The German Design Council is the international competence and networking platform for design, brand and innovation in Germany. Founded in 1953 on the initiative of the German Bundestag, the independent foundation supports companies, designers and institutions in strategically using design as a factor for success. With a strong network spanning business, design, politics and science, the German Design Council promotes interdisciplinary exchange and positions design as a central interface between creativity, technology, economic efficiency and social responsibility. Its activities range from international awards and competitions to publications, studies and trend analyses, conferences, exhibitions and dialogue formats.
The German Design Council is a founding member of the World Design Organisation (WDO), which awards the title of World Design Capital (WDC) every two years. It supports WDC 2026 with a broad range of activities and accompanies it with various offers and projects.