue." we draw attention to the increasing relevance of cross-knowledge and collaborative approaches to transformation. The eleventh edition focuses on brands that are positioning themselves for the future in a solution-oriented way. This year's title addresses the importance of interdisciplinary exchange as well as internal and external collaborations for continuity in order to create long-term value, preserve value and successfully compete in the marketplace.

The book is published in cooperation with Callwey publishing house and presents leading brands in a high-quality edition with content in a journalistic form.

The world is currently changing at high speed and we are constantly facing unprecedented challenges. This makes us realize that the resilience of the corporate brand is more important than ever.

For the 10th anniversary of the series, we present strong national and international brands in the German market under the title »The Major Brands in Germany - recreate.transform.be resilient.«:

• Well-known brands present themselves and their history
• Detailed insights into understanding and implementing this year's theme »recreate. transform. be resilient.« in your own company
• A comprehensive overview of the German brand landscape

The book is published in cooperation with Callwey publishing house and presents leading brands in a high-quality edition with content in a journalistic form.

Outstanding design, focused brand management and forward-thinking innovation are the cornerstones of entrepreneurial success. And only their successful interplay makes your product first-class.

•  Secure your Loge in the official gift for guests at German diplomatic missions abroad, which will commence with introductions by high-ranking representatives from politics and business.
• Position your company as one of 100 selected leading brands that are able to present themselves in this documentation of outstanding German brands.
• Benefit from high-level attention for your brand by means of targeted, group-oriented distribution through 227 embassies and consulates of the Federal Republic of Germany abroad.
• Meet thought leaders and colleagues from different industries in this exclusive circle of brand leaders and decision-makers from business, politics and media.
• Rely on knowledge transfer and a unique network for your success.

The Major German Brands offer you:

• round about 100 selected brand presentations

• exciting articles and essays on branding and design by experts

• various communication tools and a professional press photo

• an invitation to the Design Gala, an exclusive event in Soho House Berlin

• networking at CEO level

The publication:

• is available in German and English.

• distribution through our cooperating partners

• international distribution through the German Design Council and the German Federal Foreign Office

• Individual special edition available on request

The Major German Brands since 2013 in figures:

• 7 editions, each in German and English versions

• 18,000 high-quality copies

• 500 carefully selected brand presentations

• 23 enthralling articles and essays written by experts on branding and design

• 12 introductory commentaries by Germany’s top-ranking political representatives

• target-groups focused distribution via our two partners - "Land der Ideen" (Land of Ideas) and the German Federal Foreign Office

The edition was presented to a selected group of invited guests at the Design Gala on 19 September 2019 in Berlin.

Table of contents.

Table of contents.

"The Major German Brands" edition 2018/2019 is marked by the 100. anniversary of Bauhaus. Peter Altmaier, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, and Heiko Maas, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, contributed articles on the occasion of the anniversary.

Table of contents

The fifth volume of the series "The Major German Brands", entitled, 'Socially Responsible. Future-Oriented. The Major German Brands.' showcases German brands that serve as exemplary ambassadors of the brand landscape in Germany.

Renowned representatives of politics and economy gave their views on the topics of ‘Brands as Ambassadors’ and ‘German Brands Worldwide’. This year’s volume contains contributions from the former German Foreign Federal Minister, Sigman Gabriel, the former German Minister for Economic Affairs, Brigitte Zypries, as well as the president of the Federation of German Industries, Professor Dieter Kempf, on the relevance of design and strategic brand management for the global success of German brands.

'Distinctive. Ingenious.' is the fourth volume in the series 'The Major German Brands.' In addition to presenting outstanding German brand-name companies, the book also includes the views of internationally renowned figures: contributions by Dr Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Sigmar Gabriel and Ulrich Grillo highlight the relevance of design and strategic brand management to the global success of German companies.