Wikipedia - User contributions [en]

BYU Vocal Point

2018-12-11T09:19:10Z

Harry8: alphabetical

{{Infobox musical artist
| name = BYU Vocal Point
| background = group_or_band
| image = BYU Vocal Point Logo.png
| image_size =
| landscape = 
| alt =
| caption = BYU Vocal Point Logo
| alias =
| origin = [[Brigham Young University]]
| genre = [[A cappella]]
| years_active = {{start date|1991}}–present
| label = BYU Records
| associated_acts =
| website = {{URL|http://www.byuvocalpoint.com/}}
| current_members = Jason Bromley Yaphet Bustos Nathan Cazmersen Jantzen Dalley Joshua Dalley Cabe John Matt Newman David Steele James Thorup
| past_members =
}}
'''BYU Vocal Point''' is a nine-member, male [[a cappella]] group at [[Brigham Young University]] (BYU). Founded by students in 1991, Vocal Point operates under the direction of BYU's Performing Arts Management (PAM).

The group has won three [[Pearl Award]]s and it was the winner of the 2006 [[International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella]] (ICCA). In 2011, the group placed fifth on [[NBC]]'s [[The Sing-Off (season 3)|third season]] of ''[[The Sing Off]]''.

==History==
Vocal Point was founded by two students at BYU, Dave Boyce and Bob Ahlander. They first heard the contemporary a cappella sound during a visit to the eastern U.S., where it had already grown to considerable popularity at colleges throughout the east. Seeking to bring that sound westward, Boyce and Ahlander recruited Jill Petersen-Lex to serve as the group's first Artistic Director. The three held auditions in the fall of 1991. After the members were selected and began singing, the nine-man group became an instant hit on campus, selling out its first concert. The group made its first recording ("If Rocks Could Sing") and went on its first tour that same school year.

With Ahlander and Boyce providing the vision, and Lex providing musical direction, the first three years proved equally successful for the student-run group. They toured several times and released their first full-length CD, "Instruments Not Included." The group was so popular that the director of BYU's School of Music thought it should be an official part of the university. In the fall of 1994, the ensemble was adopted into the School of Music, and Jim Anglesey was appointed as the group's Faculty Advisor. This was an important move for the group, as it ensured their longevity, and allowed for a full-time director, access to BYU's performing venues, and assistance from the staff of the School of Music and PAM.

During Anglesey's seven-year stay as director, Vocal Point released two more albums, "Fatter Than Ever" in 1996 and "Mouthing Off" in 1999. The group had several key performances during this time, including a series of concerts in BYU's de Jong Concert Hall, as well as the group's first [[New Year's Eve]] performance at the [[Salt Lake Tabernacle]] on [[Temple Square]]. In 1999, group member Joseph Lebaron updated the group's logo to the "screaming head" design.

In 2001, co-founder Ahlander returned and became the director. His tenure started by the group hosting its ten-year anniversary celebration, including an alumni reunion concert. Shortly thereafter, the group released its fourth CD, "Grand Slam," which represented the final years of the Anglesey-directed group.

During Ahlander's time as director, Vocal Point reached new heights. They twice won the regional semi-finals for the ICCA, but refused to take their seats at the international finals in New York City because the event would be held on a Sunday. The group performed the national anthem at multiple [[Utah Jazz]] games and other venues. In Ahlander's final weeks as director, Vocal Point spent three weeks in [[Nauvoo, Illinois]], opening the new summer performing arts series there, and performing for thousands of visitors over a three-week run. At the group's final performance of the tour, they sang to a full house, giving them the idea for the name of their upcoming album, "Standing Room Only." That CD was released in the fall of 2004, representing Ahlander's three years of work as director.

Next on the directorial stage was James Stevens, a BYU graduate and studio engineer who had performed with Vocal Point for two years under Ahlander's direction. Stevens quickly got to work, helping the group sell out the de Jong Concert Hall faster than ever. At the end of that year, the group took home three [[Pearl Award]]s from the Faith Centered Music Association for "Sacred Recorded Song of the Year," "Group Recording Artist of the Year" and "Performing Artist of the Year."

The following year, 2005–06, was a banner year for Vocal Point. The group appeared at BYU's Homecoming Spectacular, as well as at its first BYU devotional. The group also hosted a celebration in honor of the group's 15th anniversary. As a culmination of the group's success, they again won the regional semi-finals in the ICCA, but this time were able to compete in the finals, which were held on a Saturday. The group took its first tour to [[New York City]], and competed there with some of the world's best collegiate a cappella ensembles in the [[Lincoln Center]]'s Alice Tully Hall. In its first appearance at the finals, and after winning regional competition three times, Vocal Point took first place. They were crowned ''International Champions'' for 2006.<ref>Wadley, Carma, [http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,635204413,00.html "Vocal Point wins world championship"], Deseret Morning News, 2006-05-03. URL accessed on 2006-05-04.</ref>

In the fall of 2010, a former member of Vocal Point, Buck Mangum, took on the role as a director, along with Stevens. In early 2011, Vocal Point again competed in the ICCA. They placed first at quarter finals in Eugene, Oregon, as well as received awards for "best choreography" and "best soloist," awarded to Jake Hunsaker. At the semi-finals in Los Angeles, Vocal Point again placed first, and with Hunsaker winning the same awards. At finals in New York, Vocal Point received awards for "best vocal percussionist" to Tanner Nilsson, again "best soloist" to Hunsaker, and first runner-up in the entire competition. The songs they competed with in their set were Michael Jackson's "Beat It," Michael Buble's "Meglio Stassera," a Polish hymn entitled "Infant Holy," and Louis Prima's "Jump Jive an' Wail."

In 2011, Vocal Point competed as part of season 3 of NBC's reality TV series, The Sing Off. The members of the group that competed in the show were Michael Christensen, McKay Crockett, Keith Evans, Tyler Sterling, Tanner Nilsson, Robert Seely, Ross Welch, Ben Murphy, and Hunsaker. They were accompanied by Stevens. As a result of their participation in the show, the group was featured in a [[CNN]] article discussing how the group represented not only their school but also their faith.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2011/12/08/the-mormon-group-whether-they-like-it-or-not/?hpt=hp_c3 |title=The Mormon group – whether they like it or not |author=Dan Merica |date=December 8, 2011 |work= |publisher=[[CNN]] |accessdate=December 8, 2011}}</ref> The group continues to perform for sold-out crowds across the United States, now under the direction of Vocal Point alum McKay Crockett.

== Awards ==
* Fifth place on [[NBC]]'s [[The Sing-Off (season 3)|third season]] of ''[[The Sing Off]]'' (2011)
* [[International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella|ICCA]] Second place (2011)
* [[International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella|ICCA]] International Champions (2006)
* [[Pearl Award]] for ''Best Performing Artist'' (2005)
* [[Pearl Award]] for ''Best Performing Group'' (2005)
*Regional [[Emmy Award]] in the ''Arts/Entertainment - Program/Special Category (2017)''

== Discography ==
*''If Rocks Could Sing'', 1992
*''Instruments Not Included'', 1994
*''Fatter Than Ever'', 1996
*''Mouthing Off'', 1999
*''Grand Slam'', 2003
*''Standing Room Only'', 2004
*''[[Nonstop (album)|Nonstop]]'', 2008
*''Back In Blue'' 2011.
*''Lead Thou Me On: Hymns and Inspiration'', 2012
*''Spectrum'', 2014
*''He Is Born'', 2015
*''Music Video Hits (Vol. 1)'', 2016
*''Music Video Hits (Vol. 2)'', 2018

==See also==
* [[List of collegiate a cappella groups]]

==References==
{{more citations needed|date=October 2011}}
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.byuvocalpoint.com Official Site]

{{Brigham Young University}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Brigham Young University]]
[[Category:Collegiate a cappella groups]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1991]]
[[Category:Musical groups from Utah]]
[[Category:1991 establishments in Utah]]

Norwood (surname)

2018-06-02T16:16:16Z

Harry8: + 1

'''Norwood''' is a surname. Notable people with the surname include:

* [[Brandy Norwood]], actress and singer, star of the American television series "Moesha"
* [[Charlie Norwood]] (1941-2007), a United States Representative from Georgia
* [[Cyril Norwood]] British educator
* [[Daron Norwood]], country music singer
* [[Eille Norwood]], born Anthony Brett, (1861-1948), English playwright and actor known for playing Sherlock Holmes in films
* [[Gabe Norwood]], Philippine Basketball Association player
* [[Jerious Norwood]], American football player
* [[John Norwood]], English recipient of the Victoria Cross
* [[Jordan Norwood]], American football player
* [[Melita Norwood]], a British civil servant who provided the KGB with state secrets including the schematics for the British atomic bomb in 1945
* [[Oliver Norwood]] (born 1991), Northern Ireland international footballer
* O'Tar Norwood, American doctor known for revising the [[Hamilton–Norwood scale]]
* Ray Norwood, better known as [[Ray J]], singer
* [[Richard Norwood]], British mathematician, diver, and surveyor
* [[Rick Norwood]], American mathematician and comic publisher
* [[Ricky Norwood]], British actor
* [[Robin Norwood]] (born 1945), American family therapist and author
* [[Rose Finkelstein Norwood]] (1890–1980), American labor organizer
* [[Scott Norwood]], American football player
* [[Thomas M. Norwood]] (1830-1913), a United States Senator and Representative from Georgia
* [[Willie Norwood]], [[gospel music|gospel]]-singer, and father of Brandy and Ray J

{{surname|Norwood}}

User talk:Harry8

2018-05-29T14:07:33Z

Harry8: /* A belated welcome! */ thanks

== A belated welcome! ==

[[Image:Chocolate chip cookies.jpg|thumb|300px|The welcome may be belated, but the cookies are still warm! [[File:Face-smile.svg|25px]]]]

Here's wishing you a belated [[Wikipedia:Welcoming committee/Welcome to Wikipedia|welcome to Wikipedia]], Harry8. I see that you've already been around a while and wanted to thank you for [[Special:Contributions/Harry8|your contributions]]. Though you seem to have been successful in finding your way around, you may benefit from following some of the links below, which help editors get the most out of Wikipedia:
* [[Wikipedia:Introduction|Introduction]]
* [[Wikipedia:Five pillars|The five pillars of Wikipedia]]
* [[Wikipedia:Contributing to Wikipedia|Contributing to Wikipedia]]
* [[Wikipedia:How to edit a page|How to edit a page]]
* [[Help:Contents|Help pages]]
* [[Wikipedia:Article development|How to write a great article]]
* [[Wikipedia:Editor's index to Wikipedia|Editor's index to Wikipedia]]

Also, when you post on [[Wikipedia:Talk page|talk pages]] you should [[Wikipedia:Sign your posts on talk pages|sign your name]] using four tildes (<nowiki>~~~~</nowiki>); that should automatically produce your username and the date after your post.

I hope you enjoy editing here and being a [[Wikipedia:Wikipedians|Wikipedian]]! If you have any questions, feel free to leave me a message on [[User talk:JarrahTree|my talk page]], consult [[Wikipedia:Questions]], or place {{tl|helpme}} on your talk page and ask your question there.

Again, welcome! [[User:JarrahTree|JarrahTree]] 12:33, 29 May 2018 (UTC)

:Thanks! Greetings [[User:Harry8|Harry8]] ([[User talk:Harry8#top|talk]]) 14:07, 29 May 2018 (UTC)

Wikipedia:List of Wikipedians by number of edits

2018-05-29T10:58:21Z

Harry8: /* List of Wikipedians by number of edits */ alphabetical order

{{redirect|WP:WBE|instructions on how to enforce a [[Wikipedia:Wikibreak|wikibreak]]|Wikipedia:WikiProject User scripts/Scripts/WikiBreak Enforcer}}
{{shortcut|WP:NOE|WP:WBE|WP:EDITS|WP:MOSTEDITS|WP:MAW}}
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This is a '''list of Wikipedians ordered by number of edits''' in the [[English Wikipedia|English-language Wikipedia]]. Edits in all namespaces (Article, Talk, User, User Talk, Template, Template talk, Help, etc.) are [[Wikipedia:Edit count|counted]]. Some types of edits that may be included in certain page count tools, such as page moves, are not captured by the counting method employed to compile this list. Thus, there may be a significant disparity seen between the counts listed below when compared with other counting methods. This page includes the top 5,000 contributors; the next 5,000 are listed [[Wikipedia:List of Wikipedians by number of edits/5001–10000|here]].

This list is normally updated daily. Click [[Special:Preferences]] or the "Preferences" link of the Wikipedia page menu to see your most accurate and recent edit count.

For a mathematical relationship between rank on this list and number of edits, see [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia_talk:List_of_Wikipedians_by_number_of_edits/Archive_8#Calculating_your_rank this 2009 post] by [[User:Wnt|Wnt]] (constants might need updating).

== Opting out ==
Users who do not wish to be on this list are welcome to replace their names with "Placeholder" and add themselves to this [[{{FULLPAGENAME}}/Anonymous|anonymizing list]] for future versions.

== Purpose of this list ==

Visitors to this page may well ask themselves, "Why does this list exist? What is the value of organizing editors by number of edits (especially in light of the ''Caveat lector'' section below)? Are all editors not considered equal in the eyes of Wikipedia regardless of how many edits they may have made? Does having a record of a large number of edits entitle a person to some special rights or privileges? Does ''not'' appearing anywhere on this list mean that my own contributions aren't valuable or important? Should it be the goal of any individual editor to accrue as many of these counted edits as possible in hopes of making it onto or increasing his or her ranking on the list?"

These are all fair questions. Having a user account with a large number of edits implies that the user is knowledgeable, experienced, knows what they are doing, is familiar with Wikipedia policies and procedures, has a handle on most of Wikipedia's acronyms and abbreviations, understands the difference between things like a template and a tag, a [[WP:MEATPUPPET|meatpuppet]] and a [[WP:SOCK|sockpuppet]], and can direct other editors on the correct format and venues to express their concerns or problems. New articles created by high edit count editors may not face the same scrutiny or be as likely to be nominated for deletion as those created by newcomers. None of this is because of the edit counts themselves, but because a high edit count is a reasonable indicator of higher experience.

Should it become your goal to get your own account on this list, or to increase your ranking on it? If that means you are willing to contribute your time and energy to creating a better online encyclopedia, then absolutely! But Wikipedia is not a game and no one who is serious about editing is focused on how many "experience points" he or she is accruing along the way. Even editors whose high edit counts are partly the result of a series of automated edits had to learn how to perform that automation. We all learn as we go, and if we are here for the right reasons, then our edit counts are only interesting commentary on our participation—not on the quality or value of it! This is not a race, it is a collaborative project, and it can always use more level-headed collaborators willing to learn how it all works.

== ''Caveat lector'' ==

{{See also|Wiktionary:caveat lector}}

Let the reader beware: this list is a reference summary only. It should be taken with a large [[grain of salt]] and not viewed as a definitive measure of any individual editor's worth. There are many reasons why a total number of edits usually does not indicate quality of work, quality of an editor, or significance of contributions. Here are some of the most obvious:

# Due to a [[bugzilla:19311|bug]], the edit counts reported by Wikipedia are not always reliable for editors with high edit counts and may show extreme discrepancies in some cases.
# Some editors have chosen to take advantage of some of Wikipedia's ''automated tools'' (e.g., [[WP:BOT|bots]] and assisted systems) which are capable of fixing many simple errors per minute (spelling, links, etc.), or that place many informational and other notices on a series of articles or talk pages in a short time, while other editors work on tasks where such tools are not useful such as content creation and reworking, manual copyright review, and editorial dispute resolution. A simple edit count does not differentiate between these types of edits.
# Some "bot" users (users who have created or edited or take advantage of some of Wikipedia's automated "robot" tasks) route their bot edits through ''separate bot accounts'' while others include them in their own edits. This means that some editors may appear to have comparatively low edit counts in multiple accounts but would be able to show a much higher ''overall'' edit count if the edits from all the accounts were to be included. The following table does not differentiate between these types of accounts, and this fact should be kept in mind when viewing them. If you wish to find out more information about an editor's contribution history, you need only click on the "History" tab of any article or talk page to which he or she has made a contribution and then click on the "contribs" link that appears in blue font next to that person's username to see a full list of every contribution that editor has ever made, back to the very first one (likewise, other editors may always view your own edit history the same way).
# Others may use one or more ''[[Wikipedia:Sock puppetry#Legitimate uses of alternative accounts|alternative accounts]]'' to segregate their contributions for various legitimate reasons. Again, the edit counter will record edits from these as separate accounts, which may then appear to be misleadingly low.
# Many editors who are high on the list perform ''routine tasks that require less time per edit'' such as [[Help:Reverting|reverting]] vandalism, requesting article protection, warning users, or removing [[WP:SPAM|spam]]; conversely, users who create a number of long new pages or make major additions might easily spend a week or more undertaking research before editing, and appear much lower on the list, if at all. This is another reason why the edit counts may not reflect actual experience or degree of contribution of a given editor.
# Some editors use the ''[[Help:Show preview|Show preview]]'' button until they are satisfied with a particular (possibly very long) edit, while others will habitually save a succession of small changes as they go; a third class may combine these editing styles. All other things equal, the second group will ultimately accrue the highest formal edit count, even though the end result of these edits may be more or less the same for all three groups.
# Earlier versions of the list listed ''contributions to the article space'' separately. The current list counts the total number of edits, including to talk pages and project pages. This is only important to take into consideration if a person wishes to distinguish types of edit versus total edit count.
# Many people edit ''without logging in'' at all, and many anonymous non-logged in editors regularly make valuable and well-established edits.
# Some Wikipedians work in ''areas where edits are less prominent'', for example, email-mediated matters such as arbcom-l, mediation, unblock-l, or services such as [[Wikipedia:Requests for checkuser|checkuser]].
# Editors who have become [[WP:OTRS|OTRS]] volunteers have the responsibility of regularly interacting with the general public over sometimes highly complex, difficult, and protracted issues related to Wikipedia; few of these interactions are counted towards the following edit counts on these tables because those interactions are not (and should not be) considered "edits" to Wikipedia (though they often result in some). Nevertheless, OTRS volunteers—whose work is critical to the existence of our freely licensed material—are frequently very familiar with Wikipedia policy and procedure in ways that are seldom evaluated or itemized in terms of things such as edit counts.
# The edit count you see below does not include any edits that an editor may have done to Wikimedia Commons, which is another very important part of the Wikimedia movement. Commons editors are assigned separate edit counts on the Commons website, though many of these edits are also critical to the operation of the English language Wikipedia. A full wiki "edit count" of all contributors might include edits to the Wikipedias of other languages as well as any edits or uploads to Wikimedia Commons; however, the count below does not include these things.

In light of all of that, we encourage you to consider that edit count alone does not directly correlate with the effort put into improving Wikipedia, nor does it, in isolation, reflect actual competence, knowledge, or authority.

Also, of course, we encourage as many people as possible (including you!) to get involved, including those whose only edit may be to fix a simple typo or two. Everyone's contributions are equally welcome! Our records indicate that contributors ''not'' on this list provide the clear majority of edits on Wikipedia. When the total number of edits on this list reached 132,000,986, it included roughly 29% of all edits to this project at the time.<ref>Taken from data compiled on March 17, 2011.</ref>


The following charts therefore reflect only one measure of participation, that of edit counts. As already mentioned, this information should be understood in context.

== Charts and graphs ==
[[File:Top Wikipedians compared to the rest of the community, 8 January 2014.svg|thumb|Pie chart of all edits to the English Wikipedia, with a slice for each thousand of the 10,000 most active Wikipedians, and everyone else in light blue (as of 8 January 2014)]]
[[File:Top Wikipedian editors, 8 January 2014.svg|right|thumb|Pie chart that only shows edits for the 10,000 most active Wikipedians, one slice per thousand editors (as of 8 January 2014)]]
[[File:Top Wikipedian edit distribution, 8 January 2014.svg|right|thumb|Edit distribution for the 10,000 most active Wikipedians (as of 8 January 2014)]]
{{Wikistats}}
The charts and graphs are not as up to date as the lists, and are periodically updated.

== List of Wikipedians by number of edits ==

This is a list of Wikipedians sorted by edit count as of {{/Age}}. The list on this page is limited to the first 5,000 entries on the English language version of Wikipedia. It is continued at [[/5001–10000/]].

Note: [[Wikipedia:List of Wikipedians by number of edits/Unflagged bots|Unflagged bots]] have been removed entirely, and [[Wikipedia:List of Wikipedians by number of edits/Anonymous|users wishing to opt out]] have been replaced with "[Placeholder]".

A user name in black (unlinked) has not been used for editing in the last 30 days. This list is normally updated daily by a bot.

{{search box
|root=Wikipedia:List of Wikipedians by number of edits
|search-break=no
|search-width=22
|search-button-label=Search and find yourself!
}}

=== Key ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Code !! User group
|-
|{{Abbreviated user group|accountcreator}}
|| [[Wikipedia:Account creator|Account creator]]
|-
|{{Abbreviated user group|sysop}}
|| [[Wikipedia:Administrators|Administrator]]
|-
|{{Abbreviated user group|autoreviewer}}
|| [[Wikipedia:Autopatrolled|Autopatrolled]]
|-
|{{Abbreviated user group|bureaucrat}}
|| [[Wikipedia:Bureaucrats|Bureaucrat]]
|-
|{{Abbreviated user group|checkuser}}
|| [[Wikipedia:CheckUser|CheckUser]]
|-
|{{Abbreviated user group|confirmed}}
|| [[Wikipedia:User access levels#Confirmed|Confirmed]]
|-
|{{Abbreviated user group|extendedconfirmed}}
|| [[Wikipedia:User access levels#Extendedconfirmed|Extended confirmed]]
|-
|{{Abbreviated user group|abusefilter-helper}}
|| [[Wikipedia:Edit filter helper|Edit filter helper]]
|-
|{{Abbreviated user group|abusefilter}}
|| [[Wikipedia:Edit filter|Edit filter manager]]
|-
|{{Abbreviated user group|extendedmover}}
|| [[Wikipedia:Page mover|Extended mover]]
|-
|{{Abbreviated user group|eventcoordinator}}
|| [[Wikipedia:Event coordinator|Event coordinator]]
|-
|{{Abbreviated user group|filemover}}
|| [[Wikipedia:File mover|File mover]]
|-
|{{Abbreviated user group|import}}
|| [[Wikipedia:User access levels#Importers and Transwiki|Import]]
|-
|{{Abbreviated user group|ipblock-exempt}}
|| [[Wikipedia:IP block exemption|IPblock-exempt]]
|-
|{{Abbreviated user group|massmessage-sender}}
|| [[Wikipedia:Mass message senders|Mass message senders]]
|-
|{{Abbreviated user group|oversight}}
|| [[Wikipedia:Oversight|Oversighter]]
|-
|{{Abbreviated user group|patroller}}
|| [[Wikipedia:New pages patrol/Reviewers|New page reviewer]]
|-
|{{Abbreviated user group|rollbacker}}
|| [[Wikipedia:Rollback feature|Rollbacker]]
|-
|{{Abbreviated user group|researcher}}
|| [[Wikipedia:User access levels#Researcher|Researcher]]
|-
|{{Abbreviated user group|reviewer}}
|| [[Wikipedia:Reviewing pending changes|Pending changes reviewer]]
|-
|{{Abbreviated user group|templateeditor}}
|| [[Wikipedia:Template editor|Template editor]]
|}

{{/1–1000}}
{{/1001–2000}}
{{/2001–3000}}
{{/3001–4000}}
{{/4001–5000}}

===5001–10000===
Continued for [[/5001–10000/]] in a separate article.

