American football, specifically the National Football League (NFL), has been growing in popularity in Germany over the past few years. With games shown live on TV and a growing local fanbase, more and more football fans in Germany are looking for ways to watch NFL games. Here are the main options for watching NFL games in Germany:
Watch on TV
The NFL has partnered with German sports broadcaster ProSieben to air NFL games on free TV in Germany. ProSieben shows around 80 live NFL games per season, including Sunday evening and Monday night games, as well as the playoffs and the Super Bowl. Games are broadcast with German commentary.
Other sports channels like Sport1 also occasionally air NFL games. Keep an eye on TV listings to find live broadcasts.
Stream online
For the biggest selection of NFL games, online streaming is the way to go in Germany. Here are some of the main streaming options:
- NFL Game Pass – NFL’s own streaming service that offers live regular season, playoff and Super Bowl games. Can choose between original broadcast feed or German commentary. Price is €149.99 per season.
- DAZN – Sports streaming service that shows selected NFL games each week, plus NFL RedZone. Subscription costs €14.99 per month.
- Ran.de – Website of ProSiebenSat.1 Media shows select NFL games for free online.
- Sport1 – Website and app offer some NFL games for free streaming.
Most streaming services only work with a German IP address, so a VPN may be needed to watch from abroad.
Watch in sports bars
American sports bars are popping up in major German cities, especially Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Cologne and Frankfurt. Bars like Berlin Sports bar, Munich Sports Bar, and Sports Friends Cologne regularly show NFL games and create an authentic game-watching atmosphere.
Calling ahead to check NFL game offerings is recommended as not all bars show every game. NFL game audio may be broadcast in English or German depending on the bar.
Watch NFL Europe games
Can’t get enough NFL action? Attend a game of the European League of Football (ELF), Europe’s premier American football league. The ELF season runs from June through September.
In 2023, teams are located in Hamburg, Berlin, Frankfurt, Cologne, Stuttgart, Ingolstadt and Vienna. Tickets start around €15-20 per game.
Choosing the Right Streaming Service
For the most comprehensive NFL streaming experience in Germany, NFL Game Pass and DAZN are leading options. Here’s an overview of what each service offers:
Streaming Service | NFL Game Access | Cost | Other Sports |
---|---|---|---|
NFL Game Pass | All regular season live games, replay games, Super Bowl | €149.99/season | Only NFL |
DAZN | Select live games, NFL RedZone | €14.99/month | UEFA Champions League, NBA, MLB, NHL, boxing, MMA and more |
A few key points:
- NFL Game Pass gives you access to the most NFL content, but at a higher seasonal price.
- DAZN offers some live games, RedZone, plus tons of other sports if you’re a multi-sport fan.
- Both services require a monthly or annual contract.
- DAZN offers a 30 day free trial period.
So evaluate whether you want access to every game, or just your favorite team’s games and highlights. For casual fans, DAZN may provide enough NFL action. Diehard NFL fans require Game Pass for complete coverage.
Watching NFL Games on Mobile Devices
Don’t limit NFL Sundays to just the living room TV. With streaming apps and mobile sites, NFL action can be enjoyed on smartphones and tablets from anywhere.
NFL App
The official NFL App offers live local and primetime games, replays and highlights. Requires logging in with a cable/satellite provider account. Also includes live game radio broadcasts, news and more.
Network Apps
Apps from CBS Sports, Fox Sports, ESPN and NBC Sports show games and highlights from each broadcaster. Requires logging in with a TV provider account.
DAZN App
DAZN’s app provides NFL live streams and on demand games to subscribers. Works on iOS and Android.
NFL Game Pass App
The NFL Game Pass app gives subscribers access to live out-of-market preseason games, live regular season games, 24/7 NFL Network and more.
Yahoo Sports App
Yahoo will live stream some nationally broadcast games for free on iOS and Android devices, no sign-in required.
Location Services
Due to broadcasting rights, most mobile streams are only available within the Germany, or require a German IP address if streaming from abroad. A VPN service can provide a German IP to bypass geo-restrictions.
