In terms of popularity, handball ranks second only to soccer in Germany. The country’s national handball team is one of the most successful handball teams in the world and has made Germany proud, with several titles to its credit.
This article offers an interesting insight into the history of the evolution of handball in Germany and the sport’s current status.
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History of Handball in Germany
Even before the advent of modern-day handball, its various variations were played in the olden times. However, the introduction of modern handball can be traced back to a Women’s Committee in Berlin-Turnrath, a neighbourhood in Berlin where Max Heiser invented the game’s rules in 1917. The sport was introduced as a harmless alternative to soccer, which was regarded as a rough sport designed for male players.
The rules for the game were designed keeping women in mind. The ball was large, around 71cm, so women could easily get their hands on it. Moreover, players were also not allowed to fight for the ball. In the modern day, the ball used for the sport is around 15cm smaller than the ball introduced at the onset.
In 1917, Carl Schelenz, a Berlin gymnastics instructor, compiled the rules and introduced a bigger playing arena for handball. Following this, men also began to take an interest in the sport, and in February of the next year, the first indoor and field handball games were organised in Berlin.
In the present day, indoor handball is more popular than field handball. However, for the longest time, field handball was more popular, and Germany excelled at it. With time, it became clear that the indoor version was more exciting, and in contrast to field handball, where the midfield spectators did not have an up-close view of the game, everyone could view the action and excitement indoors. Besides the excitement and view factor, there was also the matter of the country’s climate. The rainy and cold climate also encouraged Germans to take up an indoor version of the game.
Over the years, handball has become a serious competitive sport and gained recognition as a prominent feature of the Olympics. While previously it was played for fun, it has now become a competitive and aggressive sport.
German National Handball Team
The German National Handball team has been actively playing internationally since the 1930s. The team appeared in the Olympics for the first time in 1936 and won a gold medal. So far, the team has appeared in the Olympics ten times. Besides a gold medal, the national handball team also won two silver medals in 1984 and 2004 and a bronze medal in 2016. In 2020, the team reached the quarter-finals but could not proceed further.
The national team has competed in 25 world championships and won the tournament three times in 1938, 1978, and 2007. It was also the runner-up in 1954 and 2003. In the latest edition of the World Championship in 2021, Germany could not go past the main round and finished in 12th place.
As for the European Championship, Germany won the tournament twice in 2004 and 2016. It was the runner-up team in 2002 and won third place in 1998.
The women’s national handball team appeared in the World Championship for the first time in 1957. The team won the championship in 1993. It also finished in third place twice in 1997 and 2007. The team has also played in 15 editions of the European Championship. In the latest event, it finished in 7th place, whereas its best result was 2nd place in 1994. The team also finished in fourth place in the Olympics in 1984 and 2002.
Professional handball leagues in Germany
The Handball Bundesliga is the top men’s handball league in Germany. The league was founded in 1966 and currently has 18 teams. Initially, it was divided into two sections; north and south. However, in 1977, the format was restructured, and the league was reformed into a single-section division.
The Bundesliga follows a promotion and relegation system with the 2 Bundesliga, which was formed in 1981. The 2 Bundesliga was also originally categorised into two regional sections, north and south, and since 2011/12, it has been operating as a single division.
A single season of the Bundesliga has 34 games and is played in a Round-Robin format without any playoffs or a final match. The teams finishing in first and second place qualify for the EHF European League, Europe’s most prestigious handball club competition. The teams in the last two places are relegated to the 2 Bundesliga, while the top two teams of the 2 Bundesliga are promoted to the Bundesliga.
The women’s Bundesliga was formed in 1975 and currently comprises 14 teams. The league follows a promotion and relegation format with the 2 Bundesliga, the second-highest women’s handball league.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the structure of the Germany handball league?
The German Handball Federation oversees the sport in Germany, which boasts the world’s largest handball association. The pinnacle of German handball is the Handball-Bundesliga, where the country’s top teams compete. This league features a robust competition structure and is followed passionately by fans both domestically and internationally.
How can I follow Germany handball league events and scores?
Fans can keep up with the Germany handball league events, scores, and live updates through the official Handball-Bundesliga website. The site provides comprehensive coverage, including schedules, standings, and performance statistics for teams in the league.
What are the key events in the German handball calendar?
The German handball season is highlighted by several key events, including the DHB-Pokal (German Cup), the REWE Final4, the Handball Super Cup, and the All Star Game. These events showcase the best of club handball in Germany, with intense matches that attract fans from all over the country.
How has the Germany national handball team performed in international competitions?
Germany’s national handball team is among the most successful in the world, with a rich history of victories in major tournaments. They have clinched titles in the World Championships and have had strong showings in the European Championships and the Olympics, reflecting the country’s prominence in the sport on the global stage.
Where can I find live scores and updates for the German handball league?
For real-time scores and match updates, Flashscore offers comprehensive live coverage of the German handball league, including the Bundesliga. This service allows fans to stay up-to-date with the latest results, making it easier to follow their favourite teams and matches as they happen.