== Past versions ==
Note: Due to changes in counting methodology, entries in this table may not be directly comparable to each other.
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! style="width: 11.5em;" | Versions !! #1 !! #200 !! #500 !!colspan=5| Notes
|-
| [{{fullurl:Wikipedia:List_of_Wikipedians_by_number_of_edits_until_March_2004|oldid=302589}} September 18, 2002] ||12,995||104|| ||colspan=5|
|-
| [{{fullurl:Wikipedia:List_of_Wikipedians_by_number_of_edits_until_March_2004|oldid=479388}} September 21, 2002] ||13,956||237|| ||colspan=5|
|-
| [{{fullurl:Wikipedia:List_of_Wikipedians_by_number_of_edits_until_March_2004|oldid=603348}} December 10, 2002] ||44,654||275|| ||colspan=5|
|-
| [{{fullurl:Wikipedia:List_of_Wikipedians_by_number_of_edits_until_March_2004|oldid=736629}} January 20, 2003] ||44,922||482|| ||colspan=5|
|-
| [{{fullurl:Wikipedia:List_of_Wikipedians_by_number_of_edits_until_March_2004|oldid=1010912}} March 10, 2003] ||45,006||634|| ||colspan=5|
|-
| [{{fullurl:Wikipedia:List_of_Wikipedians_by_number_of_edits_until_March_2004|oldid=1034449}} June 8, 2003] ||45,186||970|| ||colspan=5|
|-
| [{{fullurl:Wikipedia:List_of_Wikipedians_by_number_of_edits_until_March_2004|oldid=2774091}} August 8, 2003] ||52,887||1,080|| ||colspan=5| Position #2 was 52887. Position #1 was "Anonymous IP Edits" at 302658.
|-
| [{{fullurl:Wikipedia:List_of_Wikipedians_by_number_of_edits_until_March_2004|oldid=141594063}} March 12, 2004] ||49,116||2,068||690||colspan=5| Only main namespace edits
|-
| [{{fullurl:Wikipedia:List_of_Wikipedians_by_number_of_edits_until_10_April_2004|oldid=172087339}} April 10, 2004] ||49,095||2,386||792||colspan=5| Only main namespace edits
|-
| [{{fullurl:Wikipedia:List_of_Wikipedians_by_number_of_edits_until_April_24_2004|oldid=172087374}} April 24, 2004] ||49,066||2,433||837||colspan=5| Only main namespace edits
|-
| [{{fullurl:Wikipedia:List_of_Wikipedians_by_number_of_edits_until_7_May_2004|oldid=172087232}} May 7, 2004] ||56,778||3,519||1,207||colspan=5| From May 7, 2004 to March 11, 2006, counts here are for all namespaces. Page shows all and main namespaces as separate lists.
|-
| [{{fullurl:Wikipedia:List_of_Wikipedians_by_number_of_edits_until_22_May_2004|oldid=172087293}} May 22, 2004] ||57,220||3,658||1,286||colspan=5|
|-
| [{{fullurl:Wikipedia:List_of_Wikipedians_by_number_of_edits_until_12_June_2004|oldid=172087197}} June 12, 2004] ||62,892||3,868||1,447||colspan=5|
|-
! style="width: 11.5em;" | Versions !! #1 !! #200 !! #500 !! #1000 !!colspan=4| Notes
|-
| [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|oldid=4457555}} June 16, 2004] ||62,807||3,935||1,494||542||colspan=4| Through November 2006, these links are to older versions of this entire page. Counts here are for all namespaces.
|-
| [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|oldid=5117612}} July 1, 2004] ||58,431||3,971||1,492||550||colspan=4|
|-
| [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|oldid=5281675}} August 8, 2004] ||62,983||4,740||1,875||736||colspan=4|
|-
| [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|oldid=5496881}} August 14, 2004] ||62,446||4,910||1,926||766||colspan=4|
|-
| [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|oldid=5581867}} August 22, 2004] ||62,416||4,988||2,014||790||colspan=4|
|-
| [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|oldid=6039828}} August 29, 2004] ||62,390||5,136||2,084||823||colspan=4|
|-
| [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|oldid=6109531}} September 17, 2004] ||62,365||5,650||2,280||909||colspan=4|
|-
| [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|oldid=6527620}} September 22, 2004] ||62,362||5,671||2,317||923||colspan=4|
|-
| [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|oldid=7506103}} October 10, 2004] ||61,719||5,778||2,499||973||colspan=4| Except as noted, bot accounts are not ranked starting October 10, 2004.
|-
| [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|oldid=7682731}} November 8, 2004] ||62,143||6,211||2,726||1,116||colspan=4|
|-
| [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|oldid=7951614}} November 18, 2004] ||62,306||6,270||2,814||1,164||colspan=4|
|-
| [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|oldid=8505432}} November 29, 2004] ||63,069||6,369||2,887||1,241||colspan=4| Rambot broke the 100,000 barrier with 107,396 total edits.
|-
| [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|oldid=8827342}} December 17, 2004] ||63,790||6,582||3,018 ||1,315||colspan=4| Note that no specific date was given in lead, this is the revision date.
|-
| [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|oldid=9062815}} December 26, 2004] ||63,749||6,913||3,198||1,387||colspan=4| Note that no specific date was given in lead, this is the revision date.
|-
| [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|oldid=11426889}} December 2004 or January 3, 2005] ||140,845||7,367||3,309||1,068||colspan=4| Note that no specific date was given in lead, this is the revision date. Counts for January 3, 2005 include bot edits.
|-
| [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|oldid=12632422}} March 9, 2005] ||66,843||8,028||3,929||1,773||colspan=4|
|-
! style="width: 11.5em;" | Versions !! #1 !! #200 !! #500 !! #1000 !!colspan=4| Notes
|-
| [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|oldid=12882477}} April 21, 2005] ||67,494||8,529||4,283||1,956||colspan=4|
|-
| [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|oldid=19309320}} April 27, 2005] ||67,711||8,836||4,596||2,047||colspan=4|
|-
| [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|oldid=25562415}} July 24, 2005] ||69,551||11,286||5,680||2,832||colspan=4| List goes up to #1718 with 1501 edits.
|-
| [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|oldid=29548093}} October 15, 2005] ||78,308||13,324||6,896||3,729||colspan=4| List goes up to #2108 with 1501 edits.
|-
| [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|oldid=30564921}} November 29, 2005] ||140,518||15,149||7,744||4,354||colspan=4| Counts for November 29, 2005 include bot edits. List goes up to #2498 with 1501 edits.
|-
| [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|oldid=40260223}} December 11, 2005] ||86,858||11,897||6,786||3,936||colspan=4|
|-
| [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|oldid=72970876}} March 11, 2006] ||91,768||17,413||10,082||5,830||colspan=4| List goes up to #2500 at 2240 edits.
|-
| [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|oldid=88928806}} September 23, 2006] ||126,026||21,910||14,075||8,755||colspan=4| Starting on September 23, 2006, page shows only 1 list, presumably for all namespaces. List goes up to #2432 at 3984 edits.
|-
| [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|oldid=91983921}} November 4, 2006] ||148,516||23,850||15,125||9,556||colspan=4| List goes up to #2481 at 4355 edits.
|-
| [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/20061130}} November 30, 2006] ||155,273||24,746||15,756||9,965||colspan=4| This links only to the list, which has been transcluded in this page since December 2006. List goes up to #2483 at 4588 edits
|-
| [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/latest|oldid=129791600}} February 6, 2007] ||159,825||26,965||17,305||11,101||colspan=4| List goes up to 2474 at 5300 edits.
|-
| [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/latest|oldid=147592958}} May 27, 2007] ||164,487||29,976||19,342||12,930||colspan=4| List goes to 3175 at 5001 edits.
|-
| [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/latest|oldid=149573760}} July 16, 2007] ||163,415||31,349||20,431||13,704||colspan=4| List ends at 2465 with 6506 edits.
|-
| [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/latest|oldid=158415156}} August 2, 2007] ||163,858||31,909||20,667||13,884||colspan=4| List ends at 2692 with 6503 edits.
|-
| [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/latest|oldid=167227721}} September 12, 2007] ||169,537||33,838||21,741||14,836||colspan=4| List ends at 3790 with 5001 edits.
|-
| [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/latest|oldid=182598021}} December 22, 2007] ||176,393||37,091||24,018||16,345||colspan=4| List ends at 3952 with 5399 edits.
|-
| [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/latest|oldid=193938634}} January 20, 2008] ||177,557||37,703||24,715||16,808||colspan=4| List ends at 3950 with 5598 edits.
|-
! style="width: 11.5em;" | Versions !! #1 !! #200 !! #500 !! #1000 !! #4000 !!colspan=3| Notes
|-
| [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/latest|oldid=211163438}} March 11, 2008] ||173,842||38,958||25,185||17,156||5,659||colspan=3| Bot edits are included but not ranked.
|-
| [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/latest|oldid=221457407}} May 23, 2008] ||181,749||41,936||26,749||18,499||6,125||colspan=3|
|-
| [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/latest|oldid=230927254}} July 23, 2008] ||193,220||43,713||27,867||19,262|| ||colspan=3| List ends at 3999 with 6449 edits.
|-
| [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/latest|oldid=245446851}} September 16, 2008] ||208,707||48,059||30,555||20,905|| ||colspan=3| List ends at 3767 with 7506 edits.
|-
| [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/latest|oldid=254178277}} November 20, 2008] ||230,816||48,708||31,403||21,625|| ||colspan=3| List ends at 3923 with 7512 edits.
|-
| [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/latest|oldid=275238635}} February 25, 2009] ||293,562||52,160||33,910||23,248|| ||colspan=3| List ends at 3957 with 8038 edits.
|-
| [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/latest|oldid=286496598}} April 22, 2009] ||311,722||53,769||35,064||24,094||8,277||colspan=3| List ends at #4000
|-
| [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/latest|oldid=296521765}} June 10, 2009] ||321,475||55,568||36,109||24,805||8,533||colspan=3| List ends at #4000
|-
| [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/latest|oldid=299832287}} July 1, 2009] ||327,353||56,660||36,712||25,094||8,617||colspan=3| List ends at #4000
|-
| [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/latest|oldid=313857988}} September 9, 2009] ||355,235||58,547||38,066||25,971||8,933||colspan=3| List ends at #4000
|-
| [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/latest|oldid=320603488}} October 14, 2009] ||436,259|| 59,415||38,949||26,422||9,123||colspan=3| List ends at #4000
|-
| [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/latest|oldid=335140755}} December 30, 2009] ||637,438|| 62,362|| 40,589|| 27,496||9,469||colspan=3| List ends at #4000
|-
| [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/latest|oldid=358768997}} February 24, 2010] ||646,882|| 64,343|| 41,819|| 28,243||9,740||colspan=3| List ends at #4000
|-
| [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/latest|oldid=358768997}} April 28, 2010] ||656,488|| 67,037|| 43,196|| 28,895||10,033||colspan=3| List ends at #4000
|-
| [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/latest|oldid=370938927}} June 30, 2010] ||730,357|| 69,415|| 45,105|| 29,719||10,314||colspan=3| List ends at #4000
|-
| [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/latest|oldid=380867992}} August 25, 2010] ||738,398|| 71,497|| 46,094|| 30,400|| 10,528||colspan=3| List ends at 4000 with 10,528 edits.
|-
| [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/latest|oldid=394059785}} September 29, 2010] ||783,014|| 72,823|| 46,819|| 30,877|| 10,666||colspan=3| List ends at 4000 with 10,666 edits.
|-
| [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/latest|oldid=394186474}} October 27, 2010] ||791,589|| 73,463|| 47,211|| 31,202|| 10,821||colspan=3| List ends at 4000 with 10,821 edits.
|-
| [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/latest|oldid=400374841}} December 1, 2010] ||811,797|| 75,418|| 47,825|| 31,649|| 10,995||colspan=3| List ends at 4000 with 10,995 edits.
|-
| [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/latest|oldid=406094060}} January 5, 2011] ||824,856|| 77,008|| 48,708|| 32,016|| 11,137||colspan=3| List ends at 4000 with 11,137 edits.
|-
| [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/latest|oldid=416718001}} March 2, 2011] ||876,586|| 78,779|| 50,131|| 32,625|| 11,396||colspan=3| List ends at 4000 with 11,396 edits.
|-
! style="width: 11.5em;" | Versions !! #1 !! #200 !! #500 !! #1000 !! #4000 !! #5000 !! #10,000 !! Notes
|-
| [{{fullurl:User:MZMcBride/Sandbox_3|oldid=417909917}} March 9, 2011] ||878,178|| 78,959|| 50,191|| 32,717|| 11,426|| 9,168|| ||List ends at 5000 with 9,168 edits.
|-
| [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/latest|oldid=422954769}} April 6, 2011] ||881,640|| 79,500|| 50,627|| 33,102|| 11,562|| 9,270|| ||List ends at 5000 with 9,270 edits.
|-
| May 4, 2011 ||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=427393913}} 884,397]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=427393913}} 80,214]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=427393913}} 50,879]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=427393913}} 33,519]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/3001–4000|oldid=427394053}} 11,657]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/4001–5000|oldid=427394085}} 9,353]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/9001–10000|oldid=427394215}} 4,259]||List ends at 10,000 with 4,259 edits.
|-
| July 6, 2011 ||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=438002242}} 899,545]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=438002242}} 82,421]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=438002242}} 52,033]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=438002242}} 34,106]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/3001–4000|oldid=438002296}} 11,926]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/4001–5000|oldid=438002312}} 9,570]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/9001–10000|oldid=438002388}} 4,342]||List ends at 10,000 with 4,342 edits.
|-
| September 7, 2011 ||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=448891495}} 905,900]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=448891495}} 85,458]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=448891495}} 53,000]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=448891495}} 34,984]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/3001–4000|oldid=448891691}} 12,141]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/4001–5000|oldid=448891713}} 9,769]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/9001–10000|oldid=448891813}} 4,441]||List ends at 10,000 with 4,441 edits.
|-
| November 2, 2011 ||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=457438144}} 915,245]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=457438144}} 86,663]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=457438144}} 53,890]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=457438144}} 35,628]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/3001–4000|oldid=457438203}} 12,309]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/4001–5000|oldid=457438220}} 9,941]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/9001–10000|oldid=457438318}} 4,524]||List ends at 10,000 with 4,524 edits.
|-
| January 4, 2012 ||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=469453889}} 934,081]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=469453889}} 89,584]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=469453889}} 55,465]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=469453889}} 36,400]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/3001–4000|oldid=469453947}} 12,556]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/4001–5000|oldid=469453963}} 10,141]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/9001–10000|oldid=469454051}} 4,616]||List ends at 10,000 with 4,616 edits.
|-
| March 7, 2012 ||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=480610216}} 968,691]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=480610216}} 92,599]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=480610216}} 56,611]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=480610216}} 37,364]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/3001–4000|oldid=480610272}} 12,831]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/4001–5000|oldid=480610286}} 10,372]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/9001–10000|oldid=480610357}} 4,731]||List ends at 10,000 with 4,731 edits.
|-
| May 2, 2012 ||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=490246158}} 1,018,919]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=490246158}} 93,828]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=490246158}} 57,569]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=490246158}} 37,805]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/3001–4000|oldid=490246215}} 13,049]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/4001–5000|oldid=490246232}} 10,495]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/9001–10000|oldid=490246305}} 4,825]||List ends at 10,000 with 4,825 edits.
|-
| July 4, 2012 ||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=500600083}} 1,120,213]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=500600083}} 95,304]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=500600083}} 59,165]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=500600083}} 38,747]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/3001–4000|oldid=500600130}} 13,277]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/4001–5000|oldid=500600137}} 10,683]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/9001–10000|oldid=500600212}} 4,917]||List ends at 10,000 with 4,917 edits.
|-
| September 5, 2012 ||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=510867753}} 1,178,329]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=510867753}} 97,130]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=510867753}} 60,982]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=510867753}} 39,584]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/3001–4000|oldid=510867801}} 13,591]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/4001–5000|oldid=510867808}} 11,013]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/9001–10000|oldid=510867901}} 5,055]||List ends at 10,000 with 5,055 edits.
|-
| November 7, 2012 ||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=521779814}} 1,239,648]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=521779814}} 99,564]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=521779814}} 62,611]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=521779814}} 40,493]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/3001–4000|oldid=521779881}} 13,919]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/4001–5000|oldid=521779899}} 11,242]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/9001–10000|oldid=521779985}} 5,156]||List ends at 10,000 with 5,156 edits.
|-
| January 2, 2013 ||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=530867116}} 1,261,125]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=530867116}} 101,814]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=530867116}} 63,657]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=530867116}} 41,033]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/3001–4000|oldid=530867198}} 14,186]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/4001–5000|oldid=530867218}} 11,423]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/9001–10000|oldid=530867329}} 5,235]||List ends at 10,000 with 5,235 edits.
|-
| March 6, 2013 ||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=542324772}} 1,284,702]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=542324772}} 104,381]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=542324772}} 64,962]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=542324772}} 41,756]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/3001–4000|oldid=542324853}} 14,458]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/4001–5000|oldid=542324876}} 11,602]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/9001–10000|oldid=542324970}} 5,335]||List ends at 10,000 with 5,335 edits.
|-
| May 1, 2013 ||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=552994448}} 1,300,263]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=552994448}} 105,764]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=552994448}} 65,901]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=552994448}} 42,217]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/3001–4000|oldid=552994499}} 14,673]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/4001–5000|oldid=552994514}} 11,799]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/9001–10000|oldid=552994583}} 5,424]||List ends at 10,000 with 5,424 edits.
|-
| July 3, 2013 ||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=562646413}} 1,312,666]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=562646413}} 107,371]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=562646413}} 66,884]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=562646413}} 43,041]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/3001–4000|oldid=562646483}} 14,856]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/4001–5000|oldid=562646502}} 11,978]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/9001–10000|oldid=562646569}} 5,503]||List ends at 10,000 with 5,503 edits.
|-
| September 4, 2013 ||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=571469041}} 1,318,223]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=571469041}} 108,696]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=571469041}} 67,825]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=571469041}} 43,674]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/3001–4000|oldid=571469087}} 15,069]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/4001–5000|oldid=571469099}} 12,106]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/9001–10000|oldid=571469174}} 5,598]||List ends at 10,000 with 5,598 edits.
|-
| November 6, 2013 ||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=580408100}} 1,329,580]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=580408100}} 109,969]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=580408100}} 69,090]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=580408100}} 44,120]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/3001–4000|oldid=580408170}} 15,260]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/4001–5000|oldid=580408193}} 12,265]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/9001–10000|oldid=580408269}} 5,658]||List ends at 10,000 with 5,658 edits.
|-
| January 1, 2014 ||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=588619983}} 1,334,743]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=588619983}} 111,775]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=588619983}} 70,536]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=588619983}} 45,082]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/3001–4000|oldid=588620010}} 15,431]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/4001–5000|oldid=588620020}} 12,414]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/9001–10000|oldid=588620053}} 5,722]||List ends at 10,000 with 5,722 edits.
|-
| March 5, 2014 ||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=598214277}} 1,342,830]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=598214277}} 114,967]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=598214277}} 71,904]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=598214277}} 45,857]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/3001–4000|oldid=598214313}} 15,670]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/4001–5000|oldid=598214326}} 12,643]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/9001–10000|oldid=598214363}} 5,800]||List ends at 10,000 with 5,800 edits.
|-
| May 7, 2014 ||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=607435333}} 1,344,359]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=607435333}} 116,222]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=607435333}} 72,800]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=607435333}} 46,410]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/3001–4000|oldid=607435348}} 15,900]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/4001–5000|oldid=607435356}} 12,781]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/9001–10000|oldid=607435386}} 5,881]||List ends at 10,000 with 5,881 edits.
|-
| June 25, 2014 ||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=616978059}} 1,348,617]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=616978059}} 117,606]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=616978059}} 73,407]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=616978059}} 47,020]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/3001–4000|oldid=614319621}} 16,112]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/4001–5000|oldid=614319632}} 12,910]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/9001–10000|oldid=614319669}} 5,964]||List ends at 10,000 with 5,964 edits.
|-
! style="width: 11.5em;" | Versions !! #1 !! #200 !! #500 !! #1000 !! #4000 !! #5000 !! #10,000 !! Notes
|-
| August 1, 2014 ||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=619360397}} 1,314,117]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=619360397}} 118,202]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=619360397}} 74,032]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=619360397}} 47,103]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/3001–4000|oldid=619360433}} 16,135]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/4001–5000|oldid=619360444}} 12,942]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/9001–10000|oldid=619360484}} 6,006]||Deleted edits are removed.
|-
| September 3, 2014 ||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=623931776}} 1,315,614]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=623931776}} 119,248]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=623931776}} 74,487]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=623931776}} 47,748]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/3001–4000|oldid=623931822}} 16,256]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/4001–5000|oldid=623931839}} 12,979]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/9001–10000|oldid=623931892}} 6,010]||List ends at 10,000 with 6,010 edits.
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| November 5, 2014 ||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=632489692}} 1,347,210]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=632489692}} 121,113]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=632489692}} 75,697]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=632489692}} 48,538]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/3001–4000|oldid=632489734}} 16,412]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/4001–5000|oldid=632489742}} 13,153]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/9001–10000|oldid=632489793}} 6,082]||List ends at 10,000 with 6,082 edits.
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| January 7, 2015 ||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=641323933}} 1,368,319]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=641323933}} 124,548]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=641323933}} 76,521]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=641323933}} 49,228]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/3001–4000|oldid=641323954}} 16,630]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/4001–5000|oldid=641323965}} 13,281]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/9001–10000|oldid=641323991}} 6,175]||List ends at 10,000 with 6,175 edits.
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| March 4, 2015 ||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=649765319}} 1,468,734]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=649765319}} 125,953]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=649765319}} 77,217]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=649765319}} 49,925]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/3001–4000|oldid=649765339}} 16,863]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/4001–5000|oldid=649765352}} 13,449]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/9001–10000|oldid=649765386}} 6,257]||List ends at 10,000 with 6,257 edits.
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| April 30, 2015 ||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=659964516}} 1,476,941]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=659964516}} 127,993]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=659964516}} 78,367]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=659964516}} 50,462]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/3001–4000|oldid=659964550}} 17,075]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/4001–5000|oldid=659964559}} 13,609]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/9001–10000|oldid=659964613}} 6,327]||List ends at 10,000 with 6,327 edits.
|-
| July 1, 2015 ||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=669409187}} 1,480,249]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=669409187}} 130,675]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=669409187}} 79,982]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=669409187}} 51,021]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/3001–4000|oldid=669409204}} 17,276]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/4001–5000|oldid=669409215}} 13,820]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/9001–10000|oldid=669409240}} 6,415]||List ends at 10,000 with 6,415 edits.
|-
| September 2, 2015 ||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=679013539}} 1,483,705]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=679013539}} 132,776]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=679013539}} 81,280]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=679013539}} 51,571]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/3001–4000|oldid=679013586}} 17,456]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/4001–5000|oldid=679013594}} 14,014]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/9001–10000|oldid=679013639}} 6,507]||List ends at 10,000 with 6,507 edits.
|-
| November 4, 2015 ||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=688942892}} 1,493,737]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=688942892}} 134,470]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=688942892}} 82,157]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=688942892}} 52,218]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/3001–4000|oldid=688942921}} 17,694]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/4001–5000|oldid=688942935}} 14,221]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/9001–10000|oldid=688943002}} 6,601]||List ends at 10,000 with 6,601 edits.
|-
| January 5, 2016 ||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=698284085}} 1,528,293]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=698284085}} 136,593]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=698284085}} 83,548]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=698284085}} 52,992]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/3001–4000|oldid=698284110}} 17,944]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/4001–5000|oldid=698284112}} 14,414]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/9001–10000|oldid=698284146}} 6,682]||List ends at 10,000 with 6,682 edits.
|-
| March 2, 2016 ||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=707849512}} 1,576,276]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=707849512}} 138,032]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=707849512}} 84,651]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=707849512}} 53,873]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/3001–4000|oldid=707849534}} 18,156]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/4001–5000|oldid=707849539}} 14,564]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/9001–10000|oldid=707849571}} 6,760]||List ends at 10,000 with 6,760 edits.
|-
| May 4, 2016 ||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=718543730}} 1,632,959]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=718543730}} 141,152]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=718543730}} 86,215]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=718543730}} 54,407]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/3001–4000|oldid=718543751}} 18,364]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/4001–5000|oldid=718543760}} 14,708]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/9001–10000|oldid=718543785}} 6,839]||List ends at 10,000 with 6,839 edits.
|-
| July 6, 2016 ||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=728557771}} 1,727,902]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=728557771}} 144,390]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=728557771}} 87,229]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=728557771}} 55,117]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/3001–4000|oldid=728557804}} 18,596]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/4001–5000|oldid=728557809}} 14,892]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/9001–10000|oldid=728557844}} 6,920]||List ends at 10,000 with 6,920 edits.
|-
| September 7, 2016 ||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=738140358}} 1,867,018]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=738140358}} 144,960]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=738140358}} 88,497]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=738140358}} 55,729]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/3001–4000|oldid=738140377}} 18,767]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/4001–5000|oldid=738140380}} 15,064]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/9001–10000|oldid=738140397}} 6,996]||List ends at 10,000 with 6,996 edits.
|-
| November 2, 2016 ||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=747395494}} 2,025,874]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=747395494}} 147,031]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=747395494}} 88,853]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=747395494}} 56,430]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/3001–4000|oldid=747395517}} 18,937]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/4001–5000|oldid=747395522}} 15,213]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/9001–10000|oldid=747395550}} 7,050]||List ends at 10,000 with 7,050 edits.
|-
| January 4, 2017 ||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=758216970}} 2,142,675]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=758216970}} 149,624]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=758216970}} 90,044]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=758216970}} 57,386]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/3001–4000|oldid=758216986}} 19,168]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/4001–5000|oldid=758216997}} 15,422]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/9001–10000|oldid=758217021}} 7,140]||List ends at 10,000 with 7,140 edits.
|-
| March 1, 2017 ||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=767993567}} 2,156,779]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=767993567}} 151,649]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=767993567}} 90,994]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=767993567}} 58,215]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/3001–4000|oldid=767993591}} 19,426]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/4001–5000|oldid=767993598}} 15,603]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/9001–10000|oldid=767993622}} 7,230]||List ends at 10,000 with 7,230 edits.
|-
| May 3, 2017 ||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=778442000}} 2,169,795]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=778442000}} 153,608]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=778442000}} 92,490]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=778442000}} 58,828]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/3001–4000|oldid=778442025}} 19,666]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/4001–5000|oldid=778442040}} 15,815]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/9001–10000|oldid=778442081}} 7,320]||List ends at 10,000 with 7,320 edits.
|-
| July 5, 2017 ||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=789066709}} 2,190,355]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=789066709}} 155,703]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=789066709}} 94,053]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=789066709}} 59,734]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/3001–4000|oldid=789066738}} 19,854]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/4001–5000|oldid=789066744}} 15,953]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/9001–10000|oldid=789066781}} 7,424]||List ends at 10,000 with 7,424 edits.
|-
| September 6, 2017 ||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=799182443}} 2,203,279]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=799182443}} 156,743]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=799182443}} 95,071]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=799182443}} 60,429]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/3001–4000|oldid=799182460}} 20,078]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/4001–5000|oldid=799182465}} 16,152]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/9001–10000|oldid=799182503}} 7,518]||List ends at 10,000 with 7,518 edits.
|-
| November 1, 2017 ||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=808144742}} 2,213,961]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=808144742}} 157,937]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=808144742}} 95,604]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=808144742}} 61,284]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/3001–4000|oldid=808144760}} 20,317]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/4001–5000|oldid=808144766}} 16,347]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/9001–10000|oldid=808144794}} 7,599]||List ends at 10,000 with 7,599 edits.
|-
| January 3, 2018 ||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=818368745}} 2,225,308]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=818368745}} 159,507]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=818368745}} 96,771]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=818368745}} 61,905]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/3001–4000|oldid=818368761}} 20,509]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/4001–5000|oldid=818368767}} 16,547]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/9001–10000|oldid=818368790}} 7,680]||List ends at 10,000 with 7,680 edits.
|-
| March 7, 2018 ||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=829185603}} 2,363,740]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=829185603}} 163,006]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=829185603}} 97,606]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=829185603}} 62,713]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/3001–4000|oldid=829185634}} 20,692]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/4001–5000|oldid=829185637}} 16,724]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/9001–10000|oldid=829185658}} 7,774]||List ends at 10,000 with 7,774 edits.
|-
| May 2, 2018 ||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=839232455}} 2,456,717]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=839232455}} 164,628]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=839232455}} 98,769]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/1–1000|oldid=839232455}} 63,706]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/3001–4000|oldid=839232483}} 20,812]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/4001–5000|oldid=839232493}} 16,929]||[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}/9001–10000|oldid=839232524}} 7,872]||List ends at 10,000 with 7,872 edits.
|-
! style="width: 11.5em;" | Versions !! #1 !! #200 !! #500 !! #1000 !! #4000 !! #5000 !! #10,000 !! Notes
|}

== Userboxes ==
The following userboxes are for people who are on this list, were on this list, want to be on this list or even those who think this list is rather silly.

{{Wikipedia:Userboxes/Wikipedia/Stats and tools/edit count}}

== See also ==
* [[Wikipedia:List of bots by number of edits|Bots by number of edits]]
* [[meta:User:Emijrp/List of Wikimedians by number of edits|Global ranking Wikimedians by number of edits in particular projects]]
* [[Wikipedia:List of Wikipedians by article count|Wikipedians by article count]]
* [[Wikipedia:List of Wikipedians by number of recent edits|Wikipedians by number of recent edits]]
* [[Wikipedia:Editcountitis]]
* [[Wikipedia:List of Wikipedians by featured article nominations]]
* [[Wikipedia:Wikipediholic]]

== Notes ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* 
* [https://tools.wmflabs.org/supercount/ Supercount]
* [https://stats.wikimedia.org/EN/TablesWikipediaEN.htm#wikipedians stats.wikimedia.org includes top 50 at end of June 2006]

{{Wikipediholicism}}

[[Category:Lists of Wikipedians by number of edits| ]]
[[Category:Lists of Wikipedians by Wikipedia status|Number of edits]]

Vocal Spectrum

2018-04-04T09:56:38Z

Harry8: /* Discography */ IV now Christmas

{{Infobox musical artist
|name = '''Vocal Spectrum'''
|image =
|caption = left to right: Tim Waurick (tenor), Eric Dalbey (lead), Chris Hallam (bass) and Jonny Moroni (baritone)
|background = group_or_band
|origin =
|years_active = 2003–present
|label =
|website = [http://www.vocalspectrum.com Official site]
|genre = [[Barbershop music|Barbershop]]
|current_members = [[Tim Waurick]] – [[tenor]] Eric Dalbey – [[Melody|lead]] Jonny Moroni – [[baritone]] Chris Hallam – [[Basso|bass]]
|past_members = David Cassel – tenor (2003)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aicgold.com/2006-vocal-spectrum/ |title=2006 – Vocal Spectrum |publisher=Association of International Champions |access-date=February 28, 2017 }}</ref>
}}
'''Vocal Spectrum''' is a [[barbershop quartet]] from [[Saint Charles, Missouri|St. Charles]], [[Missouri]]. In 2004, Vocal Spectrum won the [[Barbershop Harmony Society]]'s International Collegiate Quartet Contest, and on July 8, 2006, they became [[List of quartet champions by year|International Champions]], winning the society's International Quartet Contest. A distinctive factor of the quartet is tenor [[Tim Waurick]]'s ability to sustain notes for upwards of 30 seconds,<ref>{{cite web |last=terfone16 |title=Cruella DeVille – Vocal Spectrum |date=April 20, 2011 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qukygSQjQTw&feature=youtu.be |accessdate=February 28, 2016 |publisher=YouTube |at=2:43–3:13 }}</ref> and the tenor's and lead's incredibly high note range,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.singers.com/item/Vocal_Spectrum/Vocal_Spectrum_3/5984c/ |title=Product Details – Vocal Spectrum: Vocal Spectrum 3 |access-date=February 28, 2017 |quote=The group's distinctive sound centers around the incredibly high vocal range of tenor Tim Waurick and lead Eric Dalbey. |website=singers.com |publisher=Primarily A Cappella }}</ref> featured in many of the group's recordings and live shows.

The quartet's run for the title is featured in the 2009 feature documentary ''[[American Harmony]]''.<ref>{{cite news |first=Joe |last=Leydon |url=http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117940873.html?categoryid=31&cs=1 |title=Review: 'American Harmony' |newspaper=Variety |date=August 20, 2009 |access-date=February 28, 2017 }}</ref>

==Background==
Vocal Spectrum began singing together in September 2003. Each member has graduated from [[Lindenwood University]] in St. Charles. Each member is also a member of [[Ambassadors of Harmony]], the [[List of chorus champions by year|International Chorus Champion]] of 2004, 2009, 2012, and 2016. As of the 2006 International Quartet Contest, Vocal Spectrum is the only quartet in history to capture three of the then-four (now five) possible BHS gold medals (Collegiate Quartet, Quartet, Chorus [as members of the Ambassadors of Harmony]).

The only championship that remains for Vocal Spectrum to win is the Barbershop Harmony Society's Senior quartet contest for which they will not become eligible for at least three decades (no member of a competing Senior Quartet can be younger than 55 years old, and the aggregate age of the quartet must equal or exceed 240 years [average age 60 or greater]).

==Members==
*[[Tim Waurick]] – tenor
**Tenor Section Leader of [[Ambassadors of Harmony]]
**Produces "TimTracks" barbershop learning tapes for Ambassadors of Harmony and other groups<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.timtracks.com/ |title=TimTracks |publisher=Tim Waurick |accessdate=October 30, 2013 }}</ref>
**Member of the Fantasy Gold Quartet along with Jeff Oxley, Tony DeRosa, and [[Joe Connelly (musician)|Joe Connelly]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timtracks.com/about.php |title=About Tim |publisher=Tim Waurick |accessdate=October 30, 2013 }}</ref>
*Eric Dalbey – lead
**Lead Section Leader of Ambassadors of Harmony
**Favorite song – Marian the Librarian
**Common soloist for Ambassadors of Harmony
*Jonny Moroni – baritone
**Baritone Section Leader of Ambassadors of Harmony
**Co-Director of Ambassadors of Harmony
*Chris Hallam – bass
**Non-performing member of Ambassadors of Harmony

==Awards==
The group's ''Vocal Spectrum II'' recording was awarded "Best Barbershop Album" by the [[Contemporary A Cappella Society]] in April 2009. The album's single, ''[[Go the Distance]]'', also won as "Best Barbershop Song".<ref>{{cite web | last=Hoffman | first=Julia | title=2009 Contemporary A Cappella Recording Award Winners | url=http://www.casa.org/node/4878 | date=April 1, 2009 | work=www.casa.org | publisher=Contemporary A Cappella Society | accessdate=2009-04-16 }}</ref>

==Discography==
*2006 – ''Vocal Spectrum''
*2008 – ''Vocal Spectrum II''
*2011 – ''Vocal Spectrum III''
*2013 – ''Vocal Spectrum IV'' (now ''Vocal Spectrum Christmas'')
*2016 – ''Vocal Spectrum V''

==See also==
*[[Barbershop music]]
*[[Ambassadors of Harmony]]
*[[Barbershop Harmony Society]]
*[[List of quartet champions by year]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.vocalspectrum.com Official website]
* [http://www.aicgold.com/2006-vocal-spectrum/ AIC entry]

{{s-start}}
{{succession box|
before=[[Realtime (quartet)|Realtime]]|
title=[[Barbershop Harmony Society|SPEBSQSA]] International [[List of quartet champions by year|Quartet Champions]]|
years=2006|
after=[[Max Q (quartet)|Max Q]]
}}
{{s-end}}

{{BHS_Navbox}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Professional a cappella groups]]
[[Category:Barbershop quartets]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 2003]]

Vehicle registration plates of Germany

2018-04-01T20:58:46Z

Harry8: /* Emission, safety test and registration sticker */ It's the district, nowadays it's the Zweckverband Zulassungsstelle Coburg

{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2017}}
'''German vehicle registration plates''' (''Kraftfahrzeug-Kennzeichen'' or, more colloquially, ''Nummernschilder'') indicate the place where the vehicle bearing them was once registered. Whenever German owners of a motor vehicle change their main place of residence within [[Germany]] or buy a car from a person living in a different city or [[Districts of Germany|county]] they have to have the vehicle documentation changed accordingly. In the process owners may opt for new license plates that reflect their place of residence or simply retain the old identifier and plates. The states of [[Hesse]], [[Schleswig-Holstein]], [[Brandenburg]], [[Saxony]], [[Thuringia]] and [[North Rhine-Westphalia]] were the first ones to create laws so that owners were no longer obliged to change license plates if they were changing residence within the respective state. A nationwide law has since been passed by the federal government and went into effect on 1 January 2015.<ref>
{{cite web |url=http://www.vz-nrw.de/energie-und-verkehr#kfzkennzeichenhhauchfuerfrankfurter |title=Kfz-Kennzeichen: HH auch für Frankfurter |accessdate=9 December 2014 |author=Verbraucherzentrale Nordrhein-Westfalen e.V. |date=2 December 2014 }}
</ref> From this time on, it is generally not possible anymore to tell the owner's place of residence just from looking at the plates.

