How-to
From idea to award – here's how to get your submission ready.
1. Who Can Participate?
Eligible for submission are projects that have been published or launched within the last five years. Exceptions include Design Classics & Re-editions as well as Startups. Concepts are also welcome – provided they take a stand and look toward the future.
2. Nomination or Direct Submission – Both Are Possible
You’ve been nominated?
Then the German Design Council has identified your project in the market and sees exceptional design and innovative quality in it. You’ll receive a written invitation with login details and can register your project directly in the submission portal “My Design Council”.Want to submit on your own?
No problem. You can also register your project independently. After review by our panel of experts, you’ll be notified whether it has been accepted for participation. Submission is limited to one category. If your project is not accepted, there are no costs for you.Good to know: In the event of an award, a service fee applies – in return, you receive a comprehensive service package including a label, certificate, online presence, and much more.
Support Program – Fair Opportunities for Good Ideas
Are you a freelancer or run a small business? Then you may qualify for an exemption from service fees if you win an award.
Condition: Your annual turnover was below €100,000 in both 2023 and 2024. Submit your application by 29 August, 2025 – easily via our online form. After reviewing your information, the German Design Council will send you confirmation.
3. Online Registration
Participation in the German Design Award is managed via our submission portal My Design Council. Don’t have an account yet? Simply register with your email address.
After registering, you’ll receive confirmation and the invoice for the participation fee.
You’ll need the following for your submission:
- Project name
- Project title (DE/EN)
- Project description (DE/EN, max. 650 characters)
- Website / Project URL
- Market launch date
- Information on designer / architect / agency
- Information on manufacturer / client / developer
- Selection of discipline and category
- Submission format for the jury (original or digital)
- Delivery method (postal or upload)
- Billing address
- Optional: Booking of the Nominee Package
- Image material (max. 5 images)
Duration: Allow approx. 25 minutes for the registration process.
4. Categories and Disciplines
You can submit your project in one of three disciplines – each discipline includes several categories.
Tip: Sustainability and Circular Design
Our jury places special emphasis on projects with forward-looking responsibility. Clearly show your project’s sustainability efforts during submission:- Do you have a certification?
- Is there a sustainability report?
- Was a product or building passport created?
- What circular approaches have been implemented?
The more transparently you communicate these aspects, the better the jury can evaluate your project – and the more visibly you position yourself in the competition.
5. Project Delivery
Whether by post or digital submission: how your exhibit reaches the jury depends on its size and type. You can specify dimensions and weight during registration. You will receive all delivery details again with your registration confirmation.
1. Jury Session
Your project will be reviewed and discussed by an international, interdisciplinary panel of experts – independent and with an eye for excellence.
2. Award Notification
If your project is selected as a Winner or Gold recipient, you will be notified via email – in time and with all necessary next steps.
3. Publication release
You’ll receive a preview link to your project profile in the online gallery. Here you can finalize your description, credits, and main image.
4. Presentation in the Gallery
Before the award ceremony, our online gallery goes live – showcasing your project to an international audience.
5. Awards Show
The big moment: your project will be celebrated during the Award Show – in the exhibition, on stage, and in front of the camera. A day full of visibility, exchange, and design excellence.