Finding a Good Sports Bar for NFL Games
While watching NFL at home is convenient, catching a game at a lively sports bar can be more fun. Here are some tips for finding a good NFL sports bar in Germany:
Look for American-style bars in major cities
Hamburg, Berlin, Munich, Cologne and Frankfurt have the highest concentration of US-style sports bars catering to American football fans. Search Google Maps for “American sports bar [city]” for recommendations.
Check for NFL game listings
Call ahead or search the bar’s website or social media for NFL game schedule info. Many will advertise “Watch NFL here!” if they regularly show games.
Look for NFL indicators
Bars with signage about NFL games, schedules or team banners are good candidates for watching football. Televisions tuned to NFL pre-game shows is also a giveaway.
Pay attention to time zones
Since Germany is 6 hours ahead of US Eastern time, Sunday day games start in the evening around 6 or 7 PM in Germany. Check that the bar is open during those hours.
Prepare for crowds
The most popular bars book up quickly on NFL game days. Arrive early or reserve a table in advance if you want a seat.
Consider audio options
Some bars play the original English NFL commentary, while others use German audio. If the language matters, call and ask what’s offered.
Joining an NFL Fan Club in Germany
Fan clubs, or fanclubs, are a great way to link up with other German NFL fans. Here are a few established groups to check out:
German NFL Fanclub
Large fan community with over 4500 members across Germany. Active forums, meetups, watch parties and fan merchandise. Membership costs €25 per year. Has sub-groups for fans of specific teams.
Website: www.germannflfanclub.de
Munich Cowboys Fanclub
Booster club for fans of the Dallas Cowboys in Munich. Organizes game watching events and annual trips to Dallas.
Website: www.munichcowboysfanclub.de
Pantherpaws Berlin
Fanclub for the Carolina Panthers based in Berlin. Member chat groups, public game watch meetups, raffles and more.
Website: www.pantherpaws-berlin.de
Hamburg Sea Devils
Hamburg-based fan group for the Miami Dolphins. Active WhatsApp community, meets at Hard Rock Cafe for games.
Website: www.hamburgseadevils.de
Germany Rams Fans
National fanclub for supporters of the Los Angeles Rams. Local supporter groups in Munich, Frankfurt, Stuttgart and Saarbrucken.
Website: www.germany-ramsfans.de
Connect with fellow German fans of your NFL team by joining a local booster club!
Traveling to the USA for an NFL Game
For the ultimate NFL fan experience, travel to the USA and catch a live pro football game! Here are some tips for foreigners planning an NFL trip:
Choose your game
Pick a marquee matchup like Cowboys vs Eagles, or see your favorite team play at home. Schedule your US visit during the NFL season which runs September to December.
Get tickets
Buy tickets directly from the team, or use a reseller like StubHub. For sold out or premium games, contact a hospitality provider like On Location Experiences for VIP packages.
Book accommodations
Reserve a hotel near the stadium so you can walk or take a short Uber ride to the game. Many hotels offer NFL packages with discounted rates and perks for fans.
Decide on transportation
Public transit like fan buses or trains serve some NFL stadiums. Otherwise, rent a car or use Uber/Lyft rideshares to get around the host city.
Look into fan experiences
Sign up for pregame parties, stadium tours, or field access opportunities offered by teams, organizers like PrimeSport, or your hotel.
Know the stadium rules
Check the stadium website so you comply with bag restrictions, entrance policies, prohibited items, etc. Download your mobile tickets in advance.
Be an informed fan
Brush up on NFL rules and game dynamics so you can better enjoy the live action. Watching games on TV first also helps pick up team/player names and strategies.
Conclusion
American football fandom continues to grow in Germany, with more fans than ever watching the NFL. While German television provides some live NFL games throughout the season, streaming services like NFL Game Pass and DAZN offer the most comprehensive access to satisfy superfans. Bars in major cities cater to football crowds on Sundays, but catching a game at home with fellow fans, or joining an NFL fanclub, are fun options too. For the truly devoted who have the time and budget, traveling to the US for an authentic NFL game experience may top the football fan bucket list. With the tips provided in this guide, NFL fans in Germany have many available avenues to get their full football fix each season.