The option to be assigned temporary plates allows owners a financial saving in the case they have vehicles (e.g. motorcycles) which they intend to drive only during one particular part of the year. While temporary plates can only be used for the time printed on them and new ones have to be assigned and bought if the vehicle is supposed to be on public roads later on there is no need to renew regular plates periodically. German motor vehicle tax is paid independently of the license plates by annual direct debit from a bank account.

As of 2007, new number plates normally cost around €30, while the cost of de-registering a vehicle and re-registering it with new plates is between €10 and €40. The license plates themselves are not made by the registration office but by independent for-profit stores that are usually located in the same building as the registration office or close by. Upon successful registration the applicant is merely given a slip of paper with the assigned number that can be presented at any store that makes plates. Sometimes there are several stores in the vicinity of the registration office with prices for plates dropping the further the store is away from the registration office. Once the plates are made, which is a matter of minutes, the owner must return to the registration office with them, pay the costs for registration and then the required registration seal and safety test stickers are applied to the plates making them legal for use in traffic.

If ownership of a vehicle is permanently transferred to a new owner who lives in the same city/region then the registration number may remain unchanged. Administration fees are, however, still payable in respect of the necessary changes to the vehicle's official documentation. Many people however will change the license plates even if it is not necessary in order to personalize them.

==Format==
[[File:KFZmod.png|thumb|200px|right|The post-1994 German number plate format (FE-style)]]
[[File:Plate-KA-RR232.JPG|thumb|200px|right|The pre-1994 German number plate format (DIN-style), no longer issued but still in use.]]
[[File:Kfz-Kennzeichen in Deutschland.svg|thumb|300 px|Map of German districts and their license plate codes]]
The present German number plate format has been in use since 1994. As with many plates for countries within the [[European Union]], a blue strip on the left shows a shortened [[List of international vehicle registration codes|country code]] in white text ('''D''' for ''Deutschland'' = Germany) and the [[Flag of Europe]] (12 golden stars forming a circle on a blue background).

The rest of the license plate uses black print on a white background. Just after the country code strip is a one, two or three letter abbreviation, which represents the city or region where the car was registered, such as B for [[Berlin]]. These letters formerly coincide with the [[Districts of Germany|German districts]]. Since 2013 the letters were extended to former districts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kfz-mag.de/kfz-kennzeichen-deutschland-166152 |title=Kfz-Kennzeichen Deutschland |publisher=KFZ-MAG.de |date=24 August 2014 |accessdate=14 July 2017}}</ref> In some cases an [[Urban districts of Germany|urban district]] and the surrounding non-urban district share the same letter code. Where this happens, the number of the following letters and digits is usually different. For example, the urban district of [[Straubing]] (SR) has one letter after the code (SR - A 123). The surrounding district [[Straubing-Bogen]] has two letters (SR - AB 123) after the code. However, these different systems are being used in fewer cases, as many cities that share their code with the surrounding rural districts have started using all codes for both districts without any distinction; the city of [[Regensburg]], for example, and the surrounding [[Regensburg (district)|rural district Regensburg]] used different systems only until 2007.

The number of letters in the city/region prefix code mostly reflects the size of the district. The basic idea was to even out the number of digits on all license plates, because the largest districts would have more digits after the prefix for more cars. The largest German cities generally only have one-letter codes (B=[[Berlin]], M=[[Munich]], K=[[Cologne]] (''Köln''), F=[[Frankfurt]], L=[[Leipzig]], S=[[Stuttgart]]), most other districts in Germany have two or three letter codes. Therefore, cities or districts with fewer letters are generally assumed to be bigger and more important. Reflecting that, most districts tried to get a combination with fewer letters for their prefix code. <ref>http://matriculasdelmundo.com/alemania.html | Codes of Germany (13 September 2017)</ref>

Districts in eastern Germany usually have more letters, for two reasons: {{citation needed|date=November 2015}}
* Fewer people live in eastern German districts, so the number of cars registered is smaller and hence the use of three letter codes.
* With the introduction of the current system on 1 July 1956 in then West Germany including [[West Berlin|Berlin (West)]], letters had been reserved for all east German districts of that time. However, a lot of those districts were changed over the years, and in 1990 after [[German reunification]], many of the possible shorter combinations had already been used up in western Germany.

There are a number of exceptions e.g. Germany's second largest city [[Hamburg]] (HH, Hansestadt Hamburg, because of its historical membership in the [[Hanseatic League]], reflected already in its prefix used between 1906 and 1945). Similar is the case of the cities of [[Bremen]] and [[Bremerhaven]], forming the state [[Bremen (state)|Free Hanseatic City of Bremen]], sharing the common prefix HB (1906–1947, and again since 1956), differentiated by the number of letters and digits added. {{citation needed|date=November 2015}}

In 1956 [[Lübeck]] also received its former prefix HL, already used between 1906 and 1937, when its statehood was abolished. In analogy to these three northwestern cities, but without historical examples of formerly issued prefixes, four northeastern Hanseatic cities, [[Greifswald]], [[Rostock]], [[Stralsund]] and [[Wismar]], chose the prefixes HGW, HRO, HST and HWI, since the shorter HG ([[Hochtaunuskreis]], capital: Bad Homburg vor der Höhe), HR ([[Schwalm-Eder-Kreis]], capital: [[Homberg (Efze)|Homberg]]), HS ([[Kreis Heinsberg]]) and HW (Kreis Halle in Westphalia) were already taken by west German districts.

More west German districts have prefixes derived from the names of their capitals: [[Ammerland]] (WST, after Westerstede), [[Dithmarschen]] (HEI, after Heide in Dithmarschen), [[Harburg (district)|Harburg]] (WL, after Winsen upon Luhe), [[Herzogtum Lauenburg]] (RZ, after Ratzeburg) etc.

The letter "G" was reserved for the east German city of [[Gera]], although it is much smaller than the west German [[Gelsenkirchen]] ("GE"). The letter "L" had been reserved for Leipzig, but in 1977 it was assigned to the newly formed city of [[Lahn, Hesse|Lahn]], and the rural district [[Lahn-Dill-Kreis]]. This casts some light on how unlikely a reunification was regarded at that time. In 1990, Leipzig claimed back the letter "L", and it was reassigned, and Lahn-Dill-Kreis had to change to LDK.

The reason for this scheme is however not to display size or location, but simply to have enough combinations available within the maximum length of eight characters per plate.

After the location name there are the round vehicle safety test and registration seal stickers (see below) placed above each other. The registration sticker is the bottom one. For vehicles that are required to bear a front and rear plate the front plate nowadays only features the registration seal sticker. Before 2010, in which year the emission test became a part of the vehicle safety test, the hexagonal emission test sticker was placed above it. The stickers are followed by one or two usually random letters and one to four usually random numbers. The total quantity of letters and numbers on the plate is never higher than eight. Identifiers consisting of one letter with low numbers are normally reserved for motorcycle use since there is less space for plates on these vehicles.

A problem with this scheme is that the space between geographic identifier and random letters is a significant character and must be considered when writing down a number. For example, B MW 555 is not the same number as BM W 555. The confusion can be avoided by writing a hyphen after the city code, as in the old number plates, like B-MW 555. For this reason, the police will always radio the location name and spell out the next letters using the German [[German phonetic alphabet|telephone alphabet]], which varies somewhat from the English one. Thus, B MW 555 would be radioed as "[[Berlin]], Martha, Wilhelm, fünf-fünf-fünf" and BM W 555 as "[[Rhein-Erft-Kreis|Bergheim]], Wilhelm, fünf-fünf-fünf".

[[File:Toyota Celica Gr.A 002.JPG|thumb|The Köln-based Toyota Team Europe prepared Celica GT-Four rally car with Köln (Cologne) license plate. Note the plate starts with "K".]]

For an extra charge of €10.20 car owners can also register a personalized identifier. Car owners can only choose the numbers or letters instead of the random ones at the end, provided of course they are not yet taken and not a prohibited combination. For example, people living in the town of Pirna might choose ''PIR-AT 77'', "Pirat" being the [[German language|German]] for "pirate". [[Kiel]] is one of few places (others are Brake (capital of the district of [[Wesermarsch]]), Cham, Daun, Emden, Halle, Hamm, Heide, Herne, Hof, Kleve, Kusel, Lauf, Lünen, Pirna, Plön, Regen, Rehau, Selb, Ulm, Unna and Wesel) where the number plate can be the city name: 'KI-EL'. In most cases of personalized plates people choose their initials and a number reflecting their birthdate. In this fashion fictional Mrs. Ulrike Mustermann, born 2 May 1965 and living in Essen would choose 'E UM 2565' for her car. Note that dates are given in the format DDMMYY in Germany.

Germany includes diacritical marks in the letters of some codes, that is the letters Ö and Ü. Such a thing is rarely done in other European countries, but also appears on regular [[Vehicle registration plates of Bosnia and Herzegovina|Bosnian]], [[Vehicle registration plates of Croatia|Croatian]] and [[Vehicle registration plates of Serbia|Serbian]](letters Č, Š and Ž), [[Vehicle registration plates of Finland|Åland registration plates]] (letter Å), as well as on [[Vehicle registration plates of Sweden#Personal plates|Swedish]] (letters Å, Ä and Ö) and [[Vehicle registration plates of Denmark|Danish]] (letters Æ, Ø and Å) personal registration plates. In Germany there are no two codes where the only difference is that one letter O and Q, the only pair of codes with the letters I and J is IL for Landkreis Ilmenau and JL for Landkreis Jerichower Land.

[[BMW]], owner of [[Mini (marque)|Mini]], registers all Mini press/marketing cars in the city of [[Minden]], which holds the code ''MI'', to get "MI-NI" number plates for the cars. BMW itself is based in Munich, yet "M-INI" plates are not possible to issue, as three letters after the district code are not permitted.

===Prohibited combinations===
Various combinations that could be considered politically unacceptable – mainly due to implications relating to [[Nazi Germany]] – are disallowed or otherwise avoided.<ref>[http://www.sueddeutsche.de/muenchen/behoerdenfehler-m-ah-ist-durchgerutscht-1.2683534 M-AH 8888 ist durchgerutscht] {{de icon}} ''[[Sueddeutsche Zeitung]]'', published: 9 October 2015, accessed: 9 October 2015</ref> The district [[Sächsische Schweiz]] used the name of its main town, Pirna, in its code ''PIR'', to avoid the use of ''[[Schutzstaffel|SS]]'', the name of the paramilitary organization; similarly ''[[Sturmabteilung|SA]]'' is also unused. Although between 1945 and 1949 the French occupation force used the combination SA followed by the double-digit numbers 01 to 08 for the then seven rural districts in the [[Saar (protectorate)|Saar Protectorate]] and its capital [[Saarbrücken]]. In 2004 in [[Nuremberg]], a car owner was refused a number plate beginning N-PD because of the connection to the political party the [[National Democratic Party of Germany|NPD]].{{Citation needed|date=January 2010}} The combinations [[Starnberg (district)|STA]]-SI, [[Dithmarschen|HEI]]-L, [[Steinburg|IZ]]-AN and [[Warendorf|WAF]]-FE are also avoided, to avoid association with [[Stasi]], the [[Nazi salute]], NAZI backwards and the German word for weapon respectively.

[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen mit Erkennungsnummer NS.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Example of banned combination (NS) which was issued accidentally.]]
Banned combinations also include the Nazi abbreviations HJ (''Hitlerjugend'', [[Hitler Youth]]), NS (''Nationalsozialismus'', [[Nazism|National Socialism]]), SA (''[[Sturmabteilung]]''), SS (''[[Schutzstaffel]]''), KZ (''Konzentrationslager'', [[Internment|concentration camp]]) and often SD (''[[Sicherheitsdienst]]''). Some registration offices have overlooked this rule by mistake, however, and there are a few cars registered carrying prohibited codes, such as ''B-SS 12''. Some counties also allow these combinations if they are the initials of the owner (e.g., '''N'''orbert '''S'''chmidt might be able to get XX-NS 1234), but in this case, if the car is sold and re-registered in the same county by the new owner, the number can be changed (otherwise the number stays with the car until it registered in a different area). However, the combination ''HH'' (which could be interpreted as ''[[Nazi salute|Heil Hitler]]'') is used for the city of [[Hamburg]], first introduced in 1906. It stands for the city's title ''Hansestadt Hamburg'' ([[Hanseatic League|Hanseatic]] City of Hamburg). The combination ''AH'' (which could be interpreted as ''[[Adolf Hitler]]'') is used for the district of Borken. It is derived from [[Ahaus]] that had its own district until 1974.

In Brandenburg no new plates that are related to Hitler, the Hitler salute, other [[Nazi symbolism|Nazi symbols]], etc. can be issued, especially plates that have digits 1888, 8818, 8888 or ending in 88, 888, 188. The combinations AH 18 and HH 18 cannot also be issued to new owners.<ref>{{cite news|title=Verschärfte Regeln gegen Nazi-Autokennzeichen|trans-title=Stricter rules against Nazi plates|url=http://www.rp-online.de/panorama/deutschland/verschaerfte-regeln-gegen-nazi-autokennzeichen-aid-1.2003785|work=Rheinische Post|date=18 September 2010|language=German}}</ref>

Other combinations affected are [[Burglengenfeld|BUL]]-LE,<ref>{{cite news|title=Autokennzeichen "BUL-LE" aus dem Verkehr gezogen|trans-title=Car plate sign "BUL-LE" withdrawn from circulation|url=https://www.welt.de/regionales/muenchen/article118973436/Autokennzeichen-BUL-LE-aus-dem-Verkehr-gezogen.html|work=Die Welt|date=13 August 2013|language=German}}</ref> [[Moers|MO]]-RD<ref>{{cite news|title=30 Moerser wollten Kennzeichen MO-RD|trans-title=30 Moers people wanted plate "MO-RD"|url=http://www.rp-online.de/nrw/staedte/moers/30-moerser-wollten-kennzeichen-mo-rd-aid-1.3066626|work=Rheinische Post|date=13 November 2012|language=German}}</ref> and [[Siegburg|SU]]-FF.<ref>{{cite web|title=Wunschkennzeichen Rhein-Sieg-Kreis|url=https://195.243.129.188/igv/servlet/Internetgeschaeftsvorfaelle?AUFRUF=WKZ_RSK|language=German|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304080346/https://195.243.129.188/igv/servlet/Internetgeschaeftsvorfaelle?AUFRUF=WKZ_RSK|archivedate=4 March 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

===History===
The first German licence plates that had a lettering plan were issued from 1906 onwards. Berlin for example was using I A (I for Prussia), Munich II A (II for Bavaria), Stuttgart III A (III for [[Free People's State of Württemberg|Württemberg]]). Other German states used further Roman numbers such as IV ([[Republic of Baden|Baden]]), V ([[People's State of Hesse|Hesse]]), and VI ([[Alsace-Lorraine]]; now France). Many states used prefixes derived from the state names, such as B ([[Free State of Brunswick|Brunswick]]), HB (Bremen), HH (Hamburg), and HL ([[Free City of Lübeck|Lübeck]]), the latter three used again for the same entities since 1956. Other bigger cities: IV B Baden (Heidelberg, Mannheim, Karlsruhe, Freiburg, Lake Constance), II N cities of [[Nuremberg]] and [[Fürth]]. The Prussian provinces had the following prefixes: I E [[Province of Brandenburg]] (to a minor part now Poland), I C [[Province of East Prussia]] (now divided between Lithuania, Poland and Russia), I S [[Province of Hannover]], I T [[Province of Hesse-Nassau]] (Today Frankfurt, State of Hessen and neighboring counties), I L [[Province of Hohenzollern]], I Z [[Rhine Province]] (Cologne, Düsseldorf and other large cities in the Ruhr Area), I H [[Province of Pomerania (1815–1945)|Province of Pomerania]] (now prevailingly Poland), I Y [[Province of Posen]] (now Poland), I B Province of [[Posen-West Prussia]] (now Poland), I M [[Province of Saxony]], I P [[Province of Schleswig-Holstein]], I K [[Province of Silesia]] (now mostly Poland), I X [[Province of Westphalia]], and finally I D [[Province of West Prussia]] (now Poland).

During World War I the German Army was assigned the combination MK for "Militärkraftwagen des Deutschen Heeres", military vehicles of the German Army. After World War I, during the Weimar Republic, the German Army used RW for "Reichswehr".

====Third Reich era====
During the Nazi regime (1933–1945) new combinations were issued: DR, [[Deutsche Reichsbahn]] (German state railway); OT, [[Organisation Todt]] (civil and military engineering); POL, [[Ordnungspolizei|Deutsche Polizei / "Orpo"]] (police); RAD, [[Reichsarbeitsdienst]] (state labour service); RK, [[German Red Cross|Deutsches Rotes Kreuz]] (Red Cross); SS, [[Schutzstaffel]] ("protection squadron", using the [[Runic insignia of the Schutzstaffel|''doppelte Siegrune'' (double sig rune) insignia designed by Walter Heck in 1933]]); WH, [[German Army (Wehrmacht)|''Wehrmacht Heer'']]; WL, [[Luftwaffe|''Wehrmacht Luftwaffe'']] (air force); WM, [[Kriegsmarine|''Wehrmacht Kriegsmarine'']] (navy); WT, Wehrmacht Straßentransportdienst (army transport service).

====Postwar West Germany====
[[File:Germany occupation 1947 license plate graphic.png|thumb|right|occupation 1947 license plate]]
[[File:Germany occupation 1955 license plate graphic.png|thumb|right|occupation 1955 license plate]]
From 1945 to 1956 there were lettering combinations assigned by the allied forces. Examples:
BY [[Bavaria|Bavaria (Bayern)]] 1946–1947, AB Bavaria (American Zone, Bavaria) 1948–1956, B Bavaria 1950–1956.
HE [[Hesse]] 1946–1947, AH Hesse (American Zone, Hesse) 1948–1956, H Hesse, 1950–1956.
AW Württemberg-Baden 1948–1956, W Württemberg-Baden, 1950–1956, WB Württemberg-Baden 1950–1956.
БM (=BM, for motor bikes) 1945–1946, ГФ (=GF; cars, lorries, and busses) Berlin 1945–1946, БГ (=BG; cars, lorries, and busses) Berlin 1945–1947, ГM (=GM, for motor bikes) Berlin 1945–1947, KB Berlin 1947–1948, GB East-Berlin 1948–1953, KB West-Berlin 1948-1956.
MGH Hamburg 1945, H Hamburg 1945–1947, HG Hamburg 1947, BH Hamburg 1948–1956.
BD Baden 1945–1949, FB Baden 1949–1956.
WT Württemberg-Hohenzollern 1945–1949, FW Württemberg-Hohenzollern 1949–1956.

In July 1956 the current system was introduced in then West Germany, replacing the post-war system which was based on [[Allied Occupation Zones in Germany|occupation zones]].

As West German districts were extensively rearranged in the early 1970s, many prefix codes expired and new ones were created at that time. However, number plates issued before these rearrangements remain valid, providing the vehicle is still in use and has not been reregistered since. So it was still possible, if rare, to see a [[classic car]] with registration codes of administrative units that have not existed for over 30 years (e.g. EIN = [[Einbeck]]). Since November 2012 some districts allow reissuing on request of these expired prefix codes, e.g. instead of WES- in the district of Wesel, MO- as used for the former district of Moers and DIN- as used for the former district of Dinslaken.

When originally planned, the system included codes for districts in Eastern Germany which were to be reserved until [[German reunification|reunification]]. That included the territory of the [[German Democratic Republic|GDR]] as well as the territories [[Oder-Neisse line|annexed]] to [[Poland]] and the [[Soviet Union]] after [[World War II]], which West Germany's government still claimed in that era until about 1970. When reunification came in 1990, the reserved codes (e.g. P for [[Potsdam]]) were indeed issued to East German districts in January 1991 as originally planned and as they existed at that time. However, districts in East Germany were rearranged again in the mid-1990s, thus many of these codes have expired, but can likewise still be seen on older vehicles.

One example of a reserved code being reused before reunification was the letter L which was originally planned for [[Leipzig]], but was given to the newly formed [[Hesse|Hessian]] city of [[Lahn, Hesse|Lahn]] and the district [[Lahn-Dill-Kreis]] in 1977 as hopes for reunification faded away. After the rather unexpected reunification the L was returned to the city of Leipzig and the Lahn-Dill-Kreis was issued with LDK instead.

Another reserved code was G for [[Gera]]. In the 1980s the West German TV series "Der Fahnder"[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088517/] G was an imaginary large city in the [[Ruhrgebiet]] area.

===Typeface===
Modern German plates use a typeface called [[FE-Schrift]] ("fälschungserschwerende Schrift", tamper-hindering script). It is designed so that the ''O'' cannot be painted to look like a ''Q'', and vice versa; nor can the ''P'' be painted to resemble an ''R'', among other changes. This typeface can also more easily be read by [[optical character recognition]] software for [[automatic number plate recognition]] than the old [[DIN 1451]] script.

===Special codes===
Certain types of vehicle bear special codes:
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für historische Fahrzeuge (H-Kennzeichen).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Plate for vintage cars]]
* '''[[Classic car]]s''' (known in German by the [[pseudo-English]] expression ''Oldtimer'') can get an H (''historisch'', [[Antique vehicle registration|historic]]) at the end of the plate, such as ''[[Cologne|K]]-AA 100H'' in order to preserve the so-called "vehicle of cultural value" ("kraftfahrtechnisches Kulturgut"). It also includes a flat tax of appr. [[euro|€]]190 per year. It is popular to choose the digits so that they indicate the car's year of manufacture. The requirements for a vehicle for an H-Plate are:
**The first documented registration lies at least 30 years in the past.
**The car must be in mostly original and preservation worthy condition. Preservation worthy means a grade C by popular car grading standards. The older the car, the more signs of usage it can show. This purely concerns the car's appearance, the road worthiness is established by separate mandatory safety inspections. Universally accepted modifications include changes that benefit safety, such as seat belts and disc brakes, and environmental friendliness, such as catalytic converters and LPG conversions (if invisible from the outside). Further modifications that are generally accepted are those contemporary of the car's first registration (plus and minus 10 years, burden of proof lies with the owner through historic material such as photographs) and new paintjobs of any color, including two tone paint if originally offered and historic company logos, but no murals or custom patterns.
[[File:German electric car license plate.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Plate for Plug-in electric vehicle]]
*'''[[Plug-in electric vehicle]]s'''. The 2015 Electric Mobility Act authorized issuing special license plates for plug-in electric vehicles to allow proper identification to avoid abuses of these privileges.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.spiegel.de/auto/aktuell/bundestag-beschliesst-elektromobilitaetsgesetz-a-1022098.html|title=Elektromobilitätsgesetz:Bundestag beschließt Vorfahrt für E-Autos|language=German|trans-title=Electric Mobility Act: Bundestag passes priority for electric cars|author=Staff|work=[[Spiegel Online]] |date=6 March 2015|accessdate=14 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.kfz-betrieb.vogel.de/verbaendeundpolitik/politik/articles/479501/?cmp=nl-125|title=Bundestag will Vorfahrt für E-Autos|language=German|trans-title=Bundestag wants Priority for electric cars|author=Staff|work=KFZ-betrieb|date=5 March 2015|accessdate=14 March 2015}}{{dead link|date=February 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> The special license plate adds the letter "E" at the end of the license number. Owners of [[all-electric car]]s and [[plug-in hybrid]]s with a minimum all-electric range of {{Convert|30|km|abbr=on}} can apply for the special license. The minimum range for eligible plug-in hybrids goes up to {{Convert|40|km|abbr=on}} from 1 January 2018.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.autobild.de/artikel/e-kennzeichen-autokennzeichen-fuer-elektroautos-5642890.html |title="E" wie Elektroauto |language=German |trans-title="E" as electric car |author=Staff|work=[[Autobild]] |date=29 September 2015 |accessdate=23 October 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.focus.de/auto/elektroauto/e-kennzeichen-elektroautos-mit-diesem-nummernschild-parken-sie-jetzt-umsonst_id_5592119.html |title=E-Kennzeichen und ElektromobilitätsgesetzMit diesem Nummernschild parken Sie jetzt umsonst |language=German |trans-title=E-Marks and Electromobility Act: With this number plate you park now for free | first=Sebastian |last=Viehmann|work=[[Focus (German magazine)|Focus]] |date=3 June 2016|accessdate=23 October 2016}}</ref>

[[File:GERMANY, DACHAU motorcycle license plate seasonal - Flickr - woody1778a.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Seasonal number plate, registration valid from 1 March to 31 October of each year]]
* Cars (or more often, motorbikes) with '''seasonal number plates''' have two numbers at the end of the plate indicating the months between which they are registered to drive, with the licence being valid from the start of the upper month until the end of the lower month. This results in lower car taxes, as well lower insurance premiums.
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für Behördenfahrzeuge (Nummernbereich 3).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Official registered vehicle (here: fire brigade)]]
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für Behördenfahrzeuge (Nummernbereich 8).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Official registered vehicle for disaster relief]]
* Until the legal reforms of 2006, '''Official cars''' such as police, fire fighting and municipality vehicles did not carry a letter after the sticker, such as ''M-1234''. These included:
** vehicles of the district government: 1-199, 1000-1999, 10000-19999
** vehicles of the local government (for example: fire brigade): 200-299, 2000-2999, 20000-29999, 300-399
** police: 3000-3999, 7000-7999, 30000-39999, 70000-79999
** disaster relief (mostly changed "THW", see below): 8000-8999, 80000-89999

This style of plate is no longer issued, but many official vehicles which were registered before 2006 still carry this type of plate.

A similar style of issue is used by some municipalities to '''consular or diplomatic vehicles''' in the form Aaa-9NNn (example: D-921). Unlike the other style of diplomatic/consular plates issued in Berlin and Bonn, this plate does not indicate the nationality of the mission.

[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für steuerbefreite Fahrzeuge (grüne Schrift).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Plate for tax-exempt vehicles]]
* Vehicles which are '''exempt from vehicle taxes''' (for example [[ambulance]]s, [[tractor]]s, agricultural trailers, trailers for boats or trailers for gliders) have green print on a white background plate. Regular trailers for lorries can be exempted from tax if the owner agrees to pay an increased tax on the vehicle which tows the trailer. There is also a tax exemption for trailers for which the owner agrees to hand over his trailer without payment to the armed forces (if Germany is in a state of emergency or defence).
[[File:Deutsches Kurzzeit-KFZ-Kennzeichen.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Special temporary plate for vehicles in Germany (Kurzzeit-Kennzeichen)]]
* Vehicles which have '''not been registered''' (because they are for transfer within Germany) have to carry short-term plates valid only for five days. The code starts with the numbers ''04'', e.g. ''DD-04000'', and the plate has a yellow strip on the right showing when they are valid. The date is listed numerically, on three lines, reading day, month, year, with two digits each. The vehicle need not have a valid technical inspection, however it must be technically fit to be operated in public. Insurance premiums are quite high, appr. [[euro|€]]100 for the above-mentioned 5 days. Most insurance companies credit this premium if the car is registered as a normal car with the same insurance company after these 5 days.
[[File:Rotes DIN-Kennzeichen 06.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Special plate (red colour, old DIN-style) for dealer's cars for test drives. (Registration office: Würzburg)]]
* '''[[Car dealership|Car dealer]]s'''' plates are in red print on a white background, and the code begins with ''06''. Red plates may be attached to cars which are changing hands, such as the test run of unregistered cars, and the [[liability insurance]] is connected to the plate, not a specific car.
* '''Car collectors''': Red plates starting with the number 07 are reserved for collectors of vintage cars. Originally, vintage cars had a required minimum age of 20 years from first registering. Since April 2007 onwards the required minimum age has been 30 years. Plates issued under the old 20 years rule remained valid after this date. The collectors must get an official certificate of approval (such as no criminal records). They are allowed to use one set of plates on any of their cars under the condition that they keep a strict record of use. No day-to-day use of the cars is allowed. A valid official technical inspection is not mandatory but the cars have to be technically fit for use on public roads.
[[File:Deutsche Ausfuhr-Kfz-Kennzeichen (Export).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Special plate for vehicles to be exported (Ausfuhrkennzeichen)]]
[[File:License plate of Germany for export vehicles.png|thumb|200px|right|Former special plate for vehicles to be exported (Zollkennzeichen) - no longer in use. It was replaced by the Ausfuhrkennzeichen in the 1980s]]
*'''Export plates''' (also known as "Ausfuhrkennzeichen", customs plates) are used for exporting vehicles abroad. The plates are the only ones which do not have the blue Euro strip on the left and the owner does not have to be a German resident to register the car. The date on the red strip on the right hand side does not show the expiration date of the plate; instead it shows the expiration date of the vehicle insurance. After this date the vehicle must have left Germany.
[[File:Deutsches Diplomatenkennzeichen (Indonesien).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Diplomatic plate (Indonesian embassy in Berlin)]]
[[File:Licenseplate of limousine.png|thumb|200px|Plate of the German Chancellor]]
* '''Diplomatic plates''': plates of cars covered by [[diplomatic immunity]] have the digit ''0'' (Zero) on the left instead of the registration location code.
*'''Highest state offices:''' The [[President of Germany|President]] uses the license plate 0-1, the [[Chancellor of Germany (Federal Republic)|Chancellor]] uses 0-2, the [[Minister for Foreign Affairs (Germany)|Foreign Minister]] uses 0-3 and the ''First [[Secretary of State#Germany|State Secretary]] of the [[Foreign Office (Germany)|Foreign Office]]'' (i.e. the Foreign Minister's deputy) uses 0-4. The [[President of the Bundestag|President of the Parliament]] uses 1-1. This reflects the fact that the Parliament's President is not part of the executive branch but still ranks higher in (symbolic) importance than the Chancellor. These vehicles are tax-exempt and need not to be insured since the German government acts as insurer.
[[File:Deutsches Bundeswehr-Kfz-Kennzeichen.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Bundeswehr (armed forces)]]
* '''[[Bundeswehr|The military]]''' uses old style non-reflecting plates with a dash between the two circles. The German flag is shown, instead of the blue EU strip. Military plates use the letter ''Y'', rather than a city indicator (no German city name starts with a Y). After the ''Y'' comes a six-digit number (or five digits for motorcycles), for example ''Y-123456''. These vehicles are tax-exempt and need not to be insured since the German government acts as insurer. There is also no mandatory technical inspection required but the Armed Forces carry out a regular internal inspection on these vehicles similar to the official inspection.
* Military vehicles which are used by the '''[[Nato]] headquarters''' in Germany use the same design as the Y-plates except they carry the letter ''X'' followed by a four-digit number, for example ''X-1234''
[[File:Kfz-Kennzeichen THW.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Official registered vehicle for [[Technisches Hilfswerk]] (German Federal Agency for Technical Relief)]]
* Some branches of the '''federal government''' and '''[[States of Germany|federal state]] governments''' use the abbreviations of their names instead of a city code. Example: the [[Technisches Hilfswerk]] (German Federal Agency for Technical Relief) uses its abbreviation ''THW'', so the plates read ''THW-80000'', for example. All numbers on THW plates start either with the digit 8 or 9. Before the [[Deutsche Bundesbahn]] (''German National Railways'') and the [[Deutsche Bundespost|Deutsche '''B'''undes'''p'''ost]] (''Federal Post Office'') were privatised, they used the abbreviations ''DB'' and ''BP'' (e.g. ''DB-12345'', ''BP-12345''). The Wasser- und Schifffahrtsverwaltung des Bundes (''Federal Water and Ship Transport Authority'') uses '''BW''' followed by a digit identifying the region of the office (from 1=north to 7=south).
[[File:Deutsches Bundes-Kennzeichen BW6-602.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Wasser- und Schifffahrtsverwaltung des Bundes, here South Office in [[Würzburg]]]]
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für Bundespolizei.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Bundespolizei (Federal Police), code in use since 2005]]
* The '''[[German Federal Police|federal police]]''' uses the code ''BP'' instead of the local code. Before 2006 they used the code ''BG'' (former name: ''[[Bundesgrenzschutz|'''B'''undes'''g'''renzschutz]]'') (BG-#####), this old code remains still valid, only new vehicles will get the new "BP"-code.
* The '''[[North Rhine-Westphalia Police|Police]] of [[North Rhine-Westphalia]]''' uses ''NRW 4'', ''NRW 5'' and, for motorbikes, ''NRW 6'' as the local code. This is followed by a four-digit number (e.g. NRW 4-1960). ''4'', ''5'' and ''6'' stand for the State Ministry of the Interior.
*'''Light motorised vehicles''' such as mopeds and motorised wheelchairs are required to have a registration plate, see next section.
[[File:Special license plate Germany Berlin.JPG|thumb|200px|right|]]

==Insurance plates==
[[File:Versicherungskennzeichen.jpg|thumb|Insurance plates; the colour of the letters is changed every year.]]
The ''{{lang|de|Versicherungskennzeichen}}'' ("insurance plate" ) used for mopeds and other small, low-power vehicles (such as vehicles for the physically handicapped, with a maximum speed of {{convert|50|km/h|disp=comma|abbr=on}}). The system is three digits on the top and three letters beneath. The number and the letters are chosen randomly so personalizing the plates is not possible. Plates are much smaller than the plates for normal cars and are only valid for one year from 1 March till the end of February the following year. Those plates are sold by insurance companies, so the fee included both the registration, and the cost of one year's insurance for the vehicle. There are four colours used: black, blue, green for normal plates, and red for temporary use, such as testing (very rare). The first three colours are changed every year in order to make it easy to see whether the vehicle has the correct plate and insurance.

:{| class="wikitable"
|+ Colours of the insurance plates from 1 March onwards of each year
! colspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | Colour
! colspan="10" style="text-align: center;" | Year
|-
| style="background-color: #0a0a0d;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 9005]] (''{{lang|de|Tiefschwarz}}'', Jet black)
| 1990
| 1993
| 1996
| 1999
| 2002
| 2005
| 2008
| 2011
| 2014
| '''2017'''
|-
| style="background-color: #3481b8;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 5012]] (''{{lang|de|Lichtblau}}'', Light blue)
| 1991
| 1994
| 1997
| 2000
| 2003
| 2006
| 2009
| 2012
| 2015
|
|-
| style="background-color: #3E753B;"| {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 6010]] (''{{lang|de|Grasgrün}}'', Grass green)
| 1992
| 1995
| 1998
| 2001
| 2004
| 2007
| 2010
| 2013
| 2016
|
|}

==Emission, safety test and registration sticker==

Emission test (front plate) and vehicle safety test (rear plate) stickers were also attached to the plate before 2010, in which year the emission sticker became obsolete as the emission test was incorporated into the safety test and was not performed separately any more. The expiration date can be figured out as follows: The year is in the centre of the sticker, and the stickers are attached with the month of expiration pointing upwards. The black marking on the side (near the 12) thus makes it easy for the police to see the expiration month from a distance. Like a clock, the marking shows the same position of a number on the face of a clock. For example, the black marking is on the left side, so it is the ninth month (or 9 o'clock) and hence the expiry date is 30 September. The six possible colors code for the year when the next safety test is due and repeat once a six-year period has passed.

The lower sticker is the official seal of registration. It always carries the seal of the respective German ''{{lang|de|[[States of Germany|Bundesland]]}}'' with the city or district of issuance being added in print. Some seals carry the German ''{{lang|de|[[Coat of arms of Germany|Bundesadler]]}}'' instead of a Bundesland's seal, such as numberplates used on [[Federal Police (Germany)|Bundespolizei]] vehicles.

All these stickers are specially treated to be easily transferred onto the licence plates, but hard to be removed without damaging the plate itself, making them relatively counterfeit-proof.

Cars found in a public place where the owner did not pay insurance for more than three months (as reported to the police by the insurance company) may get '''''{{lang|de|entstempelt}}''''', that means, '''unstamped''': The police will remove the state's official seal using a scratching tool (mostly a screwdriver), leaving the plate without a valid seal, and it will be illegal to even leave that car parked on public ground, unless insurance is paid and plates are fitted with a new official seal.

Once a plate is invalid, the seal of registration is defaced by a qualified officer. After that, the plates are often sold to collectors on online shopping sites, such as [[eBay]].

When owners choose to deregister their vehicle the officer at the local authority will want to see the license plates with defaced seals on them as proof that no legal plate with this identifier can be found in public anymore. For this purpose special machines are available for use at the office. Once defaced the plates may only be used legally on public roads for the one ride back to the owner's place.
This is the recommended procedure for selling a car. Alternatively the seller may hand out their car with valid license plates and papers still in their name to the new owner thus giving them the responsibility to register the car in their name shortly. In a scenario without a proper sales contract the seller may become liable when the buyer commits criminal acts related to the car or plates and thus it is generally not recommended to sell used cars with license plates.

Motorcycles carry only the rear plate.

<gallery>
File:Plakette Abgassonderuntersuchung.png | Emission test sticker (before 2010)
File:Plakette Hauptuntersuchung.svg | Safety test sticker
File:Zulassungsplakette Coburg.png | Registration seal ([[Coburg (district)]], Bavaria)
File:Kfz-Kennzeichen Deutschland - Toepfchensiegel.jpg | Safety test and registration seal ([[Fürth]], Bavaria)
</gallery>

[[File:Defacedgermanplate.JPG|thumb|200px|right|Example of a defaced plate – notice how the bottom seal is completely gone, due to scraping. From [[Kronach]].]]
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Colours of the emission test (before 2010) and vehicle safety test stickers
! colspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | Colour
! colspan="8" style="text-align: center;" | Year
|-
| style="background-color: #dd7907;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 2000]] (''{{lang|de|Gelborange}}'', Yellow-orange)
| —
| 1979
| 1983
| 1989
| 1995
| 2001
| 2007
| 2013
|-
| style="background-color: #2874b2;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 5015]] (''{{lang|de|Himmelblau}}'', Sky blue)
| —
| 1978
| 1984
| 1990
| 1996
| 2002
| 2008
| 2014
|-
| style="background-color: #d9c022;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 1012]] (''{{lang|de|Zitronengelb}}'', Lemon yellow)
| —
| 1977
| 1985
| 1991
| 1997
| 2003
| 2009
| 2015
|-
| style="background-color: #8f4e35;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 8004]] (''{{lang|de|Kupferbraun}}'', Copper brown)
| 1974
| 1980
| 1986
| 1992
| 1998
| 2004
| 2010
| 2016
|-
| style="background-color: #e1a6ad;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 3015]] (''{{lang|de|Hellrosa}}'', Light pink)
| 1975
| 1981
| 1987
| 1993
| 1999
| 2005
| 2011
| 2017
|-
| style="background-color: #48a43f;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 6018]] (''{{lang|de|Gelbgrün}}'', Yellow-green)
| 1976
| 1982
| 1988
| 1994
| 2000
| 2006
| 2012
| '''2018'''
|}

==See also==
* [[Vehicle registration plates of the German Democratic Republic]]
* [[Vehicle registration plates of the United States Army in Germany]]
* ''[[:de:Liste aller Kfz-Kennzeichen der Bundesrepublik Deutschland|Liste aller Kfz-Kennzeichen der Bundesrepublik Deutschland]]'' {{de icon}} List of all registration codes issued under the current registration system
* ''[[:de:Liste der deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen, die nicht mehr ausgegeben werden|Liste der deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen, die nicht mehr ausgegeben werden]]'' {{de icon}} List of no longer issued registration codes
* ''[[:de:Liste der deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen (historisch)|Liste der deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen (historisch)]]'' {{de icon}} List of repealed registration codes
* ''[[:de:Liste der Kfz-Kennzeichen in Deutschland|Liste der Kfz-Kennzeichen in Deutschland]]'' {{de icon}} List of currently issued registration codes

==References==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|License plates of Germany}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20111221131141/http://www.theplateman.com/ German Number Plates], Also shows how they are made (saved 2011-12-21)
*[http://www.kennzeichengeschichte.de History of German license plates]
*[http://www.hegis.de/fed__rep__of_germany.htm More information about German car number plates and their history]
*[http://www.europeanplates.com/german-city-codes German City Codes, Complete City Code List] Müll
*[http://www.platesmania.com/de/ Photos of license plates of Germany]
*[http://matriculasdelmundo.com/matriculasdealemania.php Details about German plates]

{{Vehicle registration plates of Europe}}

[[Category:Vehicle registration plates by country|Germany]]
[[Category:Road transport in Germany]]
[[Category:Vehicles of Germany| Registration plates]]

BYU Vocal Point

2018-04-01T11:55:54Z

Harry8: /* Discography */ Music Video Hits (Vol. 2)

{{Infobox musical artist
| name = BYU Vocal Point
| background = group_or_band
| image = VocalPoint logo.PNG
| image_size =
| landscape = 
| alt =
| caption = Logo of Vocal Point
| alias =
| origin = [[Brigham Young University]]
| genre = [[A cappella]]
| years_active = {{start date|1991}}–present
| label = BYU Records
| associated_acts =
| website = {{URL|http://www.byuvocalpoint.com/}}
| current_members = Jason Bromley Nathan Cazmersen Jantzen Dalley Joshua Harden Matt Newman Carl Prince Logan Shelton David Steele James Thorup
| past_members =
}}
'''BYU Vocal Point''' is a nine-member, male [[a cappella]] group at [[Brigham Young University]] (BYU). Founded by students in 1991, Vocal Point operates under the direction of BYU's Performing Arts Management (PAM).

The group has won three [[Pearl Award]]s and it was the winner of the 2006 [[International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella]] (ICCA). In 2011, the group placed fifth on [[NBC]]'s [[The Sing-Off (season 3)|third season]] of ''[[The Sing Off]]''.

==History==
Vocal Point was founded by two students at BYU, Dave Boyce and Bob Ahlander. They first heard the contemporary a cappella sound during a visit to the eastern U.S., where it had already grown to considerable popularity at colleges throughout the east. Seeking to bring that sound westward, Boyce and Ahlander recruited Jill Petersen-Lex to serve as the group's first Artistic Director. The three held auditions in the fall of 1991. After the members were selected and began singing, the nine-man group became an instant hit on campus, selling out its first concert. The group made its first recording ("If Rocks Could Sing") and went on its first tour that same school year.

With Ahlander and Boyce providing the vision, and Lex providing musical direction, the first three years proved equally successful for the student-run group. They toured several times and released their first full-length CD, "Instruments Not Included." The group was so popular that the director of BYU's School of Music thought it should be an official part of the university. In the fall of 1994, the ensemble was adopted into the School of Music, and Jim Anglesey was appointed as the group's Faculty Advisor. This was an important move for the group, as it ensured their longevity, and allowed for a full-time director, access to BYU's performing venues, and assistance from the staff of the School of Music and PAM.

During Anglesey's seven-year stay as director, Vocal Point released two more albums, "Fatter Than Ever" in 1996 and "Mouthing Off" in 1999. The group had several key performances during this time, including a series of concerts in BYU's de Jong Concert Hall, as well as the group's first [[New Year's Eve]] performance at the [[Salt Lake Tabernacle]] on [[Temple Square]]. In 1999, group member Joseph Lebaron updated the group's logo to its current "screaming head" design.

In 2001, co-founder Ahlander returned and became the director. His tenure started by the group hosting its ten-year anniversary celebration, including an alumni reunion concert. Shortly thereafter, the group released its fourth CD, "Grand Slam," which represented the final years of the Anglesey-directed group.

During Ahlander's time as director, Vocal Point reached new heights. They twice won the regional semi-finals for the ICCA, but refused to take their seats at the international finals in New York City because the event would be held on a Sunday. The group performed the national anthem at multiple [[Utah Jazz]] games and other venues. In Ahlander's final weeks as director, Vocal Point spent three weeks in [[Nauvoo, Illinois]], opening the new summer performing arts series there, and performing for thousands of visitors over a three-week run. At the group's final performance of the tour, they sang to a full house, giving them the idea for the name of their upcoming album, "Standing Room Only." That CD was released in the fall of 2004, representing Ahlander's three years of work as director.

Next on the directorial stage was James Stevens, a BYU graduate and studio engineer who had performed with Vocal Point for two years under Ahlander's direction. Stevens quickly got to work, helping the group sell out the de Jong Concert Hall faster than ever. At the end of that year, the group took home three [[Pearl Award]]s from the Faith Centered Music Association for "Sacred Recorded Song of the Year," "Group Recording Artist of the Year" and "Performing Artist of the Year."

The following year, 2005–06, was a banner year for Vocal Point. The group appeared at BYU's Homecoming Spectacular, as well as its first at BYU devotional. The group also hosted a celebration in honor of rhw group's 15th anniversary. As a culmination of the group's success, they again won the regional semi-finals in the ICCA, but this time were able to compete in the finals, which were held on a Saturday. The group took its first tour to [[New York City]], and competed there with some of the world's best collegiate a cappella ensembles in the [[Lincoln Center]]'s Alice Tully Hall. In its first appearance at the finals, and after winning regional competition three times, Vocal Point took first place. They were crowned ''International Champions'' for 2006.<ref>Wadley, Carma, [http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,635204413,00.html "Vocal Point wins world championship"], Deseret Morning News, 2006-05-03. URL accessed on 2006-05-04.</ref>

In the fall of 2010, a former member of Vocal Point, Buck Mangum, took on the role as a director, along with Stevens. In early 2011, Vocal Point again competed in the ICCA. They placed first at quarter finals in Eugene, Oregon, as well as received awards for "best choreography" and "best soloist," awarded to Jake Hunsaker. At the semi-finals in Los Angeles, Vocal Point again placed first, and with Hunsaker winning the same awards. At finals in New York, Vocal Point received awards for "best vocal percussionist" to Tanner Nilsson, again "best soloist" to Hunsaker, and first runner-up in the entire competition. The songs they competed with in their set were Michael Jackson's "Beat It," Michael Buble's "Meglio Stassera," a Polish hymn entitled "Infant Holy," and Louis Prima's "Jump Jive an' Wail."

In 2011, Vocal Point competed as part of season 3 of NBC's reality TV series, The Sing Off. The members of the group that competed in the show were Michael Christensen, McKay Crockett, Keith Evans, Tyler Sterling, Tanner Nilsson, Robert Seely, Ross Welch, Ben Murphy, and Hunsaker. They were accompanied by Stevens. As a result of their participation in the show, the group was featured in a [[CNN]] article discussing how the group represented not only their school but also their faith.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2011/12/08/the-mormon-group-whether-they-like-it-or-not/?hpt=hp_c3 |title=The Mormon group – whether they like it or not |author=Dan Merica |date=December 8, 2011 |work= |publisher=[[CNN]] |accessdate=December 8, 2011}}</ref> The group continues to perform for sold-out crowds across the United States, now under the direction of Vocal Point alum McKay Crockett.

== Awards ==
* Fifth place on [[NBC]]'s [[The Sing-Off (season 3)|third season]] of ''[[The Sing Off]]'' (2011)
* [[International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella|ICCA]] Second place (2011)
* [[International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella|ICCA]] International Champions (2006)
* [[Pearl Award]] for ''Best Performing Artist'' (2005)
* [[Pearl Award]] for ''Best Performing Group'' (2005)

== Discography ==
*''If Rocks Could Sing'', 1992
*''Instruments Not Included'', 1994
*''Fatter Than Ever'', 1996
*''Mouthing Off'', 1999
*''Grand Slam'', 2003
*''Standing Room Only'', 2004
*''[[Nonstop (album)|Nonstop]]'', 2008
*''Back In Blue'' 2011.
*''Lead Thou Me On: Hymns and Inspiration'', 2012
*''Spectrum'', 2014
*''He Is Born'', 2015
*''Music Video Hits (Vol. 1)'', 2016
*''Music Video Hits (Vol. 2)'', 2018

==See also==
* [[List of collegiate a cappella groups]]

==References==
{{refimprove|date=October 2011}}
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.byuvocalpoint.com Official Site]
*[https://www.youtube.com/vocalpointbyu Official YouTube Channel]
*[https://www.facebook.com/byuvocalpoint Official Facebook Page]
*[https://www.twitter.com/byuvocalpoint Official Twitter Account]
*[http://www.byumusicstore.com/brands/BYU-Vocal-Point.html Albums and Merchandise]
*[http://pam.byu.edu/similarpage.asp?title=Vocal%20Point BYU's Performing Arts Management Page for Vocal Point]
*[http://pam.byu.edu/SimilarPage.asp?title=Vocal%20Point&StartScreen=Video/Sound%20Clips&pr=y Video/Sound recordings]

{{Brigham Young University}}

[[Category:Brigham Young University]]
[[Category:Collegiate a cappella groups]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1991]]
[[Category:Musical groups from Utah]]
[[Category:1991 establishments in Utah]]

BYU Vocal Point

2017-12-23T12:26:08Z

Harry8: Nathan Cazmersen

{{Infobox musical artist
| name = BYU Vocal Point
| background = group_or_band
| image = VocalPoint logo.PNG
| image_size =
| landscape = 
| alt =
| caption = Logo of Vocal Point
| alias =
| origin = [[Brigham Young University]]
| genre = [[A cappella]]
| years_active = {{start date|1991}}–present
| label = BYU Records
| associated_acts =
| website = {{URL|http://www.byuvocalpoint.com/}}
| current_members = Jason Bromley Nathan Cazmersen Jantzen Dalley Joshua Harden Matt Newman Carl Prince Logan Shelton David Steele James Thorup
| past_members =
}}
'''BYU Vocal Point''' is a nine-member, male [[a cappella]] group at [[Brigham Young University]] (BYU). Founded by students in 1991, Vocal Point operates under the direction of BYU's Performing Arts Management (PAM).

The group has won three [[Pearl Award]]s and it was the winner of the 2006 [[International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella]] (ICCA). In 2011, the group placed fifth on [[NBC]]'s [[The Sing-Off (season 3)|third season]] of ''[[The Sing Off]]''.

==History==
Vocal Point was founded by two students at BYU, Dave Boyce and Bob Ahlander. They first heard the contemporary a cappella sound during a visit to the eastern U.S., where it had already grown to considerable popularity at colleges throughout the east. Seeking to bring that sound westward, Boyce and Ahlander recruited Jill Petersen-Lex to serve as the group's first Artistic Director. The three held auditions in the fall of 1991. After the members were selected and began singing, the nine-man group became an instant hit on campus, selling out its first concert. The group made its first recording ("If Rocks Could Sing") and went on its first tour that same school year.

With Ahlander and Boyce providing the vision, and Lex providing musical direction, the first three years proved equally successful for the student-run group. They toured several times and released their first full-length CD, "Instruments Not Included." The group was so popular that the director of BYU's School of Music thought it should be an official part of the university. In the fall of 1994, the ensemble was adopted into the School of Music, and Jim Anglesey was appointed as the group's Faculty Advisor. This was an important move for the group, as it ensured their longevity, and allowed for a full-time director, access to BYU's performing venues, and assistance from the staff of the School of Music and PAM.

During Anglesey's seven-year stay as director, Vocal Point released two more albums, "Fatter Than Ever" in 1996 and "Mouthing Off" in 1999. The group had several key performances during this time, including a series of concerts in BYU's de Jong Concert Hall, as well as the group's first [[New Year's Eve]] performance at the [[Salt Lake Tabernacle]] on [[Temple Square]]. In 1999, group member Joseph Lebaron updated the group's logo to its current "screaming head" design.

In 2001, co-founder Ahlander returned and became the director. His tenure started by the group hosting its ten-year anniversary celebration, including an alumni reunion concert. Shortly thereafter, the group released its fourth CD, "Grand Slam," which represented the final years of the Anglesey-directed group.

During Ahlander's time as director, Vocal Point reached new heights. They twice won the regional semi-finals for the ICCA, but refused to take their seats at the international finals in New York City because the event would be held on a Sunday. The group performed the national anthem at multiple [[Utah Jazz]] games and other venues. In Ahlander's final weeks as director, Vocal Point spent three weeks in [[Nauvoo, Illinois]], opening the new summer performing arts series there, and performing for thousands of visitors over a three-week run. At the group's final performance of the tour, they sang to a full house, giving them the idea for the name of their upcoming album, "Standing Room Only." That CD was released in the fall of 2004, representing Ahlander's three years of work as director.

Next on the directorial stage was James Stevens, a BYU graduate and studio engineer who had performed with Vocal Point for two years under Ahlander's direction. Stevens quickly got to work, helping the group sell out the de Jong Concert Hall faster than ever. At the end of that year, the group took home three [[Pearl Award]]s from the Faith Centered Music Association for "Sacred Recorded Song of the Year," "Group Recording Artist of the Year" and "Performing Artist of the Year."

The following year, 2005–06, was a banner year for Vocal Point. The group appeared at BYU's Homecoming Spectacular, as well as its first at BYU devotional. The group also hosted a celebration in honor of rhw group's 15th anniversary. As a culmination of the group's success, they again won the regional semi-finals in the ICCA, but this time were able to compete in the finals, which were held on a Saturday. The group took its first tour to [[New York City]], and competed there with some of the world's best collegiate a cappella ensembles in the [[Lincoln Center]]'s Alice Tully Hall. In its first appearance at the finals, and after winning regional competition three times, Vocal Point took first place. They were crowned ''International Champions'' for 2006.<ref>Wadley, Carma, [http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,635204413,00.html "Vocal Point wins world championship"], Deseret Morning News, 2006-05-03. URL accessed on 2006-05-04.</ref>

In the fall of 2010, a former member of Vocal Point, Buck Mangum, took on the role as a director, along with Stevens. In early 2011, Vocal Point again competed in the ICCA. They placed first at quarter finals in Eugene, Oregon, as well as received awards for "best choreography" and "best soloist," awarded to Jake Hunsaker. At the semi-finals in Los Angeles, Vocal Point again placed first, and with Hunsaker winning the same awards. At finals in New York, Vocal Point received awards for "best vocal percussionist" to Tanner Nilsson, again "best soloist" to Hunsaker, and first runner-up in the entire competition. The songs they competed with in their set were Michael Jackson's "Beat It," Michael Buble's "Meglio Stassera," a polish hymn entitled "Infant Holy," and Louis Prima's "Jump Jive an' Wail."

In 2011, Vocal Point competed as part of season 3 of NBC's reality TV series, The Sing Off. The members of the group that competed in the show were Michael Christensen, McKay Crockett, Keith Evans, Tyler Sterling, Tanner Nilsson, Robert Seely, Ross Welch, Ben Murphy, and Hunsaker. They were accompanied by Stevens. As a result of their participation in the show, the group was featured in a [[CNN]] article discussing how the group represented not only their school but also their faith.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2011/12/08/the-mormon-group-whether-they-like-it-or-not/?hpt=hp_c3 |title=The Mormon group – whether they like it or not |author=Dan Merica |date=December 8, 2011 |work= |publisher=[[CNN]] |accessdate=December 8, 2011}}</ref> The group continues to perform for sold-out crowds across the United States, now under the direction of Vocal Point alum McKay Crockett.

== Awards ==
* Fifth place on [[NBC]]'s [[The Sing-Off (season 3)|third season]] of ''[[The Sing Off]]'' (2011)
* [[International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella|ICCA]] Second place (2011)
* [[International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella|ICCA]] International Champions (2006)
* [[Pearl Award]] for ''Best Performing Artist'' (2005)
* [[Pearl Award]] for ''Best Performing Group'' (2005)

== Discography ==
*''If Rocks Could Sing'', 1992
*''Instruments Not Included'', 1994
*''Fatter Than Ever'', 1996
*''Mouthing Off'', 1999
*''Grand Slam'', 2003
*''Standing Room Only'', 2004
*''[[Nonstop (album)|Nonstop]]'', 2008
*''Back In Blue'' 2011.
*''Lead Thou Me On: Hymns and Inspiration'' 2012.
*''Spectrum'' 2014.
*''He Is Born'' 2015.
*''Music Video Hits (Vol. 1)''. 2016

==See also==
* [[List of collegiate a cappella groups]]

==References==
{{refimprove|date=October 2011}}
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.byuvocalpoint.com Official Site]
*[https://www.youtube.com/vocalpointbyu Official YouTube Channel]
*[https://www.facebook.com/byuvocalpoint Official Facebook Page]
*[https://www.twitter.com/byuvocalpoint Official Twitter Account]
*[http://www.byumusicstore.com/brands/BYU-Vocal-Point.html Albums and Merchandise]
*[http://pam.byu.edu/similarpage.asp?title=Vocal%20Point BYU's Performing Arts Management Page for Vocal Point]
*[http://pam.byu.edu/SimilarPage.asp?title=Vocal%20Point&StartScreen=Video/Sound%20Clips&pr=y Video/Sound recordings]

{{Brigham Young University}}

[[Category:Brigham Young University]]
[[Category:Collegiate a cappella groups]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1991]]
[[Category:Musical groups from Utah]]
[[Category:1991 establishments in Utah]]

Bishkek

2017-12-22T11:27:21Z

Harry8: new registration for plates

{{pp-move-indef}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2016}}
{{Use British English|date=August 2013}}
{{Infobox settlement
|name = Bishkek
|native_name = Бишкек
|native_name_lang = ky
|settlement_type = City
|translit_lang1 = [[Kyrgyz language|Kyrgyz]]
|image_skyline = Ala-too Square in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, 2007-09-11 (color-corrected).jpg
|imagesize = 250px
|image_caption = [[Ala-Too Square]]
|image_flag = Flag of Bishkek Kyrgyzstan.svg
|image_shield = Coat of arms of Bishkek Kyrgyzstan.svg
|shield_size = 120px
|pushpin_map = Kyrgyzstan
|pushpin_label_position = bottom
|pushpin_mapsize = 250
|pushpin_map_caption = Location in Kyrgyzstan
|coordinates = {{coord|42|52|29|N|74|36|44|E|region:KG|display=inline}}
|subdivision_type = Country
|subdivision_name = {{flag|Kyrgyzstan}}
|subdivision_type1 = [[Provinces of Kyrgyzstan|Shaar]]
|subdivision_name1 = Bishkek<ref>[http://e-bishkek.kg/?q=node/13 Law on the Status of Bishkek] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721201655/http://e-bishkek.kg/?q=node%2F13 |date=21 July 2011 }}, 16 April 1994, article 2 {{Ru icon}}. Retrieved on 3 August 2009</ref> (It is, however, the capital of the [[Chuy Region]])
|established_title = Founded
|established_date = 1825
|parts_type = [[Raions of Kyrgyzstan|Raion]]<ref>[http://e-bishkek.kg/?q=menutree/menu-rayon-adm Districts of Bishkek] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090817192542/http://e-bishkek.kg/?q=menutree%2Fmenu-rayon-adm |date=17 August 2009 }} {{Ru icon}}. Retrieved on 3 August 2009</ref>
|parts_style = list
|parts = Districts
|p1 = [[Birinchi May District, Bishkek|Birinchi May]]
|leader_title= [[Mayor of Bishkek|Mayor]]
|leader_name = [[Albek Ibraimov]]

|area_footnotes =<ref name="stat09">{{cite web|url=http://212.42.101.100:8088/nacstat/sites/default/files/%D0%B3%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B4%20%D0%91%D0%B8%D1%88%D0%BA%D0%B5%D0%BA.pdf |title=2009 population census of the Kyrgyz Republic: Bishkek City |accessdate=2017-02-01 |deadurl=bot: unknown |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321015617/http://212.42.101.100:8088/nacstat/sites/default/files/%D0%B3%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B4%20%D0%91%D0%B8%D1%88%D0%BA%D0%B5%D0%BA.pdf |archivedate=21 March 2012 |df= }}</ref>
|area_magnitude = 1 E+8
|area_total_km2 = 169.6
|area_total_sq_mi =
|elevation_footnotes =
|elevation_m = 800
|elevation_ft =
|population_total = 937400
|population_as_of = 2015
|population_footnotes =<ref name="stat15" >{{cite web|url=http://stat.kg/en/statistics/download/operational/219/|title=Population of regions, districts and cities of Kyrgyzstan in 2015|publisher=}}</ref>
|population_density_km2 = auto
|population_density_sq_mi= auto
|population_est =
|pop_est_as_of =

|timezone1 = KGT
|utc_offset1 = +6
|postal_code_type = Postal code
|postal_code = 720000–720085
|area_code = (+996) 312
|area_code_type =
|registration_plate = 01
|website = {{URL|http://meria.kg}} {{ky icon}}{{ru icon}}
|footnotes =
|translit_lang1_type1 = [[ISO 9]]
|translit_lang1_info1 = biškek
|translit_lang1_type2 = [[BGN/PCGN romanization|BGN/PCGN]]
|translit_lang1_info2 = bishkek
|translit_lang1_type3 = [[ALA-LC Romanization|ALA-LC]]
|translit_lang1_info3 = bishkek
|p2 = [[Lenin District, Bishkek|Lenin]]
|p3 = [[Oktyabr District, Bishkek|Oktyabr]]
|p4 = [[Sverdlov District, Bishkek|Sverdlov]]
}}

'''Bishkek''' ({{lang-ky|Бишке́к}}, ''Bişkek'', بىشکەک; {{IPA-ky|biʃˈkek|IPA}}; {{lang-rus|Бишке́к|Biškék|bʲɪʂˈkʲɛk}}), formerly '''Pishpek''' and '''Frunze''', is the capital and largest city of [[Kyrgyzstan]] (Kyrgyz Republic). Bishkek is also the administrative center of the [[Chuy Region]]. The province surrounds the city, although the city itself is not part of the province, but rather a province-level unit of Kyrgyzstan.

In 1825 [[Khokand]] authorities established the fortress of "Pishpek" in order to control local caravan-routes and to collect tribute from Kyrgyz tribes. On 4 September 1860, with the approval of the Kyrgyz, Russian forces led by Colonel Zimmermann destroyed the fortress.
In 1868 a Russian settlement was established on the site of the fortress under its original name, "Pishpek". It lay within the General Governorship of [[Russian Turkestan]] and its [[Semirechye Oblast]].

In 1925 the [[Kara-Kirghiz Autonomous Oblast]] was established in Russian Turkestan, promoting Pishpek to its capital. In 1926 the [[Communist Party of the Soviet Union]] renamed the city as ''Frunze'', after the [[Bolshevik]] military leader [[Mikhail Frunze]] (1885–1925), who was born there. In 1936, the city of Frunze became the capital of the [[Kirghiz Soviet Socialist Republic]], during the final stages of the [[national delimitation in the Soviet Union]].

In 1991 the Kyrgyz parliament changed the capital's name to "Bishkek".

Bishkek is situated at an altitude of about {{convert|800|meters}}, just off the northern fringe of the [[Kyrgyz Ala-Too]] range, an extension of the [[Tian Shan]] mountain range. These mountains rise to a height of {{convert|4855|meters}} and provide a spectacular backdrop to the city. North of the city, a fertile and gently undulating steppe extends far north into neighboring [[Kazakhstan]]. The [[Chui River]] drains most of the area. Bishkek is connected to the [[Turkestan-Siberia Railway]] by a [[spur line]].

Bishkek is a city of wide boulevards and marble-faced public buildings combined with numerous [[Khrushchyovka|Soviet-style]] apartment blocks surrounding interior courtyards. There are also thousands of smaller privately built houses – mostly outside the city center. Streets follow a grid pattern, with most flanked on both sides by narrow irrigation channels, watering innumerable trees to provide shade in the hot summers.

==History==
{{see also|Timeline of Bishkek}}

===Kokhand rule===

Originally a caravan rest stop (possibly founded by the [[Sogdians]]) on one of the branches of the [[Silk Road]] through the [[Tian Shan]] range, the location was fortified in 1825 by the [[Uzbekistan|Uzbek]] khan of [[Kokhand]] with a mud fort. In the last years of Kokhand rule, the fortress was led by Atabek, the Datka.

===Tsarist era===

In 1860, the fort was conquered and razed by the military forces of Colonel Zimmermann when [[Imperial Russia|Tsarist Russia]] annexed the area. Colonel [[Zimmermann]] rebuilt the town over the destroyed fort and put field Poruchik Titov as head of a new Russian garrison. The site was redeveloped from 1877 onward by the Russian government, which encouraged the settlement of Russian peasants by giving them fertile land to develop.

===Soviet era===
[[File:Michael Frunze Statue vor dem Bahnhof von Bischkek.JPG|thumb|upright|left|Frunze statue near the railway station]]
In 1926, the city became the capital of the newly established [[Kara-Kirghiz Autonomous Oblast|Kirghiz ASSR]] and was renamed "Frunze" after [[Mikhail Frunze]], [[Vladimir Lenin|Lenin's]] close associate who was born in Bishkek and played key roles during the [[Russian Revolution of 1905|revolutions of 1905]] and [[Russian Revolution of 1917|1917]] and during the [[Russian civil war]] of the early 1920s.

===Independence era===

The early 1990s were tumultuous. In June 1990, a state of emergency was declared following severe ethnic riots in southern Kyrgyzstan that threatened to spread to the capital. The city was renamed Bishkek on 5 February 1991 and Kyrgyzstan achieved independence later that year during the [[History of the Soviet Union (1985–1991)|breakup of the Soviet Union]]. Before independence, the majority of Bishkek's population were ethnic [[Russian people|Russians]]. In 2004, Russians made up approximately 20% of the city's population, and about {{nowrap|7–8%}} in 2011.<ref>[http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3681/is_200407/ai_n9472919 Residential Real Estate Market in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan: Current Conditions and Prospects] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090321113715/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3681/is_200407/ai_n9472919 |date=21 March 2009 }}</ref>

Today, Bishkek is a modern city with many restaurants and cafes, and with many second-hand European and Japanese cars and minibuses crowding its streets. However, streets and sidewalks have fallen into disrepair since the 1990s. At the same time, Bishkek still preserves its former Soviet feel with Soviet-period buildings and gardens prevailing over newer structures.

Bishkek is also the country's financial center, with all of the country's 21 commercial banks headquartered there. During the Soviet era, the city was home to a large number of industrial plants, but most have been shut down since 1991 or now operate on a much reduced scale. One of Bishkek's largest employment centers today is the [[Dordoy Bazaar|Dordoy Bazaar open market]], where many of the Chinese goods imported to [[Commonwealth of Independent States|CIS]] countries are sold.

==Geography==

===Orientation===
Though the city is relatively young, the surrounding area has some sites of interest dating to prehistorical times. There are also sites from the [[Greco-Buddhist]] period, the period of [[Nestorian Church|Nestorian]] influence, the era of the Central Asian ''[[khanate]]s'', and the Soviet period.
[[File:Russian Orthodox cathedral in Bishkek.jpg|thumb|Russian Orthodox cathedral of the Holy Resurrection.]]
[[File:Bishkek historical museum.jpg|thumb|right|National Historical Museum]]

The central part of the city is laid out on a rectangular grid plan. The city's main street is the east–west Chui Avenue ([[Chuy Prospekti]]), named after the region's [[Chui River|main river]]. In the Soviet era, it was called [[Vladimir Lenin|Lenin]] Avenue. Along or near it are many of the most important government buildings and universities. These include the [[Kyrgyz Academy of Sciences|Academy of Sciences]] compound. The westernmost section of the avenue is known as [[Deng Xiaoping]] Avenue.

The main north–south street is [[Yusup Abdrakhmanov]] Street, still commonly referred to by its old name, Sovietskaya Street. Its northern and southern sections are called, respectively, Yelebesov and Baityk Batyr Streets. Several major shopping centers are located along it, and in the north it provides access to [[Dordoy Bazaar]].

Erkindik ("Freedom") Boulevard runs from north to south, from the main railroad station (Bishkek II) south of Chui Avenue to the museum quarter and sculpture park just north of Chui Avenue, and further north toward the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In the past it was called Dzerzhinsky Boulevard, named after a Communist revolutionary, [[Felix Edmundovich Dzerzhinsky|Felix Dzerzhinsky]], and its northern continuation is still called Dzerzhinsky Street.

An important east–west street is Jibek Jolu ('[[Silk Road]]'). It runs parallel to Chui Avenue about {{convert|1|mi|km|order=flip|0|abbr=on}} north of it, and is part of the main east–west road of [[Chui Province]]. Both the eastern and western bus terminals are located along Jibek Jolu.

There is a Roman Catholic church located at ul. Vasiljeva 197 (near Rynok Bayat). It is the only Catholic cathedral in Kyrgyzstan.<ref>[http://www.catholic-kyrgyzstan.org/ Catholic Church in Kyrgyzstan]. Catholic-kyrgyzstan.org. Retrieved 11 March 2012.</ref>

===City centre===
[[File:Bishkek square.jpg|thumb|right|[[Ala-Too Square]], {{nowrap|Bishkek's main square}}]]
* State Historical Museum, located in [[Ala-Too Square]], the main city square
* State Museum of Applied Arts, containing examples of traditional Kyrgyz [[handicraft]]s
* Frunze House Museum
* Statue of [[Ivan Panfilov]] in the park near the [[White House (Bishkek)|White House]].
* An [[equestrian statue]] of [[Mikhail Frunze]] stands in a large park (Boulevard Erkindik) across from the train station.
* The train station itself was built in 1946 by German prisoners of war and has survived since then without further renovation or repairs; most of those who built it perished and were buried in unmarked pits near the station.
* The main government building, the [[White House (Bishkek)|White House]], is a huge, seven story marble block and the former headquarters of the Communist Party of the [[Kirghiz Soviet Socialist Republic|Kirghiz SSR]]
* At Ala-Too Square there is an independence monument where the changing of the guards may be watched.
* [[Osh bazaar]], west of the downtown area, is a large, picturesque produce market

===Outer neighbourhoods===
The [[Dordoy Bazaar]], just inside the bypass highway on the north-eastern edge of the city, is a major retail and wholesale market.

===Outside the city===
The [[Kyrgyz Ala-Too]] mountain range, some {{convert|40|km}} away, provides a spectacular backdrop to the city; the [[Ala Archa National Park]] is only a 30 to 45 minutes drive away.

===Climate===
Bishkek has both hot dry summer [[Continental climate|continental]] and [[mediterranean climate]] depending which isotherm would be used. ([[Köppen climate classification]] ''Csa/Dsa'' respectively).<ref>{{cite web|url=/media/wikipedia/commons/2/2e/Asia_Koppen_Map.png |title=Koppen Map |publisher=Upload.wikimedia.org |accessdate=21 November 2012}}</ref> Average [[Precipitation (meteorology)|precipitation]] is around {{convert|440|mm}} per year. Average daily high temperatures range from {{convert|3|°C|1}} in January to about {{convert|31|°C|1}} during July.<ref name = Pogoda /> The summer months are dominated by dry periods, punctuated by the occasional [[thunderstorm]], which produces strong gusty winds and rare [[dust storm]]s. The mountains to the south provide a natural boundary and protection from much of the damaging weather, as does the smaller mountain chain which runs north-west to south-east. In the winter months, sparse [[Winter storm|snow storms]] and frequent heavy [[fog]] are the dominating features. There are sometimes temperature inversions, during which the fog can last for days at a time.
{{clear}}
{{Weather box|location = Bishkek
|metric first = y
|single line = y
|Jan record high C = 19.2
|Feb record high C = 25.3
|Mar record high C = 30.5
|Apr record high C = 34.7
|May record high C = 35.6
|Jun record high C = 40.9
|Jul record high C = 42.8
|Aug record high C = 39.7
|Sep record high C = 36.8
|Oct record high C = 34.1
|Nov record high C = 27.9
|Dec record high C = 23.3
|year record high C = 42.8
|Jan high C = 3.2
|Feb high C = 4.9
|Mar high C = 11.2
|Apr high C = 18.5
|May high C = 23.6
|Jun high C = 29.0
|Jul high C = 31.7
|Aug high C = 30.9
|Sep high C = 25.5
|Oct high C = 17.8
|Nov high C = 11.0
|Dec high C = 5.0
|year high C = 17.7
| Jan mean C = −2.6
| Feb mean C = −0.8
| Mar mean C = 5.3
| Apr mean C = 12.3
| May mean C = 17.4
| Jun mean C = 22.4
| Jul mean C = 24.9
| Aug mean C = 23.8
| Sep mean C = 18.5
| Oct mean C = 11.0
| Nov mean C = 4.7
| Dec mean C = −0.9
|year mean C = 11.3
|Jan low C = −7.1
|Feb low C = −5.2
|Mar low C = 0.4
|Apr low C = 6.4
|May low C = 11.1
|Jun low C = 15.6
|Jul low C = 17.9
|Aug low C = 16.4
|Sep low C = 11.3
|Oct low C = 5.0
|Nov low C = −0.1
|Dec low C = −5.1
|year low C = 5.6
|Jan record low C = −31.9
|Feb record low C = −34.0
|Mar record low C = −21.8
|Apr record low C = −12.3
|May record low C = −5.5
|Jun record low C = 2.4
|Jul record low C = 7.4
|Aug record low C = 5.1
|Sep record low C = −2.8
|Oct record low C = −11.2
|Nov record low C = −32.2
|Dec record low C = −29.1
|year record low C = −34.0
|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation mm = 26
|Feb precipitation mm = 35
|Mar precipitation mm = 55
|Apr precipitation mm = 67
|May precipitation mm = 61
|Jun precipitation mm = 34
|Jul precipitation mm = 21
|Aug precipitation mm = 13
|Sep precipitation mm = 19
|Oct precipitation mm = 45
|Nov precipitation mm = 42
|Dec precipitation mm = 35
|year precipitation mm = 453
|Jan humidity = 75
|Feb humidity = 75
|Mar humidity = 71
|Apr humidity = 63
|May humidity = 60
|Jun humidity = 50
|Jul humidity = 46
|Aug humidity = 45
|Sep humidity = 48
|Oct humidity = 62
|Nov humidity = 70
|Dec humidity = 75
|year humidity = 62
|Jan rain days = 3
|Feb rain days = 5
|Mar rain days = 9
|Apr rain days = 12
|May rain days = 13
|Jun rain days = 10
|Jul rain days = 10
|Aug rain days = 6
|Sep rain days = 6
|Oct rain days = 8
|Nov rain days = 7
|Dec rain days = 4
|year rain days = 93
|Jan snow days = 9
|Feb snow days = 9
|Mar snow days = 5
|Apr snow days = 2
|May snow days = 0.3
|Jun snow days = 0
|Jul snow days = 0
|Aug snow days = 0
|Sep snow days = 0
|Oct snow days = 1
|Nov snow days = 4
|Dec snow days = 7
|year snow days = 37
|Jan sun = 137
|Feb sun = 128
|Mar sun = 153
|Apr sun = 194
|May sun = 261
|Jun sun = 306
|Jul sun = 332
|Aug sun = 317
|Sep sun = 264
|Oct sun = 196
|Nov sun = 144
|Dec sun = 114
|year sun = 2546
|source 1 = Pogoda.ru.net<ref name = Pogoda >
{{cite web
| url = http://www.pogodaiklimat.ru/climate/38353.htm
| title = Weather and Climate-The Climate of Bishkek
| publisher = Weather and Climate
| language = Russian
| accessdate = 8 February 2015
}}</ref>
|source 2 = NOAA (sun, 1961–1990)<ref name = NOAA >
{{cite web
| url = ftp://ftp.atdd.noaa.gov/pub/GCOS/WMO-Normals/TABLES/REG_II/KY/38353.TXT
| title = Frunze (Bishkek) Climate Normals 1961–1990
| publisher = [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]]
| accessdate = 8 February 2015}}</ref>
|date=August 2010
}}

==Demographics==
Bishkek is the most populated city in Kyrgyzstan. Its population, estimated in 2015, was 937,400.<ref name="stat15"/> From the foundation of the city to the mid-1990s, ethnic Russians and other peoples of European descent (Ukrainians, Tatars, Germans) comprised the majority of the city's population. According to the 1970 census, the ethnic Kyrgyz were only 12.3%, while whites were more than 80% of Frunze population. Now Bishkek is a predominantly Kyrgyz city, with around 66% of its residents Kyrgyz, while European peoples make up less than 20% of the population. Despite this fact, Russian is the main language while Kyrgyz continues losing ground especially among the younger generations <ref name="Ferdinand and Komlósi">{{cite web|url=https://www.academia.edu/27246121/Vitality_of_the_Kyrgyz_language_in_Bishkek |title=Ferdinand, S. & Komlósi, F. 2016. Vitality of the Kyrgyz Language in Bishkek |publisher=IJORS 5–2, pp. 210–226 |date= |accessdate=10 September 2016}}</ref>

{{Historical populations
|title = Historical populations in Bishkek
|type =
|align =
|width =
|state =
|shading =
|percentages = off
|1876|182
|1882|2135
|1893|4857
|1897|6615
|1902|9656
|1907|13752
|1913|20102
|1926|36610
|1939|92783
|1970|430618
|1982|616312
|1999 |762300
|2008|822100
|2009|832500
|2010|846500
|2011|859800
|2012|874400
|2015|937400
|footnote= Source:<ref>[http://demoscope.ru/weekly/ssp/rus_gub_97.php?reg=85 Первая всеобщая перепись населения Российской Империи 1897 г. Наличное население в губерниях, уездах, городах Российской Империи (без Финляндии). Семиреченская область] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629062446/http://demoscope.ru/weekly/ssp/rus_gub_97.php?reg=85 |date=29 June 2011 }} – First General Russian Empire Census of 1897. Population in provinces, districts, towns of Russian Empire (without Finland). Semirech'e Province (Demoscope.ru) {{ru icon}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal | last =Petrov | first = Vladimir | author-link = | title = Пишпек исчезающий 1825–1926 (Pishpek disappearing. 1825–1926) | place = Bishkek| origyear = | year =2005| edition = | chapter = | chapterurl = | url = | postscript ={{inconsistent citations}}}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal | last1 =Pisarskoy| first1 = Evgeniy| author-link = | last2 =Kurbatov| first2 =Valentin | authorlink1 = |title = Архитектура Советской Киргизии (Architecture of Soviet Kirghizia.) | place = Moscow| publisher =Stroyizdat | origyear = | year =1976| edition = | chapter = | chapterurl = | url = | postscript ={{inconsistent citations}}}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal | author-link = | last2 = | first2 = | author2-link = | title = Review of Semirech'e Oblast for 1907 (Обзор Семиреченской области за 1907 год) | place = Verniy | publisher = Publishing House of Semirech'e Provincial Administration | origyear = | year =1908 | edition = | chapter = | chapterurl = | url = http://rarebooks.net.kg/ru/view/56/ | postscript = {{inconsistent citations}}}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal | author-link = | last2 = | first2 = | author2-link = | title = Review of Semirech'e Oblast for 1902 (Обзор Семиреченской области за 1902 год) | place = Verniy | publisher = Publishing House of Semirech'e Provincial Administration | origyear = | year =1903 | edition = | chapter = | chapterurl = | url = http://rarebooks.net.kg/ru/view/54/ | postscript = {{inconsistent citations}}}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal | author-link = | title = Всесоюзная перепись населения 1926 года : Киргизская АССР. (All-Union Census of 1926: Kyrgyz ASSR) | place = Moscow| publisher =CSU SSSR | origyear = | year =1928| edition = | chapter = | chapterurl = | url =http://rarebooks.net.kg/ru/view/30/ | postscript ={{inconsistent citations}}}}</ref><ref>[http://demoscope.ru/weekly/ssp/ussr70_reg1.php Численность наличного населения городов, поселков городского типа, районов и районных центров СССР по данным переписи на 15 января 1970 года по республикам, краям и областям (кроме РСФСР)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110209054540/http://demoscope.ru/weekly/ssp/ussr70_reg1.php |date=9 February 2011 }}. Demoscope.ru. Retrieved on 11 March 2012.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://212.42.101.100:8088/nacstat/node/12 |title=Население Кыргызстана | Перепись населения и жилищного фонда Кыргызской Республики 2009 |publisher=212.42.101.100:8088 |date= |accessdate=21 November 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120915105014/http://212.42.101.100:8088/nacstat/node/12 |archivedate=15 September 2012 |df= }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stat.kg/media/statisticsoperational/cfb97050-ad28-455d-acc1-2c384344d7d0.pdf |title=Численность населения областей, районов, городов и поселков городского типа Кыргызской Республики в 2015г. |publisher=National Statistical Committee of the Kyrgyz Republic |date= |accessdate=1 January 2015}}</ref>}}

==Ecology and environment==

===Air quality===
Emissions of air pollutants in Bishkek amounted to 14,400 tons in 2010.<ref name="meteo.ktnet.kg">{{cite web|url=http://www.nature.kg/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=18&Itemid=11&lang=ru |title=Анализ загрязнения атмосферы |publisher=Nature.kg |date= |accessdate=21 November 2012}}</ref> Among all cities in Kyrgyzstan, the level of air pollution in Bishkek is the highest, occasionally exceeding maximum allowable concentrations by several times, especially in the city center.<ref>[http://www.nature.kg/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=18&Itemid=11&lang=ru Web-site of the State Agency on Environment Protection and Forestry: Assessment of Air Pollution]. Meteo.ktnet.kg. Retrieved on 11 March 2012.</ref> For example, concentrations of [[formaldehyde]] occasionally exceed maximum allowable limits by a factor of four.

Responsibility for ambient air quality monitoring in Bishkek lies with the Kyrgyz State Agency of Hydrometeorology. There are seven air quality monitoring stations in Bishkek, measuring levels of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, formaldehyde, and [[ammonia]].<ref name="meteo.ktnet.kg"/>

==Economy==
{{Expand section|date=December 2009}}
[[File:E7919-Dordoy-Bazaar-clothing.jpg|thumb|[[Dordoy Bazaar]]]]
Bishkek uses the Kyrgyzstan currency, the [[Kyrgyzstani som|som]]. The som's value fluctuates regularly, but averaged around 61 som per U.S. dollar as of February 2015. The economy in Bishkek is primarily agricultural, and agricultural products are sometimes bartered in the outlying regions. The streets of Bishkek are regularly lined with produce vendors in a market style venue. In most of the downtown area there is a more urban cityscape with banks, stores, markets and malls. Sought after goods include hand-crafted artisan pieces, such as statues, carvings, paintings and many nature-based sculptures.

=== Housing ===
As with many cities in Post-Soviet states, housing in Bishkek has undergone extensive changes since the collapse of the Soviet Union. While housing was formerly distributed to citizens in the Soviet-era, housing in Bishkek has since become privatized.

Though single family houses are slowly becoming more popular, the majority of the residents live in Soviet-era apartments. Despite the Kyrgyz economy experiencing growth, increases in available housing has been slow with very little new construction. As a result of this growing prosperity and the lack of new formal housing, prices have been rising significantly – doubling from 2001 to 2002.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Roseman|first=Gary|title=The Residential Real Estate Market in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan|journal=Real Estate Issues|volume=Summer 2004}}</ref>

Those unable to afford the high price of housing within Bishkek, notably internal migrants from rural villages and small provincial towns often have to resort to informal squatter settlements on the outskirts of the city. These settlements are estimated to house 400,000 people or about 30 percent of Bishkek’s population. While many of the settlements have lacked basic necessities such as electricity and running water, recently there has been a push by the local government to provide these services.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Isabaeva|first=Eliza|title=Migration into the "Illegality" and Coping with Difficulties in a Squatter Settlement in Bishkek|journal=Zeitschrift für Ethnologie|volume=138 |year=2013}}</ref>

==Government==
Local government is administered by the Bishkek Mayor's Office. [[Askarbek Salymbekov]] was mayor until his resignation in August 2005, after which his deputy, [[Arstanbek Nogoev]], took over the mayorship. Nogoev was in turn removed from his position in October 2007 through a decree of President [[Kurmanbek Bakiyev]] and replaced by businessman and former first deputy prime minister [[Daniar Usenov]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.timesca.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=182916&Itemid=7|publisher=The Times of Central Asia|title=New mayor of Bishkek promises to solve capital’s problems|date=17 October 2007|accessdate=18 October 2007 |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20080619111339/http://www.timesca.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=182916&Itemid=7 |archivedate=19 June 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|url=http://jamestown.org/edm/article.php?article_id=2372503|journal=Eurasia Daily Monitor|publisher=The Jamestown Foundation|volume=4|issue=190|last=Marat|first=Erica|title=Upcoming referendum sinks Kyrgyzstan deeper into crisis|date=15 October 2007|accessdate=18 October 2007 |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20071022122621/http://jamestown.org/edm/article.php?article_id=2372503 |archivedate = 22 October 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Kyrgyz capital gets new mayor |url=http://www.hri.org/news/balkans/rferl/2005/05-08-22.rferl.html#20 |publisher=Radio Free Europe |date=22 August 2005 |accessdate=18 October 2007 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5uKgVssqi?url=http://www.hri.org/news/balkans/rferl/2005/05-08-22.rferl.html#20 |archivedate=18 November 2010 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> In July 2008 former head of the Kyrgyz Railways [[Nariman Tuleyev]] was appointed mayor, who was dismissed by the interim government after 7 April 2010. From April 2010 to February 2011 Isa Omurkulov, also a former head of the Kyrgyz Railways, was an interim mayor,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.lenta.ru/news/2008/07/07/bishkek/ |publisher=Lenta.Ru |title=New Mayor for Bishkek |date=7 July 2008 |accessdate=25 September 2008 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5uKgW4FeS?url=http://www.lenta.ru/news/2008/07/07/bishkek/ |archivedate=18 November 2010 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> and from 4 February 2011 to 14 December 2013 he was re-elected the mayor of Bishkek.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://rus.azattyk.org/a/3484359.html|publisher=Radio Azattyk|title=Isa Omurkulov elected mayor of Bishkek|date=4 February 2011|accessdate=10 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.vb.kg/doc/253805_isa_omyrkylov_podal_v_otstavky.html|publisher=Vecherniy Bishkek|title=Isa Omurkulov resigned|date=4 December 2013|accessdate=10 August 2016}}</ref> Kubanychbek Kulmatov was nominated for election by parliamentary group of [[Social Democratic Party of Kyrgyzstan]] in city kenesh, and he was elected as a new mayor on 15 January 2014,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://rus.azattyk.org/a/25230503.html|publisher=Radio Azattyk|title=Kubanychbek Kulmatov elected mayor of Bishkek |date=27 February 2016|accessdate=10 August 2016}}</ref> and stepped down on 9 February 2016 <ref>{{cite news|url=http://rus.azattyk.org/a/27577073.html|publisher=Radio Azattyk|title=Kubanychbek Kulmatov stepped down |date=9 February 2016|accessdate=10 August 2016}}</ref>
The new major Albek Sabirbekovich Ibraimov was also nominated for election by parliamentary group of Social Democratic Party of Kyrgyzstan in city kenesh, and he was elected by Bishkek City Kenesh on 27 February 2016.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://rus.azattyk.org/a/27577073.html|publisher=Radio Azattyk|title=Albek Ibraimov elected mayor of Bishkek|date=27 February 2016|accessdate=10 August 2016}}</ref>

===Administrative divisions===
Bishkek city covers {{convert|169.6|km2|sqmi|abbr=off}}<ref name="stat09"/> and is administered separately and not part of any region. Besides the city proper, one [[urban-type settlement]] and one village are administered by the city: [[Chong-Aryk, Bishkek|Chong-Aryk]] and [[Orto-Say]].<ref name="stat09"/> The city is divided into 4 districts: [[Birinchi May District, Bishkek|Birinchi May]], [[Lenin District, Bishkek|Lenin]], [[Oktyabr District, Bishkek|Oktyabr]] and [[Sverdlov District, Bishkek|Sverdlov]]. Chong-Aryk and Orto-Say are part of Lenin District.

==Sports==
Bishkek is home to [[Spartak Stadium (Kyrgyzstan)|Spartak]], the largest [[association football|football]] stadium in Kyrgyzstan and the only one eligible to host international matches.<ref>[https://archive.is/20120919015326/http://www.the-afc.com/en/member-association-news/central-a-south-asia-news/1924 Corporate Japanese companies to renovate Kyrgyzstan football stadium]. The-afc.com (9 November 2007). Retrieved on 11 March 2012.</ref> Several Bishkek-based football teams play on this pitch, including six-time Kyrgyzstan League champions, [[Dordoi-Dynamo Naryn|Dordoi-Dynamo]].

Bishkek hosted the [[2014 IIHF Challenge Cup of Asia – Division I]].

==Education==
Educational institutions in Bishkek include:
* [[APAP KR]]
* [[American University of Central Asia]]
* [[Arabaev Kyrgyz State University]]<ref>[https://www.webcitation.org/5ko0Y33Jh?url=http://www.geocities.com/kyrgyzeducation October 2009+01:35:14]</ref>
* [[Bishkek Humanities University]]
* [[International Ataturk-Alatoo University]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iaau.edu.kg |title=International Ataturk Alatoo University |publisher=Iaau.edu.kg |date= |accessdate=21 November 2012}}</ref>
* [[International University Of Kyrgyzstan]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iuk.kg |title=Главная Международный университет Кыргызстана.| |publisher=Iuk.kg |date= |accessdate=21 November 2012}}</ref>
* [[Kyrgyz Russian Slovenic University]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.krsu.edu.kg |title=Кыргызско-Российский Славянский университет имени Б.Н. Ельцина – Главная |publisher=Krsu.edu.kg |date= |accessdate=21 November 2012}}</ref>
* [[I.K. Akhunbaev Kyrgyz State Medical Academy]]
* [[Kyrgyz State National University]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.university.kg |title=Новости КНУ им. Ж.Баласагына |publisher=University.kg |date=1 November 2012 |accessdate=21 November 2012}}</ref>
* [[Kyrgyz Technical University]]
* [[Kyrgyz-Russian State University]]
* [[Kyrgyz-Turkish MANAS University]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.manas.edu.kg |title=Kırgızistan-Türkiye Manas Üniversitesi |publisher=Manas.kg |date= |accessdate=21 November 2012}}</ref>
* [[Kyrgyz Uzbek University]]
* [[Plato University of Management and Design]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://umd.edu.kg |title=Plato UMD – Home |publisher=Umd.edu.kg |date= |accessdate=21 November 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120825003410/http://umd.edu.kg/ |archivedate=25 August 2012 |df=dmy }}</ref>
* University of Central Asia <ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ucentralasia.org/|title=University of Central Asia – University of Central Asia|website=www.ucentralasia.org|access-date=2017-02-23}}</ref>
In addition, the following international schools serve the expatriate community in Bishkek:
* [[European School in Central Asia]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.esca.kg/ |title=European School in Central Asia – Bishkek – Kyrgyzstan |publisher=esca.kg |date=13 October 2014 |accessdate=13 October 2014}}</ref>
* [[Oxford International School Bishkek]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oxford.kg// |title=Oxford International School |publisher=oxford.kg |date= |accessdate=8 August 2017}}</ref>
* [[Hope Academy of Bishkek]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hopeacademykg.com/ |title=Hope Academy of Bishkek |publisher=Hopeacademykg.com |date= |accessdate=21 November 2012}}</ref>
* [[QSI International School of Bishkek]]<ref>{{cite
Iweb|url=http://bishkek.qsischool.org/ |title=Welcome | QSI |publisher=Bishkek.qsischool.org |date= |accessdate=21 November 2012}}</ref>
* [[Silk Road International School]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sris.com.kg/ |title=SRIS |publisher=SRIS |date= |accessdate=21 November 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130124044347/http://www.sris.com.kg/ |archivedate=24 January 2013 |df=dmy }}</ref>

==Transportation==
[[File:E8094-Bishkek-East-Bus-Station.jpg|thumb|A typical Bishkek passenger van passes by the East Bus Terminal]]
[[File:E7912-Bishkek2-interior.jpg|thumb|The electronic board in the main hall of Bishkek-2, the main train station, shows Bishkek and Moscow time]]
[[File:Bishkek Railway Station.jpg|thumb|Bishkek Railway Station]]

===Mass public transport===
Public transportation includes buses, electric [[trolley bus]]es, and public vans (known in Russian as ''[[marshrutka]]''). The first bus and trolley bus services in Bishkek were introduced in 1934 and 1951, respectively.<ref>{{cite web | title = Frunze. City Encyclopedia. | publisher = | date = | url = http://yiv1999.narod.ru/ABC_0040.htm#6300| accessdate = 26 January 2014}}</ref>

Taxi cabs can be found throughout the city.

The city is considering designing and building a light rail system ({{lang-ru|[[:ru:Бишкекское лёгкое метро|Бишкекское лёгкое метро]]}}).

===Commuter and long-distance buses===
There are two main bus stations in Bishkek. The smaller old Eastern Bus Station is primarily the terminal for minibuses to various destinations within or just beyond the eastern suburbs, such as [[Kant, Kyrgyzstan|Kant]], [[Tokmok]], [[Kemin]], [[Issyk Ata]], or the [[Korday]] border crossing.

Long-distance regular bus and minibus services to all parts of the country, as well as to [[Almaty]] (the largest city in neighboring [[Kazakhstan]]) and [[Kashgar]], China, run mostly from the newer grand Western Bus Station; only a smaller number run from the Eastern Station.

The Dordoy Bazaar on the north-eastern outskirts of the city also contains makeshift terminals for frequent minibuses to suburban towns in all directions (from [[Sokuluk]] in the west to [[Tokmok|Tokmak]] in the east) and to some buses taking traders to Kazakhstan and Siberia.

===Rail===
{{As of|2007}}, the Bishkek railway station sees only a few trains a day. It offers a popular three-day train service from Bishkek to Moscow.

There are also long-distance trains that leave for Siberia ([[Novosibirsk]] and [[Novokuznetsk]]), via [[Almaty]], over the [[Turksib]] route, and to [[Yekaterinburg]] (Sverdlovsk) in the Urals, via [[Astana]]. These services are remarkably slow (over 48 hours to Yekaterinburg), due to long stops at the border and the indirect route (the trains first have to go west for more than a {{convert|100|km}} before they enter the main [[Turksib]] line and can continue to the east or north). For example, as of the fall of 2008, train No. 305 Bishkek-Yekaterinburg was scheduled to take 11 hours to reach the [[Shu, Jambyl|Shu]] junction—a distance of some {{convert|269|km}} by rail, and less than half of that by road.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.poezda.net/ru/train_timetable?st_code=2708000&order=&forDate=3 |title=Маршрут поезда ????? – ????? на сайте |publisher=Poezda.net |date= |accessdate=21 November 2012}}</ref>

===Air===
The city is served by [[Manas International Airport]] ([[International Air Transport Association|IATA]] code FRU), located approximately {{convert|25|km}} northwest of the city centre, and readily reachable by taxi.

In 2002, the United States obtained the right to use Manas International Airport as an [[Manas Air Base|air base]] for its military operations in [[Afghanistan]] and [[Iraq]]. Russia subsequently (2003) established an air base of its own ([[Kant (air base)|Kant Air Base]]) near [[Kant, Kyrgyzstan|Kant]], some {{convert|20|km}} east of Bishkek. It is based at a facility that used to be home to a major Soviet military pilot training school; one of its students, [[Hosni Mubarak]], later became president of [[Egypt]].

==Notable people==
* [[Mikhail Frunze]] – after whom the city was named from 1926
* [[Roza Isakovna Otunbayeva]] (23 August 1950 -) — the third president of Kyrgyzstan.
* [[Chingiz Aitmatov]] – world-renowned writer and public activist.
* [[Nasirdin Isanov]] (7 November 1943 – 29 November 1991)- first prime minister of Kyrgyzstan.
* [[Valentina Shevchenko (fighter)|Valentina Shevchenko]] – eight-time world champion kickboxer, 10 time world champion muay thai fighter, and current [[UFC]] women's bantamweight top contender.
* [[Vladimir Perlin]] (born 1942) – cellist.

==Twin towns and sister cities==
[[Sister cities]] of Bishkek include:
*{{flagicon|KAZ}} [[Almaty]], Kazakhstan
*{{flagicon|KAZ}} [[Astana]], Kazakhstan
*{{flagicon|IRN}} [[Qazvin]], Iran
*{{flagicon|USA}} [[Colorado Springs, Colorado|Colorado Springs]], [[Colorado]], United States, since 1994
*{{flagicon|USA}} [[Meriden, Connecticut|Meriden]], [[Connecticut]], USA, since 2005
*{{flagicon|TUR}} [[Ankara]], Turkey, since 1992<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ankara.bel.tr/en/foreign-relations-department/sister-cities-of-ankara#.V60GdmVvfxs|title=Sister Cities of Ankara|website=www.ankara.bel.tr}}</ref>
*{{flagicon|TUR}} [[İzmir]], Turkey
*{{flagicon|PRC}} [[Ürümqi]], People's Republic of China
*{{flagicon|BLR}} [[Minsk]], Belarus, since 2008<ref name="Minsk">{{cite web|url=http://minsk.gov.by/ru/city/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130502075333/http://minsk.gov.by/ru/city/|title=Twin towns and Sister cities of Minsk ''[via WaybackMachine.com]''|publisher=The department of protocol and international relations of Minsk City Executive Committee|archivedate=2 May 2013|accessdate=21 July 2013|language=Russian}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==Bibliography==
{{See also|Timeline of Bishkek#Bibliography|l1=Bibliography of the history of Bishkek}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Bishkek}}
{{Wikivoyage|Bishkek}}
{{Portal|Kyrgyzstan}}
* [http://www.thespektator.co.uk The Spektator – society, culture, and travel articles on Kyrgyzstan and Bishkek city guide]

{{Districts of Kyrgyzstan}}
{{Provinces of Kyrgyzstan}}
{{Provincial seats of Kyrgyzstan}}
{{List of Asian capitals by region}}
{{Coord|42|52|29|N|74|36|44|E|region:KG_type:city|display=title}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Bishkek| ]]
[[Category:Capitals in Asia]]
[[Category:Cities in Central Asia]]
[[Category:Semirechye Oblast]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1825]]
[[Category:Populated places along the Silk Road]]
[[Category:Regions of Kyrgyzstan]]
[[Category:Populated places in Kyrgyzstan]]
[[Category:1825 establishments in Asia]]

BYU Vocal Point

2017-09-22T22:04:18Z

Harry8: current members (→ facebook)

{{Infobox musical artist
| name = BYU Vocal Point
| image = VocalPoint logo.PNG
| alt =
| caption = Logo of Vocal Point
| image_size =
| landscape = 
| background = group_or_band
| alias =
| origin = [[Brigham Young University]]
| genre = [[A cappella]]
| years_active = {{start date|1991}}–present
| label = BYU Records
| associated_acts =
| website = {{URL|http://www.byuvocalpoint.com/}}
| current_members = Jason Bromley Jantzen Dalley Joshua Harden Matt Newman Carl Prince Nathan Proffit Logan Shelton David Steele James Thorup
| past_members =
}}
'''BYU Vocal Point''' is a nine-member, male [[a cappella]] group at [[Brigham Young University]] (BYU). Founded by students in 1991, Vocal Point operates under the direction of BYU's Performing Arts Management (PAM).

The group has won three [[Pearl Award]]s and it was the winner of the 2006 [[International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella]] (ICCA). In 2011, the group placed fifth on [[NBC]]'s [[The Sing-Off (season 3)|third season]] of ''[[The Sing Off]]''.

==History==
Vocal Point was founded by two students at BYU, Dave Boyce and Bob Ahlander. They first heard the contemporary a cappella sound during a visit to the eastern U.S., where it had already grown to considerable popularity at colleges throughout the east. Seeking to bring that sound westward, Boyce and Ahlander recruited Jill Petersen-Lex to serve as the group's first Artistic Director. The three held auditions in the fall of 1991. After the members were selected and began singing, the nine-man group became an instant hit on campus, selling out its first concert. The group made its first recording ("If Rocks Could Sing") and went on its first tour that same school year.

With Ahlander and Boyce providing the vision, and Lex providing musical direction, the first three years proved equally successful for the student-run group. They toured several times and released their first full-length CD, "Instruments Not Included." The group was so popular that the director of BYU's School of Music thought it should be an official part of the university. In the fall of 1994, the ensemble was adopted into the School of Music, and Jim Anglesey was appointed as the group's Faculty Advisor. This was an important move for the group, as it ensured their longevity, and allowed for a full-time director, access to BYU's performing venues, and assistance from the staff of the School of Music and PAM.

During Anglesey's seven-year stay as director, Vocal Point released two more albums, "Fatter Than Ever" in 1996 and "Mouthing Off" in 1999. The group had several key performances during this time, including a series of concerts in BYU's de Jong Concert Hall, as well as the group's first [[New Year's Eve]] performance at the [[Salt Lake Tabernacle]] on [[Temple Square]]. In 1999, group member Joseph Lebaron updated the group's logo to its current "screaming head" design.

In 2001, co-founder Ahlander returned and became the director. His tenure started by the group hosting its ten-year anniversary celebration, including an alumni reunion concert. Shortly thereafter, the group released its fourth CD, "Grand Slam," which represented the final years of the Anglesey-directed group.

During Ahlander's time as director, Vocal Point reached new heights. They twice won the regional semi-finals for the ICCA, but refused to take their seats at the international finals in New York City because the event would be held on a Sunday. The group performed the national anthem at multiple [[Utah Jazz]] games and other venues. In Ahlander's final weeks as director, Vocal Point spent three weeks in [[Nauvoo, Illinois]], opening the new summer performing arts series there, and performing for thousands of visitors over a three-week run. At the group's final performance of the tour, they sang to a full house, giving them the idea for the name of their upcoming album, "Standing Room Only." That CD was released in the fall of 2004, representing Ahlander's three years of work as director.

Next on the directorial stage was James Stevens, a BYU graduate and studio engineer who had performed with Vocal Point for two years under Ahlander's direction. Stevens quickly got to work, helping the group sell out the de Jong Concert Hall faster than ever. At the end of that year, the group took home three [[Pearl Award]]s from the Faith Centered Music Association for "Sacred Recorded Song of the Year," "Group Recording Artist of the Year" and "Performing Artist of the Year."

The following year, 2005–06, was a banner year for Vocal Point. The group appeared at BYU's Homecoming Spectacular, as well as its first at BYU devotional. The group also hosted a celebration in honor of rhw group's 15th anniversary. As a culmination of the group's success, they again won the regional semi-finals in the ICCA, but this time were able to compete in the finals, which were held on a Saturday. The group took its first tour to [[New York City]], and competed there with some of the world's best collegiate a cappella ensembles in the [[Lincoln Center]]'s Alice Tully Hall. In its first appearance at the finals, and after winning regional competition three times, Vocal Point took first place. They were crowned ''International Champions'' for 2006.<ref>Wadley, Carma, [http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,635204413,00.html "Vocal Point wins world championship"], Deseret Morning News, 2006-05-03. URL accessed on 2006-05-04.</ref>

In the fall of 2010, a former member of Vocal Point, Buck Mangum, took on the role as a director, along with Stevens. In early 2011, Vocal Point again competed in the ICCA. They placed first at quarter finals in Eugene, Oregon, as well as received awards for "best choreography" and "best soloist," awarded to Jake Hunsaker. At the semi-finals in Los Angeles, Vocal Point again placed first, and with Hunsaker winning the same awards. At finals in New York, Vocal Point received awards for "best vocal percussionist" to Tanner Nilsson, again "best soloist" to Hunsaker, and first runner-up in the entire competition. The songs they competed with in their set were Michael Jackson's "Beat It," Michael Buble's "Meglio Stassera," a polish hymn entitled "Infant Holy," and Louis Prima's "Jump Jive an' Wail."

In 2011, Vocal Point competed as part of season 3 of NBC's reality TV series, The Sing Off. The members of the group that competed in the show were Michael Christensen, McKay Crockett, Keith Evans, Tyler Sterling, Tanner Nilsson, Robert Seely, Ross Welch, Ben Murphy, and Hunsaker. They were accompanied by Stevens. As a result of their participation in the show, the group was featured in a [[CNN]] article discussing how the group represented not only their school but also their faith.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2011/12/08/the-mormon-group-whether-they-like-it-or-not/?hpt=hp_c3 |title=The Mormon group – whether they like it or not |author=Dan Merica |date=December 8, 2011 |work= |publisher=[[CNN]] |accessdate=December 8, 2011}}</ref> The group continues to perform for sold-out crowds across the United States, now under the direction of Vocal Point alum McKay Crockett.

== Awards ==
* Fifth place on [[NBC]]'s [[The Sing-Off (season 3)|third season]] of ''[[The Sing Off]]'' (2011)
* [[International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella|ICCA]] Second place (2011)
* [[International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella|ICCA]] International Champions (2006)
* [[Pearl Award]] for ''Best Performing Artist'' (2005)
* [[Pearl Award]] for ''Best Performing Group'' (2005)

== Discography ==
*''If Rocks Could Sing'', 1992
*''Instruments Not Included'', 1994
*''Fatter Than Ever'', 1996
*''Mouthing Off'', 1999
*''Grand Slam'', 2003
*''Standing Room Only'', 2004
*''[[Nonstop (album)|Nonstop]]'', 2008
*''Back In Blue'' 2011.
*''Lead Thou Me On: Hymns and Inspiration'' 2012.
*''Spectrum'' 2014.
*''He Is Born'' 2015.
*''Music Video Hits (Vol. 1)''. 2016

==See also==
* [[List of collegiate a cappella groups]]

==References==
{{refimprove|date=October 2011}}
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.byuvocalpoint.com Official Site]
*[https://www.youtube.com/vocalpointbyu Official YouTube Channel]
*[https://www.facebook.com/byuvocalpoint Official Facebook Page]
*[https://www.twitter.com/byuvocalpoint Official Twitter Account]
*[http://www.byumusicstore.com/brands/BYU-Vocal-Point.html Albums and Merchandise]
*[http://pam.byu.edu/similarpage.asp?title=Vocal%20Point BYU's Performing Arts Management Page for Vocal Point]
*[http://pam.byu.edu/SimilarPage.asp?title=Vocal%20Point&StartScreen=Video/Sound%20Clips&pr=y Video/Sound recordings]

{{Brigham Young University}}

[[Category:Brigham Young University]]
[[Category:Collegiate a cappella groups]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1991]]
[[Category:Musical groups from Utah]]
[[Category:1991 establishments in Utah]]

List of tallest buildings in Poland

2017-07-27T17:44:40Z

Harry8: /* Completed */ 44.

{{About|the skyscrapers in Poland|the structures|list of tallest structures in Poland}}
{{no footnotes|date=January 2016}}
[[File:Wrocław, 2006 - 2012 - budowa Sky Tower - fotopolska.eu (331785).jpg|thumb|right|[[Sky Tower (Wrocław)|Sky Tower]] in [[Wrocław]] - tallest building by height to roof and height to top floor]]
[[Image:Palackultury.jpg|thumb|right|[[Palace of Culture and Science, Warsaw|Palace of Culture and Science]] in Warsaw - tallest building by architectural height]]

[[Image:POL.Gdynia.SeaTowers.2009.2.jpg|thumb|right|[[Sea Towers]] in Gdynia]]
[[Image:Katowice - Altus 01.jpg|thumb|right|[[Altus Skyscraper|Altus]] in Katowice]]
This is a '''list of the tallest [[skyscraper]]s in [[Poland]]'''. Buildings are ranked according to their architectural height.

== Completed ==
This list ranks completed and topped out buildings that stand at least {{convert|80|m|ft|abbr=on}} tall by architectural height.

{| style="font-size: 90%; text-align: center;" class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Rank
! Building
! City
! Architectural (m)
! Floors
! Built
|-
|1.
|align=left |[[Palace of Culture and Science, Warsaw|Palace of Culture and Science]] || [[Warsaw]] || 237 || 43 || 1955
|-
|2.
|align=left |[[Warsaw Spire]] || [[Warsaw]] || 220 || 49 || 2016
|-
|3.
|align=left |[[Sky Tower (Wrocław)|Sky Tower]] || [[Wrocław]] || 212 || 50 || 2012
|-
|4.
|align=left |[[Q22 (building)|Q22]] || Warsaw || 195 || 47 || 2016
|-
|5.
|align=left |[[Złota 44]]|| Warsaw || 192 || 54 || 2012
|-
|6.
|align=left |[[Rondo 1]] || Warsaw || 192 || 40 || 2006
|-
|7.
|align=left |[[Warsaw Trade Tower]] || Warsaw || 187 || 43 || 1999
|-
|8.
|align=left |[[Warsaw Marriott Hotel|Hotel Marriott]] || Warsaw || 170 || 43 || 1989
|-
|9.
|align=left |[[Warsaw Financial Center]] || Warsaw || 165 || 34 || 1998
|-
|10.
|align=left |[[InterContinental Warsaw]] || Warsaw || 164 || 45 || 2004
|-
|11.
|align=left |[[Cosmopolitan Twarda 2/4]] || Warsaw || 160 || 46 || 2013
|-
|12.
|align=left |[[Oxford Tower, Warsaw|Oxford Tower]]|| Warsaw || 150 || 42 || 1979
|-
|13.
|align=left |[[Sea Towers]]|| [[Gdynia]] || 141.6 || 36 || 2009
|-
|14.
|align=left |[[Intraco I]] || Warsaw || 138 || 39 || 1975
|-
|15.
|align=left |[[Spektrum (building)|Spektrum]] || Warsaw || 128 || 30 || 2001
|-
|16.
|align=left |[[Pazim]]|| [[Szczecin]] || 128 || 22 || 1992
|-
|17.
|align=left |[[Altus Skyscraper|Altus]] || [[Katowice]] || 125 || 29 || 2002
|-
|18.
|align=left |[[Łucka City]] || Warsaw || 120 || 30 || 2004
|-
|19.
|align=left |[[Błękitny Wieżowiec]] || Warsaw || 120 || 28 || 1991
|-
|20.
|align=left |[[Millennium Plaza]] || Warsaw || 117 || 28 || 1999
|-
|21.
|align=left |[[Novotel Warszawa Centrum]] || Warsaw || 110 || 33 || 1979
|-
|22.
|align=left |[[Dom Akademicki "Kredka"|Akademik Kredka]] || Wrocław || 110 || 23 || 1990
|-
|23.
|align=left |[[Collegium Altum]] || Poznań || 106 || 22 || 1991
|-
|24.
|align=left |[[Złote Tarasy]] || Warsaw || 105 || 26 || 2007
|-
|25.
|align=left |[[Babka Tower]] || Warsaw || 105 || 28 || 2002
|-
|26.
|style="text-align: left;"|[[Biurowiec Wojewódzki]] || Katowice || 90 || 22 || 1985
|-
|27.
|style="text-align: left;"|[[Cracovia Business Center]] || [[Kraków]] || 105 || 20 || 1998
|-
|28.
|style="text-align: left;"|[[Ilmet]] || Warsaw || 103 || 22 || 1997
|-
|29.
|style="text-align: left;"|[[Andersia Tower]] || [[Poznań]] || 102 || 21 || 2007
|-
|30.
|align=left |[[Stalexport Skyscrapers|Stalexport 1]]|| Katowice || 99 || 22 || 1981
|-
|31.
|style="text-align: left;"|[[Organika Trade]] || [[Gdańsk]] || 98 || 20 || 1980
|-
|32.
|style="text-align: left;"|[[PZU Tower]] || Warsaw || 97 || 25 || 2000
|-
|33.
|style="text-align: left;"|[[Hotel Hilton]] || Warsaw || 94 || 28 || 2007
|-
|34.
|style="text-align: left;"|North Gate{{Citation needed|date=January 2014}} || Warsaw || 94 || 25 || 2008
|-
|35.
|style="text-align: left;"|[[Stalexport Skyscrapers|Stalexport 2]]|| Katowice || 92 || 20 || 1981
|-
|36.
|style="text-align: left;"|[[Euro Centrum|Euro Centrum Budynek A]] || Warsaw || 88 || 21 || 2002
|-
|37.
|style="text-align: left;"|[[Kukurydze|Kukurydza - ul. Zawiszy Czarnego 4]] || Katowice || 87 || 27 || 1988
|-
|38.
|style="text-align: left;"|[[Kukurydze|Kukurydza - ul. Zawiszy Czarnego 6]] || Katowice || 87 || 27 || 1989
|-
|39.
|style="text-align: left;"|[[Kukurydze|Kukurydza - ul. Zawiszy Czarnego 10]] || Katowice || 87 || 27 || 1991
|-
|40.
|style="text-align: left;"|[[Platinum Towers]]|| Warsaw || 85 || 22 || 2009
|-
|41.
|style="text-align: left;"|[[Pekao Tower]] || Warsaw || 85 || 20 || 1993
|-
|42.
|style="text-align: left;"|[[Wydział Nauk o Ziemi Uniwersytetu Śląskiego|Wydział Nauk o Ziemi Uniwersytetu Śląskiego "Żyleta"]] || [[Sosnowiec]] || 84 || 20 || 1981
|-
|43.
|style="text-align: left;"|[[Warta Tower]] || Warsaw || 82 || 22 || 2000
|-
|44.
|style="text-align: left;"|[[Osiedle Walentego Roździeńskiego|Gwiazda 1]]|| Katowice || 81 || 27 || 1978
|-
|44.
|style="text-align: left;"|[[Osiedle Walentego Roździeńskiego|Gwiazda 2]]|| Katowice || 81 || 27 ||1978
|-
|44.
|style="text-align: left;"|[[Osiedle Walentego Roździeńskiego|Gwiazda 3]]|| Katowice || 81 || 27 ||1978
|-
|44.
|style="text-align: left;"|[[Osiedle Walentego Roździeńskiego|Gwiazda 4]]|| Katowice || 81 || 27 ||1978
|-
|44.
|style="text-align: left;"|[[Osiedle Walentego Roździeńskiego|Gwiazda 5]]|| Katowice || 81 || 27 ||1978
|-
|44.
|style="text-align: left;"|[[Osiedle Walentego Roździeńskiego|Gwiazda 6]]|| Katowice || 81 || 27 ||1978
|-
|44.
|style="text-align: left;"|[[Osiedle Walentego Roździeńskiego|Gwiazda 7]]|| Katowice || 81 || 27 ||1978
|}

=== Under construction ===
This lists buildings that are under construction in Poland and are planned to rise at least {{convert|80|m|ft|abbr=on}}. Buildings that are only approved or proposed are not included in this table.

{| style="font-size: 90%; text-align: center;" class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Building
! City
! Architectural (m)
! Floors
! Est. completion
|-
|align=left | [[Varso]] || Warsaw || 310 || 53 || 2020
|-
|align=left |[[Skyliner (building)|Skyliner]] || Warsaw || 195 || 45 || ?
|-
|align=left |[[Olivia Star]] || [[Gdańsk]] || 156 || 35 || 2017
|-
|align=left |[[Generation Park]] || Warsaw || 140 || 38 || 2018
|-
|align=left |[[The Warsaw Hub]] || Warsaw || 130 || 31 || 2019
|-
|align=left |[[Hanza Tower]] || [[Szczecin]]|| 125 || 28 || 2017
|-
|align=left |[[Prime Corporate Center]] || Warsaw || 96 || 23 || 2016
|}

==See also==
*[[List of tallest buildings in Katowice]]
*[[List of tallest buildings in Warsaw]]
*[[List of tallest buildings in Szczecin]]

==External links==
* [http://www.zacharz.com/warszawa/highrise.htm Pictures of tallest buildings in Warsaw]
* [http://buildingdb.ctbuh.org/?do=country&country=PL Tallest buildings in Poland in CTBUH database]
{{TBSW}}

[[Category:Skyscrapers in Poland| ]]
[[Category:Lists of tallest buildings in Poland|Poland]]
[[Category:Lists of buildings and structures in Poland|Tallest]]

Mediterranean-Mjosa Zone

2017-03-07T11:02:36Z

Harry8: typo

Die '''Mittelmeer-Mjösen-Zone''' ist eine [[Grabenbruch|Bruchzone]] in der kontinentalen [[Erdkruste]], die [[Europa]] vom [[Mittelmeer]] her über [[Marseille]], den [[Oberrheinische Tiefebene|Rheingraben]] entlang, bis in den [[Mjøsa-See]] in [[Norwegen|Südnorwegen]] auf einer Länge von 2000 km durchzieht!

Der Begriff ''Mittelmeer-Mjösen-Zone'' wurde um 1930 von dem deutschen Geologen [[Hans Stille]] geprägt. Als Einzelelemente gehören zu der Bruchzone das [[französisches Rhonetal|Tal der Rhone]] und seine nördliche Fortsetzung, der [[Bresse]]-Graben, der [[Oberrheingraben]] und das [[Mainzer Becken]]. Hier teilt sich das Bruchsystem in einen nordöstlichen und einen nordwestlichen Ast. Zum nordwestlichen Ast gehört die [[Niederrheinische Bucht]] und der Niederrheinische Graben als zentrale niederländische Bruchzone, zum nordöstlichen Ast die [[Wetterau]], das [[Gießener Becken]], das [[Amöneburger Becken]], der [[Neustädter Sattel]], die [[Westhessische Senke]], der [[Leinegraben]], ein Teil der [[Salzstock]]region in Norddeutschland, das [[Kattegat]], der [[Oslograben]] und schließlich der Mjøsa-See.

Im Umfeld der Mittelmeer-Mjösen-Zone kam es teilweise zu vulkanischen Aktivitäten, wie dies zum Beispiel der [[Kaiserstuhl (Baden)|Kaiserstuhl]] oder der [[Hoher Habichtswald|Hohe Habichtswald]] westlich von [[Kassel]], der überwiegend aus [[Basalt]]en aufgebaut ist, beweisen.

== Weblinks ==

* [http://www.lanuv.nrw.de/veroeffentlichungen/merkbl/merk41/merk41.pdf ''Morphologisches Leitbild Niederrhein'', Merkblatt 41, LUA NRW Essen, 2003, Abschnitt 2.2] (PDF-Datei; 1,83 MB)

[[Kategorie:Geologie Europas]]

Talk:Danny Boy

2017-01-27T11:04:47Z

Harry8: /* Additional lyrics */ new section

{{WikiProjectBannerShell|1=
{{WikiProject Songs|class=b}}
{{WikiProject Irish music|class=b|importance=high}}
{{WikiProject R&B and Soul Music|class=B|auto=Inherit|importance=}}
}}

{{Archive box|[[/Archive 1|Archive 1]]}}

==Widely What?==
<blockquote>"The song is widely considered an Irish anthem. It is nonetheless widely considered by many Irish Americans and Irish Canadians to be their unofficial signature song."</blockquote>
:These two sentences make little sense together. Can someone decipher their meaning, and make the necessary edit. I'm not sure if it means to say that it is not widely considered Irish in Ireland, but that it is sung by Irish-Americans or that even though it is popular in Ireland, it has become the anthem of the diaspora. —[[Special:Contributions/168.7.250.93|168.7.250.93]] ([[User talk:168.7.250.93|talk]]) 02:00, 18 June 2008 (UTC)

They mean this, I think '"The song is widely considered an Irish anthem and is considered by many Irish Americans and Irish Canadians to be their unofficial signature song." - [[User:AndreaUKA|AndreaUKA]] ([[User talk:AndreaUKA|talk]]) 22:54, 29 August 2009 (UTC)

Like our "Chinese food," which is not found much in China, Danny Boy is a tune for those who dream of Ireland (UK) from outside. Why would this be controversial? We Canadians may tire of hearing about Mounties and igloos, but that is what many outsiders think of when they think of Canada. One can see that people of Irish (or UK, if you prefer) background are moved to hear this pretty tune (the Derry Air and later Londonderry Air), and to hear the lovely story of a parent pining for a son. As Albert said, "the rest are details." [[Special:Contributions/68.84.72.53|68.84.72.53]] ([[User talk:68.84.72.53|talk]]) 16:15, 19 October 2009 (UTC)

Mentioned twice:
Tir na n'Og recorded it on their debut album in 2006.;
Tir na n'Og, recorded it on their 2006 self-titled debut album —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[Special:Contributions/80.201.215.50|80.201.215.50]] ([[User talk:80.201.215.50|talk]]) 15:29, 14 August 2008 (UTC) 

== Boy is 'lost'....? ==

*Although some view the above interpretation of Danny Boy as the true meaning, there is also another meaning for this song. The lyrics were supposedly written by a father who lost his son, Danny.

The logic within the song suggests that 'the father' is in fact dying, and hoping his son, will return, lost as in not dead, to say a prayer over him ?

The pipes are calling for the father ?

The Irish (born in Ireland) are quite adamant that it's NOT an "Irish song"(though the "air" is Irish). Also, serious Irish groups(bands) do not perform the tune, if they have any self-respect. —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[User:Edknuff|Edknuff]] ([[User talk:Edknuff|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Edknuff|contribs]]) 19:48, 12 February 2009 (UTC) 

--[[User:Caesarjbsquitti|Caesar J.B. Squitti: Son of Maryann Rosso and Arthur Natale Squitti]] [[User talk:Caesarjbsquitti|(talk)]] 16:20, 1 November 2008 (UTC)

What you mean to say is that Irish bands do not play Danny Boy unless they have any respect at all for their audiences, who love the song. A historian's purity is completely inappropriate (and ridiculous) in an entertainer. —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[Special:Contributions/96.227.5.246|96.227.5.246]] ([[User talk:96.227.5.246|talk]]) 02:02, 13 November 2009 (UTC) 

::What Edknuff wrote is nonsense - the song is still played and sung in Ireland, as in many other countries. [[User:Hohenloh|Hohenloh]][[User_talk:Hohenloh| + ]] 13:07, 13 November 2009 (UTC)

I always understood this to be the origin [[http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A3826136]] - It's a very interesting article, too. [[User:AndreaUKA|AndreaUKA]] ([[User talk:AndreaUKA|talk]]) 23:00, 29 August 2009 (UTC)

With regard to Irish musicians' attitude towards "Danny Boy", Robbie O'Connell's song "You're Not Irish" is perhaps a clue. It's written from the point of view of an Irish musician who comes to America only to find American audiences complaining because he doesn't perform the "stage Irish" songs they know. From the chorus: "You're not Irish! You can't be Irish, you don't know 'Danny Boy', or 'Toora Loora Loora', or even 'Irish Eyes'..." [[User:Jejones3141|Jejones3141]] ([[User talk:Jejones3141|talk]]) 13:31, 17 March 2013 (UTC)

== Irishness and edit warring ==

Several editors are engaged in tit-for-tat changes in the opening sentence of the article as to whether the song is Irish. No sources are presented to lend weight to either argument, and edit notes have been assertive rather than informative. Let's grow up, discuss, and compromise. Songs don't have passports: composers have nationalities, songs have cultural associations. I would suggest an opening sentence of ''"Danny Boy" is a ballad written by [[Frederick Weatherly]] and usually set to the tune of the "[[Londonderry Air]]": it is most closely associated with [[Irish people|Irish communities]].'' [[User:Kevin McE|Kevin McE]] ([[User talk:Kevin McE|talk]]) 11:53, 21 March 2009 (UTC)
: Brilliant! Sorted. --[[User:Theosony|Theosony]] ([[User talk:Theosony|talk]]) 19:39, 21 March 2009 (UTC)
::I only posted it because of your support, and the lack of voices to the contrary. Now you revert and tell me to discuss. I think you need to explain yourself. [[User:Kevin McE|Kevin McE]] ([[User talk:Kevin McE|talk]]) 20:06, 23 March 2009 (UTC)
: Sorry, I thought it was one of those irritating edits. Long, LONG day!! Sorry about that!--[[User:Theosony|Theosony]] ([[User talk:Theosony|talk]]) 20:19, 23 March 2009 (UTC)

:If you read the lyric, it seems to apply as much to Scotland (pipes and glens) as it does to Ireland. And the lyric was written before it was set to the Londonderry Air. [[User:Tsinfandel|Tsinfandel]] ([[User talk:Tsinfandel|talk]]) 14:51, 3 October 2009 (UTC)

== verse problem ==
I dont ever remember there being a second verse nor have I ever heard it. please reply and tell me what you think. —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[Special:Contributions/98.151.241.73|98.151.241.73]] ([[User talk:98.151.241.73|talk]]) 00:25, 27 May 2009 (UTC) 
:Please post new topics for discussion at the bottom of the page. Yes, there are two verses. The second verse is the tearjerker. When it is omitted, it is usually for the sake of brevity. Any amount of research will confirm the second verse. -[[User:Verdatum|Verdatum]] ([[User talk:Verdatum|talk]]) 16:23, 8 June 2009 (UTC)

== sample please ==
normally when there is an article refferring to a song, there is a audio sample, and i think that this song should have one to, do you agree or disagree?

== Recordings ==

I have no problem listing every officially released recording of Danny Boy by Notable artists. However, since the list is so very long, and effectively translates to "[Artist] recorded this in [year] on [album]", I suggest converting it to a sortable table. -[[User:Verdatum|Verdatum]] ([[User talk:Verdatum|talk]]) 16:15, 8 June 2009 (UTC)
:No, that list is completely out of control. If it so important to mention that, this was sung by some jerk on Canadian idol, the there should be a separate page for [[List of People who have sung Danny Boy]]. There seem to be a lot of recordings of this song, even notable ones; but there seems to be no authoritative version. I think for that reason, maybe the list should be chucked altogether. Merging this page with the Derry Air would be an excellent pretext to do that. —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[Special:Contributions/91.156.105.171|91.156.105.171]] ([[User talk:91.156.105.171|talk]]) 19:44, 14 December 2009 (UTC) 
::"Sung by some jerk on Canadian idol" generally would not be called an officially released recording, nor would "some jerk" be a Notable artist. So that wouldn't meet the criteria I stated. Why does there need to be an authoritative version? I fail to see the relevance. -[[User:Verdatum|Verdatum]] ([[User talk:Verdatum|talk]]) 17:49, 15 December 2009 (UTC)
:::I added Maureen O'Hara's recording of the song on her 1962 album "Maureen O'Hara Sings Her Favorite Irish Songs" released in 1962 and reissued in 1991 and again in 2011. I believe that her recording is worthy of inclusion because although she wasn't recognised for her singing she was an accomplished singer and did record a few albums and sang in some of her films as well as on Broadway. Her acting career spanned 60+ years. She is considered by Hollywood historians to be one of the most beautiful women ever to be in film and is also considered by some to be a Hollywood Legend therefore she is a "Notable" person with a large fan base even at 93! Her recording of the song can therefore be considered 'Notable'. Although not known as a singer her recordings are still available on CD whereas many 'singers' cannot claim that. also many of her films are among those considered to be Hollywood Classics and finally as perhaps Ireland's first 'major star' her recording is relevant to the section, the content and the song.:~ — Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[Special:Contributions/194.32.29.1|194.32.29.1]] ([[User talk:194.32.29.1|talk]]) 13:45, 11 March 2014 (UTC) 

== [[Mario Lanza]] ==

On [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzL-eGDYIJA YouTube] we can find this and more versions of this song by Mario Lanza. Questions:
Are they real and if so in what year(s) he recorded them? [[User:Pationl|Patio]] ([[User talk:Pationl|talk]]) 11:27, 5 July 2009 (UTC)

== merge ==

'''Please note :''' There is a discussion at [[Wikipedia talk:WikiProject Songs/coverversions]] with the purpose of trying to establish a standard rule for merge/separate different versions of the same song. Please make known your opinions on the matter. --[[User:Richhoncho|Richhoncho]] ([[User talk:Richhoncho|talk]]) 13:44, 29 November 2009 (UTC)

==Article Conflict==

There is a conflict between this article and the one on ''Londonderry Air''. There, we are told unequivocally that "Weatherly intended the song as a parting message from a woman to a man". This article says "Some contend that 'Danny Boy' was intended as a message from a woman to a man ... but it was actually intended as a father to a son." It would be nice if someone who knows definitively would straighten this out. If no one can say beyond personal preference which is true, appropriate weasel words should be added to both articles. [[User:SDCHS|SDCHS]] ([[User talk:SDCHS|talk]]) 02:37, 1 February 2010 (UTC)
:[http://www.standingstones.com/danny3.html] appears to be fairly authoritative, and they can't find any strong ruling (such as a statement by the original author) on the meaning. I rather like the idea of it being intentionally ambiguous for the sake of sales, but that's just personal preference. I don't see anything wrong with mentioning both interpretations, and giving preference to neither.
::That reference has the original author's alternative words to be sung by a man (with '''my bold''' to highlight differences and role reversals). All the evidence is that Weatherly thought ''Danny Boy'' in its original form was to be sung by a woman.--[[User:Rumping|Rumping]] ([[User talk:Rumping|talk]]) 22:03, 30 July 2010 (UTC)
:::'''''Oh, Eily dear,''' the pipes, the pipes are calling''
:::''From glen to glen, and down the mountain side''
:::''The summer's gone, and all the roses falling''
:::'''''It's I, it's I must go, and you must bide.'''''
:::'''''But I'll come back''' when summer's in the meadow''
:::''Or when the valley's hushed and white with snow''
:::'''''And you'll be here''' in sunshine or in shadow''
:::'''''Oh Eily dear, oh Eily dear,''' I love you so.''

:::'''''Someday, may be, when all the flow'rs are dying'''''
:::''And I am dead, as dead I well may be''
:::''Ye'll come and find the place where I am lying''
:::''And kneel and say an Ave there for me.''
:::''And I shall hear, though soft you tread above me''
:::''And all my grave will warmer, sweeter, be''
:::''For you will bend and tell me that you love me''
:::''And I shall sleep in peace until you come to me.''

I've reversed your edit. I read through the reference you provided and all I could see was mention of the fact that occasionally writers such as Weatherly would tailor their songs (i.e. "Eily Dear") for individuals and be recompensed for it. There is no firm evidence of any kind that supports the definitive statement that Weatherly thought that "Danny Boy" was originally intended as a message from a woman to a man". For all we know, the quoted addition at the bottom of one of the printed versions may have been a publishers afterthought in order to maximise sales of the song - where is the link tying it back directly to Weatherly? [[User:David T Tokyo|David T Tokyo]] ([[User talk:David T Tokyo|talk]]) 02:30, 31 July 2010 (UTC)

:''Eily dear'' was not tailored to an individual, but to male singers. See for example Nigel Parsons' comment at [[Talk:Danny_Boy/Archive_1]] (just before the heading "National Anthem issue") or for example the sheet music at [http://www.di-arezzo.co.uk/sheet+music/classical+score/sheet+music-for-voice/BOOSE02509.html]. Add to that the first recording of ''Danny Boy'', the main early singer and the epitaph, and I think there can be little doubt about Weatherly's attitude about the originally intended gender of the singer. I accept he was a commercial songwriter and was happy when anybody (male or female, green or orange) bought his sheet music. --[[User:Rumping|Rumping]] ([[User talk:Rumping|talk]]) 15:40, 2 August 2010 (UTC)

::Maybe I'm missing something (apologies if I am) but as far as I can see your argument is based on the fact that the 1918 version of the sheet music of Eily Dear includes a facsimile of Weatherly's signature. However - that is not proof of his intentions as to what the song meant, or who it should be sung by. For that we need a valid quote, relating specifically to that issue, from Fred Weatherly himself. [[User:David T Tokyo|David T Tokyo]] ([[User talk:David T Tokyo|talk]]) 17:55, 2 August 2010 (UTC)

:::Actually it was the sheet music for Danny Boy, but also provided alternative words for men to sing. It stated it was authorised by Weatherly and appeared under his facsimile signature, which is more than can be said for the 1913 sheet music.--[[User:Rumping|Rumping]] ([[User talk:Rumping|talk]]) 00:52, 4 August 2010 (UTC)

::::OK. To be precise - The 1918 version of the sheet music for Danny Boy '''which includes the references to Eily Dear'''. However, all of this is still nothing more than speculation. The authorisation or the signature on this particular edition of the sheet music tell us nothing directly about what Fred Weatherly thoughts about his lyrics. What we DO Have is Fred Weatherly's own specific notes about [http://www.standingstones.com/danny3.html how he came to write Danny Boy]. Weatherly tells us that Danny Boy "is sung all over the world by Sinn Feiners and Ulstermen alike". Note that he mentions Men, not Women. Not only is your theory speculative, but it also runs contrary to the one quote we have from Weatherly.

::::The text on the "Londonderry Air" is also subject to the the same speculation and at odds with the supplied reference. I'll make the necessary changes - thanks for bringing it up. [[User:David T Tokyo|David T Tokyo]] ([[User talk:David T Tokyo|talk]]) 05:04, 4 August 2010 (UTC)

:::::Actually, words he wrote in or before 1918 for the lyrics are a better indication of his intent than words he wrote in 1926 in ''Piano and Gown'' after reacting to the popularity of the song. The 1918 lyrics specifically say they were published with his authorisation. You are the one speculating.--[[User:Rumping|Rumping]] ([[User talk:Rumping|talk]]) 00:10, 6 August 2010 (UTC)

::::::Please provide the evidence of that authorisation, and also Weatherly's statement that we can take that authorisation to mean that he felt "Danny Boy" should only be sung by women. If you can't do that, kindly stop making these changes. We should be dealing in facts, not supposition. [[User:David T Tokyo|David T Tokyo]] ([[User talk:David T Tokyo|talk]]) 07:55, 6 August 2010 (UTC)

== Background ==

The sentence "Although the lyrics were originally written for a different tune, Weatherly modified them to fit "Londonderry Air" in 1913 when she sent Weatherly a copy. " is unclear - who is the "she" who sent a copy of the Air to Weatherly? —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[User:Scartboy|Scartboy]] ([[User talk:Scartboy|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Scartboy|contribs]]) 16:45, 9 March 2010 (UTC) 

Answered my own question - according to Weatherly, it was his sister-in-law in America. [[User:Scartboy|Scartboy]] ([[User talk:Scartboy|talk]]) 17:40, 9 March 2010 (UTC)

== name ==

http://www.standingstones.com/danny3.html#derry

I have put a source, therefore do not reverse my edit unless you want to put up an alternate source for calling it Londonderry air where then I suggest you keep both up. —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[Special:Contributions/109.255.217.212|109.255.217.212]] ([[User talk:109.255.217.212|talk]]) 23:01, 22 May 2011 (UTC) 
:1) Per [[WP:Engvar]] and [[WP:IMOS]] please don't make a change to a consensus version on such a controversial issue without proper discussion first.
:2) Please make sure any source you use is [[WP:RS]]. Although the author states media organisations have used him as a subject matter expert, I'm not convinced that particular site is [[WP:RS]] (excluding quotations etc) particularly the part on Air from County Derry given 3. (You're welcome to take it to [[WP:RS/N]] of course although it doesn't seem to matter.)
:3) Please actually read any source you do use. The source you used '''does not''' support your claim. In fact, it only mentions 'Derry Air' once and in that mention "If you were a proper Victorian, there's no way you were going to call it the Londonderry Air, much less the Derry Air" it makes it clear 'Derry Air' makes even less sense then Londonderry Air for the time. That section supports 'Air from County Derry' not 'Derry Air' (which as I said is only mentioned once) but primarily based on historical precendence. But for better or worse, that often only has a minor influence on the modern [[WP:Common name]] which is what we usually go by (combined with resonable application of [[WP:Engvar]] which in this case would probably mean first contributors preference). Elsewhere, it includes numerous other discussions where it refers to 'Londonderry Air' so it in no way even supports the claim 'Air from County Derry' is the common name let alone Derry Air. That source also seems to contradict itself since at first it says the earliest reference to 'Londonderry Air' is in the late 1930s but it later includes what is supposed to be a description from the person who set the lyrics to the tune in 1912 which appears to be from 1926 and that person calls it Londonderry Air. [[User:Nil Einne|Nil Einne]] ([[User talk:Nil Einne|talk]]) 14:40, 16 June 2011 (UTC)
:4) If you are going to make a change, please don't leave it half done leaving the situation where the article uses both names, confusing to anyone not familiar with the geopolitical mess that is the London/derry controversy.
:P.S. I emailed the author on the contradiction.
:[[User:Nil Einne|Nil Einne]] ([[User talk:Nil Einne|talk]]) 14:33, 16 June 2011 (UTC)

== One After 909 ==

You might mention the Beatles song "One After 909" - John Lennon sang 2 lines from "Danny boy" at the end. [[User:Kvsh5|Kvsh5]] ([[User talk:Kvsh5|talk]]) 16:00, 13 March 2012 (UTC)

== "nothing of the rebel song in it, and no note of bloodshed". ==

I don't understand, I thought it was about sending a kid off to war? — Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[Special:Contributions/66.45.157.68|66.45.157.68]] ([[User talk:66.45.157.68|talk]]) 10:39, 3 June 2012 (UTC) 

:That is not an unknown interpretation, but note that it is the singer who stays and may die. The quote comes from the writer after WWI, though the song was written before; he presumably knew what he intended. --[[User:Rumping|Rumping]] ([[User talk:Rumping|talk]]) 20:55, 5 June 2012 (UTC)

== Catholic funerals ==

There needs to be some sort of note about Catholicism in this article. The Catholic Church has banned the playing of Danny Boy at Catholic funerals. It sucks, my Irish Catholic family had to learn 'catholic lyrics' to this secular song for my grandmothers funeral, as Danny Boy is a family tradition for us. Since so many of the Irish are Catholic, and the song is so closely associated with the Irish, I think this is noteworthy. — Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[Special:Contributions/50.13.14.233|50.13.14.233]] ([[User talk:50.13.14.233|talk]]) 22:15, 2 July 2012 (UTC) 

: I suppose you're aware of the reason for the ban? That, among other points, is well discussed at http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=94716 , along w/ the very attractive "Catholic lyrics" based on the ancient In Paradisum from the funeral liturgy.

: However, I think this talk section is enough. I wouldn't really want to see it in the main article. [[User:GeorgeTSLC|GeorgeTSLC]] ([[User talk:GeorgeTSLC|talk]]) 16:23, 28 June 2013 (UTC)

== Chart positions ==

Adding a list of United States chart positions (without making it clear that they are from the United States) to a song associated particularly with Northern Ireland is not terribly helpful, and does not show the world view that is required on Wikipedia. Has the song ever charted anywhere else (the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland would seem the most obvious countries)? [[User:Skinsmoke|Skinsmoke]] ([[User talk:Skinsmoke|talk]]) 09:16, 19 September 2012 (UTC)

== New information? ==

Should the new information researched by Anthony Mann, the great-grandson of Frederic Weatherly, be added to the article? {{User|Thefamilystoryofdannyboy}} did that, and what he added was later removed.

Here are links to the [http://www.dannyboystory.com/ web site] and the [http://www.amazon.co.uk/In-Sunshine-And-Shadow-family/dp/1300775017/ref=sr_1_1/278-2873551-5996303?ie=UTF8&qid=1387276392&sr=8-1 book]. -- [[User:DTRY|DTRY]] ([[User talk:DTRY|talk]]) 10:37, 17 December 2013 (UTC)

== Lyrics variation ==

I decide to replace the many variation of lyrics with the original one. The replaced lyrics is kept below. -- [[User:DTRY|DTRY]] ([[User talk:DTRY|talk]]) 10:48, 19 December 2013 (UTC)

{{quote|
Oh, Danny boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling 
From glen to glen, and down the mountain side 
The summer's gone, and all the flow'rs are dying 
'Tis you, 'tis you must go and I must bide.

But come ye back when summer's in the meadow 
Or when the valley's hushed and white with snow 
'Tis I'll be here in sunshine or in shadow 
Oh, Danny boy, oh, Danny boy, I love you so.

And if you come, and all the flowers are dying 
If I am dead, as dead I well may be 
I pray you'll find the place where I am lying 
And kneel and say an "[[Hail Mary|Ave]]" there for me.

And I shall hear, though soft you tread above me 
And all my grave will warm and sweeter be 
And then you'll kneel and whisper that you love me 
And I shall sleep in peace until you come to me.

:''or'' I'll simply sleep in peace until you come to me.

:''or'' And I shall rest in peace until you come to me.

:''or'' Oh, Danny boy, oh, Danny boy, I love you so.<ref name="Danny Boy Lyrics" group=>{{cite web|title=Danny Boy Irish Song Lyrics and Music Midi|url=http://www.ireland-information.com/irishmusic/dannyboy.shtml|work=Danny Boy Song Lyrics|publisher=Site|accessdate=28 March 2011}}</ref>}}

<references/>

== Original Lyrics ==

The present lyrics differs from the lyrics that is found in source [http://www.standingstones.com/danny3.html##freddanny [2<nowiki>]</nowiki>] (I slightly corrected the link which is broken in the original file but which points now directly to the relevant section). Here are some of the most important differences:
* Line 3: "and all the flowers dying," should be "and all the roses falling," which rhymes nicely to line 1 "pipes are calling".
* Line 4: "tis you tis you" reads "It's you it's you" in the original. The same holds for line 7 ("It's I").
* some further little differences (line 9 does not start with "and", "Ye'll come" instead of "You come" in line 11 and so on).
The source I cite stems from 1926. Is there any good reference to the version of the lyrics presented now? If so, it is not given in the article. --[[User:Kaernbach|Kaernbach]] ([[User talk:Kaernbach|talk]]) 07:55, 27 November 2014 (UTC)

I just noticed that the original lyrics already entered by DTRY was (with little adaptations) valid until Nov 1 2014 when some IP (221.126.8.59) changed it to something that is nowhere documented. '''Please refrain from editing the lyrics just for your personal taste.''' There are original sources and they should be respected. The only difference I allowed for between the version that I now reinstalled and the version from the sources is in line 8. The original reads in source [2] as follows: "Oh, Danny boy, O Danny boy, I love you so!" The second "O" without the "h" seems to be a typo. It would be great if we could come even closer to the original and verify the exact spelling. [[User:Kaernbach|Kaernbach]] ([[User talk:Kaernbach|talk]]) 11:23, 12 December 2014 (UTC)

== Who is Derek Collins? ==

On April 3rd 2016 Breadsnapper added "2016, Derek Collins, Songs and Stories, Lullaby version recorded by the Irish tenor/balladeer following extensive US tours" as a notable recording. Derek Collins has no page om Wikipedia and the link goes to his facebook page. The link to the song/album goes goes to [https://play.google.com/store/music/album/Derek_Collins_Songs_and_Stories?id=Bu3tmyxhf75gpxvef2cll7x4urq http://play.coogle.com/store/...] where you can buy the record. Notable recording? No! Adverisement? Yes!

The only other [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Contributions/Breadsnapper contribution by Breadsnapper] was a similar link on [[The Unquiet Grave]], soon removed by XLinkBot.

But XLinkBot missed this one, so I removed it as well! [[User:Episcophagus|Episcophagus]] ([[User talk:Episcophagus|talk]]) 09:05, 28 April 2016 (UTC)

== External links modified ==

Hello fellow Wikipedians,

I have just modified {{plural:1|one external link|1 external links}} on [[Danny Boy]]. Please take a moment to review [https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?diff=prev&oldid=749058942 my edit]. If you have any questions, or need the bot to ignore the links, or the page altogether, please visit [[User:Cyberpower678/FaQs#InternetArchiveBot|this simple FaQ]] for additional information. I made the following changes:
*Added archive https://web.archive.org/web/20120121040829/http://it-charts.150m.com/numeriuno-1960.htm to http://it-charts.150m.com/numeriuno-1960.htm

When you have finished reviewing my changes, please set the ''checked'' parameter below to '''true''' or '''failed''' to let others know (documentation at {{tlx|Sourcecheck}}).

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Cheers.—[[User:InternetArchiveBot|'''InternetArchiveBot''']] ([[User talk:InternetArchiveBot|Report bug]]) 03:39, 12 November 2016 (UTC)

== Additional lyrics ==

There are additional lyrics by Keith Evans, former member of [[Vocal Point|BYU Vocal Point]]:

:O Danny Boy, the stream flows cool and slowly;
:And pipes still call and echo ‘cross the glen.
:Your broken mother sighs and feels so lowly,
:For you have not returned to smile again.

:So If you’ve died and crossed the stream before us,
:We pray that angels met you on the shore;
:And you’ll look down, and gently you’ll implore us
:To live, so we may see your smiling face once more,
:Once more.

Greetings [[User:Harry8|Harry8]] ([[User talk:Harry8|talk]]) 11:04, 27 January 2017 (UTC)

Peter Hollens

2017-01-26T23:41:54Z

Harry8: /* Notable recordings */ Danny Boy

{{distinguish|Peter Hollins}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Peter Hollens
| image = Peter Hollens 01.jpg
| caption = Vocalist and producer Peter Hollens
| image_size =
| background = solo_singer
| alias =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1982|03|04}}
| birth_place = [[Ashland, Oregon]]
| origin = [[Eugene, Oregon|Eugene]], [[Oregon]]
| instrument = [[Vocals]], [[Vocal percussion]]
| genre = [[Pop music|Pop]], ''[[A cappella]]''
| occupation = Recording Engineer, Vocalist, Producer, YouTuber
| years_active = 2002–present
| associated_acts =
| website = http://www.peterhollens.com
| current_members =
| Guest_musicians =
| notable_instruments =
}}

'''Peter Hollens''' (born March 4, 1982) is an American singer/songwriter, producer and entrepreneur. He has been involved with ''[[a cappella]]'' music since 1999 when he and Leo da Silva founded the [[University of Oregon]]'s ''a cappella'' group, On The Rocks, known as the first official [[College|collegiate]] ''a cappella'' group in Oregon.<ref>{{cite web|last=Zimmerman|first=Steve|title=Hidden passion no longer|url=http://www.dailytidings.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040129/ENTERTAIN/301299993|publisher=Ashland Daily Tidings|accessdate=31 May 2012|date=29 January 2004}}</ref> He regularly releases new music videos to his [[YouTube]] channel.

== Career ==
Originally from [[Ashland, Oregon]], Hollens graduated from the University of Oregon with a [[Bachelor of Music]] in Vocal performance. Since his graduation from the University of Oregon, Hollens has become involved with collegiate ''a cappella'',<ref>{{cite web|last=Ehrlich|first=Brenna|title=Our Favorite YouTube Videos This Week: The A Cappella Edition|url=http://mashable.com/2011/05/20/youtube-a-cappella/|publisher=Mashable|accessdate=31 May 2012|date=20 May 2011}}</ref> including recording, producing, and judging ''a cappella'' competitions throughout the United States. In 2010, he participated in [[NBC]]’s [[The Sing-Off (season 2)|The Sing Off]] receiving acclaim from [[The Sing-Off]] judges [[Shawn Stockman]], [[Nicole Scherzinger]] and [[Ben Folds]] for solo performances leading his group, On The Rocks.<ref>{{cite web|title=On The Rocks|url=http://www.nbc.com/sing-off/contestants/season-2/on-the-rocks.shtml|publisher=NBC Universal|accessdate=31 May 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title="The Sing-Off" Episode #2.1 (2010)|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1788294/fullcredits#cast|publisher=IMDb|accessdate=31 May 2012|year=2010}}</ref> They were eliminated 6th out of the 10 groups performing.

Hollens records and produces from his home studio in Eugene, Oregon, and also has recorded for [[Sony]] and [[Epic Records]].
Hollens's recordings include tracks for "[[The Sing-Off (season 2)|The Sing-Off Season 2-Greatest Hits]]" as well as many collegiate ''a cappella'' albums for such groups as On the Rocks, Divisi, Cornell's Chordials, the Duke's Men of Yale and the [[Whiffenpoofs]].<ref>{{cite web|title=An Interview With Peter Hollens|url=http://www.casa.org/content/interview-peter-hollens|publisher=Contemporary A Cappella Society|accessdate=31 May 2012|author=hyperdel|date=16 February 2011}}</ref> He has also recorded Sing-Off Season 2 winners, [[Committed (Singing Group)|Committed]], the Backbeats, and the [[Grammy Award]]-winning group [[The Swingle Singers]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Peter Hollens ’05 Sings to Make a Change|url=http://uoalumni.com/s/1202/blank.aspx?sid=1202&gid=1&pgid=1167&al=1|publisher=University of Oregon Alumni Association|accessdate=31 May 2012|date=May 2011}}</ref>

In 2011 he started his own [[YouTube]] channel, mostly posting music videos with multi-tracked a cappella covers. Repeatedly teaming up with other artists, he frequently collaborates with [[Lindsey Stirling]] and [[Taylor Davis (violinist)|Taylor Davis]]. As of December 18, 2016, his channel has over 1.5 million subscribers. To support his musical endeavors, Hollens joined the newly founded crowdfunding platform [[Patreon]] in 2013.

In 2012 he released his first album.

In 2013 he collaborated with [[Eric Whitacre]] to record the learning tracks for "Fly to Paradise", the song for Eric's Virtual Choir 4.

In 2014 he signed a deal with [[Sony Masterworks]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Sony Music Masterworks Signs One-Man A Cappella Vocalist & YouTube Star Peter Hollens|url=http://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/Sony-Music-Masterworks-Signs-One-Man-A-Cappella-Vocalist-YouTube-Star-Peter-Hollens-20140731|publisher=broadwayworld.com|accessdate= 13 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=YouTube Singer Peter Hollens Earns Record Deal From Sony Music|url=http://mashable.com/2014/07/31/youtube-singer-peter-hollens-record-deal-sony-music/|publisher=Mashable|accessdate= 13 August 2014}}</ref> Peter released a [[Peter Hollens (album)|self-titled album]] on October 27 of that year.

In 2015 Hollens joined the social video platform Reactions as a way to promote his YouTube music videos. As of January 5, 2015, Hollens is ranked 3rd on the social video app.

Also in 2015, he performed guest lead vocals for [[Brian Wilson]]'s album ''[[No Pier Pressure]]'' on the song "Our Special Love".

== Personal life ==
Hollens is married to [[Evynne Hollens]], founder of the ''a cappella'' group [[Divisi (University of Oregon)|Divisi]]. Evynne has her own YouTube channel, posting music videos, occasionally collaborating with her husband. Their son Ashland James Hollens was born March 30, 2014.

== Notable recordings ==
'''2011:'''
* ''[[What's My Name? (Rihanna song)|What's My Name]]/[[Only Girl]]'' ([[Rihanna]] cover)
* ''[[Firework (song)|Firework]]'' ([[Katy Perry]] cover)<ref>{{cite web|title=''Firework'' Cover by Peter Hollens, NBC's The Sing-Off Season 2-Contestant|url=http://www.prweb.com/releases/PeterHollens/Firework/prweb5067864.htm|publisher=PRWeb|accessdate=31 May 2012|author=Eugene|date=14 February 2011}}</ref>
* ''[[Born This Way (song)|Born This Way]]'' ([[Lady Gaga]] cover)
* ''[[Pray (Justin Bieber song)|Pray]]'' with Therry Thomas of [[Committed (Singing Group)|Committed]] and Courtney Jensen of The Backbeats and [[Noteworthy (vocal group)|Noteworthy]] ([[Justin Bieber]] cover)
* ''[[The Wayfaring Stranger (song)|Poor Wayfaring Stranger]]'' with [[The Swingle Singers]] ([[United States|American]] [[folk music|folk song]])
* ''[[Need You Now (Lady Antebellum song)|Need You Now]]'' with Evynne Hollens and Jake Moulton ([[Lady Antebellum]] cover)
* ''[[Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)|Lullaby]]'' ([[Billy Joel]] cover)
* ''[[Seasons Of Love]]'' with Evynne Hollens (from ''[[Rent (musical)|Rent]]'')
* ''Sleepwalking'' (original)
* ''[[Moves Like Jagger]]'' with [[Savannah Outen]] ([[Maroon 5]] cover)
'''2012:'''
* ''[[I Won't Give Up]]'' ([[Jason Mraz]] cover)
* ''[[The Prayer (Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli song)|The Prayer]]'' with Evynne Hollens ([[Celine Dion]] and [[Andrea Bocelli]] cover)
* ''[[Somebody That I Used to Know]]'' with Evynne Hollens ([[Gotye]] cover)
* ''Skyrim Theme'' with [[Lindsey Stirling]] (from ''[[The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim]]'')<ref>{{cite web|last=Silver|first=Curtis|title=Epic Video: "The Dragonborn Comes" by Peter Hollens & Lindsey Stirling|url=http://www.wired.com/geekdad/2012/04/epic-video-the-dragonborn-comes-by-peter-hollens-lindsey-stirling/|publisher=Wired|accessdate=31 May 2012|date=6 April 2012}}</ref>
* ''[[Some Nights (song)|Some Nights]]'' ([[Fun (band)|Fun.]] cover)
* ''[[Game of Thrones]] Theme'' with Lindsey Stirling
* ''[[Don't Stop Me Now]]'' with [[George Watsky]] ([[Queen (band)|Queen]] cover)
* ''[[Oh Shenandoah|Shenandoah]]'' ([[United States|American]] [[folk music|folk song]])
'''2013:'''
* ''Misty Mountains'' (from ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]'')
* ''[[Brave (Josh Groban song)|Brave]]'' ([[Josh Groban]] cover)
* ''[[Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen song)|Hallelujah]]'' with Alisha Popat ([[Leonard Cohen]] cover)
* ''[[It's Time (Imagine Dragons song)|It's Time]]'' with [[Tyler Ward]] ([[Imagine Dragons]] cover)
* ''[[Les Misérables (musical)|Les Misérables]] Medley'' with Evynne Hollens
* ''[[Music of Game of Thrones#The Rains of Castamere|The Rains of Castamere]]'' (from ''[[Game of Thrones]]'' by The National)
* ''[[Edge of Night (song)|Edge of Night]]'' ([[Billy Boyd (actor)|Billy Boyd]] cover from ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (soundtrack)|The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'')
* ''[[Star Wars music|Star Wars]] Medley'' with Lindsey Stirling
* ''[[A Thousand Years (Christina Perri song)|A Thousand Years]]'' with Evynne Hollens and Lindsey Stirling ([[Christina Perri]] cover)
* ''[[Want You Gone]]'' with [[Joe Penna]] (from ''[[Music of Portal 2|Portal 2]]'')
* ''[[Everybody's Got Somebody but Me]]'' ([[Hunter Hayes]] cover)
* ''[[Jai Ho (song)|Jai Ho]]'' with [[Alaa Wardi]] ([[A. R. Rahman]] cover)
* ''Disney Medley'' with Alex G
* ''Pirates Medley'' with [[Gardiner Sisters]]
* ''[[On Top of the World (Imagine Dragons song)|On Top of the World]]'' with [[Mike Tompkins (musician)|Mike Tompkins]] ([[Imagine Dragons]] cover)
* ''[[I See Fire]]'' ([[Ed Sheeran]] cover from ''[[The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug]]'')
'''2014:'''
* ''[[World of Warcraft]] Medley'' with Evynne Hollens
* ''[[Into the West (song)|Into the West]]'' ([[Annie Lennox]] cover from ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (soundtrack)|The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'')
* ''[[Kiss the Girl]]'' (from ''[[The Little Mermaid (1989 film)|The Little Mermaid]]'')
* ''[[The Parting Glass]]'' ([[Scotland|Scottish]] [[folk music|folk song]])
* ''[[The Phantom of the Opera (1986 musical)|Phantom of the Opera]] Medley'' with Evynne Hollens
* ''[[Story of My Life (One Direction song)|Story of My Life]]'' with [[Mike Tompkins (musician)|Mike Tompkins]] ([[One Direction]] cover)
* ''[[Dark Horse (Katy Perry song)|Dark Horse]]'' with [[Sam Tsui]] ([[Katy Perry]] cover)
* ''[[Pompeii (Bastille song)|Pompeii]]'' with [[Kina Grannis]] ([[Bastille (band)|Bastille]] cover)
* ''[[May It Be]]'' with [[Taylor Davis (violinist)|Taylor Davis]] ([[Enya]] cover from ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (soundtrack)|The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'')<ref>http://www.patreon.com/creation?hid=611961</ref>
* ''[[Wicked (musical)|Wicked]] Medley'' with [[Nick Pitera]]
* ''[[Baba Yetu]]'' with [[Malukah]] (from ''[[Civilization IV]]'')
* ''Our Special Love'' with [[Brian Wilson]]
* ''[[Black Is The Color Of My True Love's Hair]]'' with Avi Kaplan of [[Pentatonix]] ([[folk music|folk song]])
* ''[[Gollum's Song]]'' ([[Emiliana Torrini]] cover from ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'')
* ''[[Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen song)|Hallelujah]]'' with [[Jackie Evancho]] ([[Leonard Cohen]] cover)
* ''[[Song of the Lonely Mountain]]'' ([[Neil Finn]] cover from ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]'')
'''2015:'''
* ''Epic [[Frozen (2013 film)|Frozen]] Medley'' with [[Colleen Ballinger]]
* ''[[I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For]]'' with [[Sabrina Carpenter]] ([[U2]] cover)
* ''[[The Last Goodbye (Hobbit Song)|The Last Goodbye]]'' ([[Billy Boyd (actor)|Billy Boyd]] cover from ''[[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies]]'')
* ''[[The Hanging Tree (The Hunger Games song)|The Hanging Tree]]'' (from ''[[The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1]]'')
* ''[[The Last Five Years]] Medley'' with Evynne Hollens
* ''[[Thinking Out Loud]]'' ([[Ed Sheeran]] cover)
* ''[[Over the Rainbow]]'' (from ''[[The Wizard of Oz (1939 film)|The Wizard of Oz]]'')
* ''[[In Dreams (Howard Shore song)|In Dreams]]'' (from ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'')
* ''[[See You Again (Wiz Khalifa song)|See You Again]]'' with [[George Watsky]] ([[Wiz Khalifa]] and [[Charlie Puth]] cover)
* ''[[Mad World]]'' ([[Tears For Fears]] cover)
* ''[[Jurassic Park (film score)|''Jurassic Park'']] End Credits'' with The Warp Zone
* ''Song of Durin'' (Eurielle cover)
* ''[[Budapest (George Ezra song)|Budapest]]'' ([[George Ezra]] cover)
* ''[[Jurassic Park (film score)|''Jurassic Park'']] End Credits''
* ''[[Now We Are Free]]'' (from ''[[Gladiator (2000 film)|Gladiator]]'')
* ''A Life That's Good'' with Brooklyn and Bailey ([[Lennon and Maisy]] cover)
* ''[[I See the Light]]'' with Evynne Hollens (from ''[[Tangled]]'')
* ''For the Dancing and the Dreaming'' with Evynne Hollens (from ''[[How to Train Your Dragon 2]]'')
* ''[[1989 (Taylor Swift album)|1989]] Medley'' with Evynne Hollens ([[Taylor Swift]] cover)
* ''[[Mary, Did You Know?]]'' ([[Michael English (singer)|Michael English]] cover)
* ''[[Star Wars music|Star Wars]] Medley'' with [[Adam Dahlberg|SkyDoesMinecraft]]
* ''[[Santa Claus Is Coming to Town]]'' with [[Adam Dahlberg|SkyDoesMinecraft]]

'''2016:'''
* ''[[You'll Be in My Heart]]'' with [[Bryan Lanning]]
* ''Homeward Bound'' feat. Oregon Choir Students
* ''[[Danny Boy]]''

== Discography ==
*2012: ''[[Hollens (album)|Hollens [HD]]]''
*2012: ''Covers (VOL. 1)''
*2012: ''Covers (VOL. 2)''
*2014: ''[[Peter Hollens (Album)|Peter Hollens]]''
*2016: ''Misty Mountains: Songs Inspired by the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings''
*2016: ''A Hollens Family Christmas''

== National television appearances ==

On October 22, 2010, On The Rocks announced that they were going to be appearing alongside nine other groups on the NBC competition-reality show [[The Sing-Off]]. Although Hollens had already left the group, he was invited back to join for the show.<ref>{{cite web|title=An Interview With Peter Hollens|url=http://www.casa.org/content/interview-peter-hollens|publisher=CASA|accessdate=19 December 2014|date=16 February 2011}}</ref> The first four episodes taped in August and September 2010, with a live finale on December 20. On The Rocks placed fifth among the ten groups, appearing in all five episodes. All ten of the groups made an appearance on the live finale and helped congratulate the group Committed on winning the prize and a [[Sony Music Entertainment|Sony Recording]] contract. A holiday album was released featuring songs from all ten groups. Individual tracks (live and studio) were also released through [[iTunes]].

=== Songs performed ===
*Episode 2.1 - Group: [[Bad Romance]] ([[Lady Gaga]]) Peter: "[[I've Got the Music in Me]]"
*Episode 2.2 - [[Live Your Life (T.I. song)|Live Your Life]] ([[T.I.]] and [[Rihanna]]) - Solos: Peter Hollens, Rap: Jeff Rogers
*Episode 2.3 - [[Pour Some Sugar On Me]] ([[Def Leppard]]) Solo: Jonah Seitz, Peter Hollens, [[Kyrie (song)|Kyrie]] ([[Mr. Mister]]) Solo: Peter Hollens
*Episode 2.4 - [[Elton John]] Medley ([[The Bitch Is Back]], [[Bennie and the Jets]], [[Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me]]) Solos: Nick Firth, Jonah Seitz, Peter Hollens
*Episode 2.5 - Swan Song- [[The Final Countdown (song)|The Final Countdown]] ([[Europe (band)|Europe]]) Solos: Peter Hollens,

== Awards and nominations ==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Year
!Award
!Category
!Work
!Result
|-
|2013
|Contemporary A cappella Recording Awards<ref name=CARA 2013 Awards
<ref>"http://www.casa.org/cara2013w" CARA 2013 Awards. Accessed 30 May 2016</ref>
|Collaborative and Solo Performer Awards/Best Song By A Solo Performer
|[[Oh Shenandoah|“Shenandoah"]] on Covers Vol. 2
|style="background: #ffdddd"| Won
|-
|2014
|Contemporary A cappella Recording Awards<ref name=CARA 2014 Awards
<ref>"http://www.casa.org/cara2014w" CARA 2014 Awards. Accessed 30 May 2016</ref>
|Collaborative and Solo Performer Awards/Best Song By A Solo Performer
|“[[I See Fire]]”
|style="background: #ffdddd"| Won
|-
|2015
|Game Audio Network Guild Awards<ref name=Game Audio Network Guild 2015 Awards
<ref>"http://www.audiogang.org/awards/2015-awards/"Game Audio Network Guild 2015 Awards. Accessed 30 May 2016</ref>
|Best Game Music Cover/Remix Award
|"[[Baba Yetu]]" ([[Civilization IV]]) feat. [[Malukah]]
|style="background: #ffdddd"| Finalist
|-
|2015
|Contemporary A cappella Recording Awards<ref name=CARA 2015 Awards
<ref>"http://www.casa.org/cara2015w" CARA 2015 Awards. Accessed 30 May 2016</ref>
|Collaborative and Solo Performer Awards/Best Folk/World Song
|[[Black Is the Color (Of My True Love's Hair)|"Black is the Color of My True Love's Hair"]] feat. [[Avi Kaplan]]
|style="background: #ffdddd"| Won
|-
|2015
|Contemporary A cappella Recording Awards<ref name=CARA 2015 Awards
<ref>"http://www.casa.org/cara2015n" CARA 2015 Awards. Accessed 30 May 2016</ref>
|Collaborative and Solo Performer Awards/Best Pop/Rock Song
|[[Dark Horse (Katy Perry song)|"Dark Horse"]] feat. [[Sam Tsui]]
|style="background: #ffdddd"| Nominated
|-
|2016
|Game Audio Network Guild Awards<ref name=Game Audio Network Guild 2016 Awards
<ref>"http://www.audiogang.org/2016-g-a-n-g-award-winners/" Game Audio Network Guild 2016 Awards. Accessed 30 May 2016</ref>
|Best Game Music Cover/Remix Award
|[[Assassin's Creed Syndicate]] - "Underground"
|style="background: #ffdddd"| Won
|-
|2016
|Contemporary A cappella Recording Awards<ref name=CARA 2016 Awards
<ref>"http://www.casa.org/cara2016w" CARA 2016 Awards. Accessed 30 May 2016</ref>
|Collaborative and Solo Performer Awards/Best Song By A Solo Performer
|"[[Now We Are Free]]"
|style="background: #ffdddd"| Won
|}

== References ==
{{Reflist|2}}

== External links ==
* {{Official website|http://peterhollens.com/}}
* {{YouTube|u=peterhollens|{{PAGENAMEBASE}}}}
* [https://www.patreon.com/peterhollens Peter Hollens Patreon Page]

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Hollens, Peter}}
[[Category:Musicians from Ashland, Oregon]]
[[Category:University of Oregon alumni]]
[[Category:Songwriters from Oregon]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Musicians from Eugene, Oregon]]
[[Category:YouTube channels]]
[[Category:Writers from Ashland, Oregon]]
[[Category:1982 births]]

Peter Hollens

2017-01-26T23:39:52Z

Harry8: /* Notable recordings */ Homeward Bound

{{distinguish|Peter Hollins}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Peter Hollens
| image = Peter Hollens 01.jpg
| caption = Vocalist and producer Peter Hollens
| image_size =
| background = solo_singer
| alias =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1982|03|04}}
| birth_place = [[Ashland, Oregon]]
| origin = [[Eugene, Oregon|Eugene]], [[Oregon]]
| instrument = [[Vocals]], [[Vocal percussion]]
| genre = [[Pop music|Pop]], ''[[A cappella]]''
| occupation = Recording Engineer, Vocalist, Producer, YouTuber
| years_active = 2002–present
| associated_acts =
| website = http://www.peterhollens.com
| current_members =
| Guest_musicians =
| notable_instruments =
}}

'''Peter Hollens''' (born March 4, 1982) is an American singer/songwriter, producer and entrepreneur. He has been involved with ''[[a cappella]]'' music since 1999 when he and Leo da Silva founded the [[University of Oregon]]'s ''a cappella'' group, On The Rocks, known as the first official [[College|collegiate]] ''a cappella'' group in Oregon.<ref>{{cite web|last=Zimmerman|first=Steve|title=Hidden passion no longer|url=http://www.dailytidings.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040129/ENTERTAIN/301299993|publisher=Ashland Daily Tidings|accessdate=31 May 2012|date=29 January 2004}}</ref> He regularly releases new music videos to his [[YouTube]] channel.

== Career ==
Originally from [[Ashland, Oregon]], Hollens graduated from the University of Oregon with a [[Bachelor of Music]] in Vocal performance. Since his graduation from the University of Oregon, Hollens has become involved with collegiate ''a cappella'',<ref>{{cite web|last=Ehrlich|first=Brenna|title=Our Favorite YouTube Videos This Week: The A Cappella Edition|url=http://mashable.com/2011/05/20/youtube-a-cappella/|publisher=Mashable|accessdate=31 May 2012|date=20 May 2011}}</ref> including recording, producing, and judging ''a cappella'' competitions throughout the United States. In 2010, he participated in [[NBC]]’s [[The Sing-Off (season 2)|The Sing Off]] receiving acclaim from [[The Sing-Off]] judges [[Shawn Stockman]], [[Nicole Scherzinger]] and [[Ben Folds]] for solo performances leading his group, On The Rocks.<ref>{{cite web|title=On The Rocks|url=http://www.nbc.com/sing-off/contestants/season-2/on-the-rocks.shtml|publisher=NBC Universal|accessdate=31 May 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title="The Sing-Off" Episode #2.1 (2010)|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1788294/fullcredits#cast|publisher=IMDb|accessdate=31 May 2012|year=2010}}</ref> They were eliminated 6th out of the 10 groups performing.

Hollens records and produces from his home studio in Eugene, Oregon, and also has recorded for [[Sony]] and [[Epic Records]].
Hollens's recordings include tracks for "[[The Sing-Off (season 2)|The Sing-Off Season 2-Greatest Hits]]" as well as many collegiate ''a cappella'' albums for such groups as On the Rocks, Divisi, Cornell's Chordials, the Duke's Men of Yale and the [[Whiffenpoofs]].<ref>{{cite web|title=An Interview With Peter Hollens|url=http://www.casa.org/content/interview-peter-hollens|publisher=Contemporary A Cappella Society|accessdate=31 May 2012|author=hyperdel|date=16 February 2011}}</ref> He has also recorded Sing-Off Season 2 winners, [[Committed (Singing Group)|Committed]], the Backbeats, and the [[Grammy Award]]-winning group [[The Swingle Singers]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Peter Hollens ’05 Sings to Make a Change|url=http://uoalumni.com/s/1202/blank.aspx?sid=1202&gid=1&pgid=1167&al=1|publisher=University of Oregon Alumni Association|accessdate=31 May 2012|date=May 2011}}</ref>

In 2011 he started his own [[YouTube]] channel, mostly posting music videos with multi-tracked a cappella covers. Repeatedly teaming up with other artists, he frequently collaborates with [[Lindsey Stirling]] and [[Taylor Davis (violinist)|Taylor Davis]]. As of December 18, 2016, his channel has over 1.5 million subscribers. To support his musical endeavors, Hollens joined the newly founded crowdfunding platform [[Patreon]] in 2013.

In 2012 he released his first album.

In 2013 he collaborated with [[Eric Whitacre]] to record the learning tracks for "Fly to Paradise", the song for Eric's Virtual Choir 4.

In 2014 he signed a deal with [[Sony Masterworks]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Sony Music Masterworks Signs One-Man A Cappella Vocalist & YouTube Star Peter Hollens|url=http://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/Sony-Music-Masterworks-Signs-One-Man-A-Cappella-Vocalist-YouTube-Star-Peter-Hollens-20140731|publisher=broadwayworld.com|accessdate= 13 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=YouTube Singer Peter Hollens Earns Record Deal From Sony Music|url=http://mashable.com/2014/07/31/youtube-singer-peter-hollens-record-deal-sony-music/|publisher=Mashable|accessdate= 13 August 2014}}</ref> Peter released a [[Peter Hollens (album)|self-titled album]] on October 27 of that year.

In 2015 Hollens joined the social video platform Reactions as a way to promote his YouTube music videos. As of January 5, 2015, Hollens is ranked 3rd on the social video app.

Also in 2015, he performed guest lead vocals for [[Brian Wilson]]'s album ''[[No Pier Pressure]]'' on the song "Our Special Love".

== Personal life ==
Hollens is married to [[Evynne Hollens]], founder of the ''a cappella'' group [[Divisi (University of Oregon)|Divisi]]. Evynne has her own YouTube channel, posting music videos, occasionally collaborating with her husband. Their son Ashland James Hollens was born March 30, 2014.

== Notable recordings ==
'''2011:'''
* ''[[What's My Name? (Rihanna song)|What's My Name]]/[[Only Girl]]'' ([[Rihanna]] cover)
* ''[[Firework (song)|Firework]]'' ([[Katy Perry]] cover)<ref>{{cite web|title=''Firework'' Cover by Peter Hollens, NBC's The Sing-Off Season 2-Contestant|url=http://www.prweb.com/releases/PeterHollens/Firework/prweb5067864.htm|publisher=PRWeb|accessdate=31 May 2012|author=Eugene|date=14 February 2011}}</ref>
* ''[[Born This Way (song)|Born This Way]]'' ([[Lady Gaga]] cover)
* ''[[Pray (Justin Bieber song)|Pray]]'' with Therry Thomas of [[Committed (Singing Group)|Committed]] and Courtney Jensen of The Backbeats and [[Noteworthy (vocal group)|Noteworthy]] ([[Justin Bieber]] cover)
* ''[[The Wayfaring Stranger (song)|Poor Wayfaring Stranger]]'' with [[The Swingle Singers]] ([[United States|American]] [[folk music|folk song]])
* ''[[Need You Now (Lady Antebellum song)|Need You Now]]'' with Evynne Hollens and Jake Moulton ([[Lady Antebellum]] cover)
* ''[[Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)|Lullaby]]'' ([[Billy Joel]] cover)
* ''[[Seasons Of Love]]'' with Evynne Hollens (from ''[[Rent (musical)|Rent]]'')
* ''Sleepwalking'' (original)
* ''[[Moves Like Jagger]]'' with [[Savannah Outen]] ([[Maroon 5]] cover)
'''2012:'''
* ''[[I Won't Give Up]]'' ([[Jason Mraz]] cover)
* ''[[The Prayer (Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli song)|The Prayer]]'' with Evynne Hollens ([[Celine Dion]] and [[Andrea Bocelli]] cover)
* ''[[Somebody That I Used to Know]]'' with Evynne Hollens ([[Gotye]] cover)
* ''Skyrim Theme'' with [[Lindsey Stirling]] (from ''[[The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim]]'')<ref>{{cite web|last=Silver|first=Curtis|title=Epic Video: "The Dragonborn Comes" by Peter Hollens & Lindsey Stirling|url=http://www.wired.com/geekdad/2012/04/epic-video-the-dragonborn-comes-by-peter-hollens-lindsey-stirling/|publisher=Wired|accessdate=31 May 2012|date=6 April 2012}}</ref>
* ''[[Some Nights (song)|Some Nights]]'' ([[Fun (band)|Fun.]] cover)
* ''[[Game of Thrones]] Theme'' with Lindsey Stirling
* ''[[Don't Stop Me Now]]'' with [[George Watsky]] ([[Queen (band)|Queen]] cover)
* ''[[Oh Shenandoah|Shenandoah]]'' ([[United States|American]] [[folk music|folk song]])
'''2013:'''
* ''Misty Mountains'' (from ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]'')
* ''[[Brave (Josh Groban song)|Brave]]'' ([[Josh Groban]] cover)
* ''[[Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen song)|Hallelujah]]'' with Alisha Popat ([[Leonard Cohen]] cover)
* ''[[It's Time (Imagine Dragons song)|It's Time]]'' with [[Tyler Ward]] ([[Imagine Dragons]] cover)
* ''[[Les Misérables (musical)|Les Misérables]] Medley'' with Evynne Hollens
* ''[[Music of Game of Thrones#The Rains of Castamere|The Rains of Castamere]]'' (from ''[[Game of Thrones]]'' by The National)
* ''[[Edge of Night (song)|Edge of Night]]'' ([[Billy Boyd (actor)|Billy Boyd]] cover from ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (soundtrack)|The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'')
* ''[[Star Wars music|Star Wars]] Medley'' with Lindsey Stirling
* ''[[A Thousand Years (Christina Perri song)|A Thousand Years]]'' with Evynne Hollens and Lindsey Stirling ([[Christina Perri]] cover)
* ''[[Want You Gone]]'' with [[Joe Penna]] (from ''[[Music of Portal 2|Portal 2]]'')
* ''[[Everybody's Got Somebody but Me]]'' ([[Hunter Hayes]] cover)
* ''[[Jai Ho (song)|Jai Ho]]'' with [[Alaa Wardi]] ([[A. R. Rahman]] cover)
* ''Disney Medley'' with Alex G
* ''Pirates Medley'' with [[Gardiner Sisters]]
* ''[[On Top of the World (Imagine Dragons song)|On Top of the World]]'' with [[Mike Tompkins (musician)|Mike Tompkins]] ([[Imagine Dragons]] cover)
* ''[[I See Fire]]'' ([[Ed Sheeran]] cover from ''[[The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug]]'')
'''2014:'''
* ''[[World of Warcraft]] Medley'' with Evynne Hollens
* ''[[Into the West (song)|Into the West]]'' ([[Annie Lennox]] cover from ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (soundtrack)|The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'')
* ''[[Kiss the Girl]]'' (from ''[[The Little Mermaid (1989 film)|The Little Mermaid]]'')
* ''[[The Parting Glass]]'' ([[Scotland|Scottish]] [[folk music|folk song]])
* ''[[The Phantom of the Opera (1986 musical)|Phantom of the Opera]] Medley'' with Evynne Hollens
* ''[[Story of My Life (One Direction song)|Story of My Life]]'' with [[Mike Tompkins (musician)|Mike Tompkins]] ([[One Direction]] cover)
* ''[[Dark Horse (Katy Perry song)|Dark Horse]]'' with [[Sam Tsui]] ([[Katy Perry]] cover)
* ''[[Pompeii (Bastille song)|Pompeii]]'' with [[Kina Grannis]] ([[Bastille (band)|Bastille]] cover)
* ''[[May It Be]]'' with [[Taylor Davis (violinist)|Taylor Davis]] ([[Enya]] cover from ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (soundtrack)|The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'')<ref>http://www.patreon.com/creation?hid=611961</ref>
* ''[[Wicked (musical)|Wicked]] Medley'' with [[Nick Pitera]]
* ''[[Baba Yetu]]'' with [[Malukah]] (from ''[[Civilization IV]]'')
* ''Our Special Love'' with [[Brian Wilson]]
* ''[[Black Is The Color Of My True Love's Hair]]'' with Avi Kaplan of [[Pentatonix]] ([[folk music|folk song]])
* ''[[Gollum's Song]]'' ([[Emiliana Torrini]] cover from ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'')
* ''[[Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen song)|Hallelujah]]'' with [[Jackie Evancho]] ([[Leonard Cohen]] cover)
* ''[[Song of the Lonely Mountain]]'' ([[Neil Finn]] cover from ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]'')
'''2015:'''
* ''Epic [[Frozen (2013 film)|Frozen]] Medley'' with [[Colleen Ballinger]]
* ''[[I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For]]'' with [[Sabrina Carpenter]] ([[U2]] cover)
* ''[[The Last Goodbye (Hobbit Song)|The Last Goodbye]]'' ([[Billy Boyd (actor)|Billy Boyd]] cover from ''[[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies]]'')
* ''[[The Hanging Tree (The Hunger Games song)|The Hanging Tree]]'' (from ''[[The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1]]'')
* ''[[The Last Five Years]] Medley'' with Evynne Hollens
* ''[[Thinking Out Loud]]'' ([[Ed Sheeran]] cover)
* ''[[Over the Rainbow]]'' (from ''[[The Wizard of Oz (1939 film)|The Wizard of Oz]]'')
* ''[[In Dreams (Howard Shore song)|In Dreams]]'' (from ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'')
* ''[[See You Again (Wiz Khalifa song)|See You Again]]'' with [[George Watsky]] ([[Wiz Khalifa]] and [[Charlie Puth]] cover)
* ''[[Mad World]]'' ([[Tears For Fears]] cover)
* ''[[Jurassic Park (film score)|''Jurassic Park'']] End Credits'' with The Warp Zone
* ''Song of Durin'' (Eurielle cover)
* ''[[Budapest (George Ezra song)|Budapest]]'' ([[George Ezra]] cover)
* ''[[Jurassic Park (film score)|''Jurassic Park'']] End Credits''
* ''[[Now We Are Free]]'' (from ''[[Gladiator (2000 film)|Gladiator]]'')
* ''A Life That's Good'' with Brooklyn and Bailey ([[Lennon and Maisy]] cover)
* ''[[I See the Light]]'' with Evynne Hollens (from ''[[Tangled]]'')
* ''For the Dancing and the Dreaming'' with Evynne Hollens (from ''[[How to Train Your Dragon 2]]'')
* ''[[1989 (Taylor Swift album)|1989]] Medley'' with Evynne Hollens ([[Taylor Swift]] cover)
* ''[[Mary, Did You Know?]]'' ([[Michael English (singer)|Michael English]] cover)
* ''[[Star Wars music|Star Wars]] Medley'' with [[Adam Dahlberg|SkyDoesMinecraft]]
* ''[[Santa Claus Is Coming to Town]]'' with [[Adam Dahlberg|SkyDoesMinecraft]]

'''2016:'''
* ''[[You'll Be in My Heart]]'' with [[Bryan Lanning]]
* ''Homeward Bound'' feat. Oregon Choir Students

== Discography ==
*2012: ''[[Hollens (album)|Hollens [HD]]]''
*2012: ''Covers (VOL. 1)''
*2012: ''Covers (VOL. 2)''
*2014: ''[[Peter Hollens (Album)|Peter Hollens]]''
*2016: ''Misty Mountains: Songs Inspired by the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings''
*2016: ''A Hollens Family Christmas''

== National television appearances ==

On October 22, 2010, On The Rocks announced that they were going to be appearing alongside nine other groups on the NBC competition-reality show [[The Sing-Off]]. Although Hollens had already left the group, he was invited back to join for the show.<ref>{{cite web|title=An Interview With Peter Hollens|url=http://www.casa.org/content/interview-peter-hollens|publisher=CASA|accessdate=19 December 2014|date=16 February 2011}}</ref> The first four episodes taped in August and September 2010, with a live finale on December 20. On The Rocks placed fifth among the ten groups, appearing in all five episodes. All ten of the groups made an appearance on the live finale and helped congratulate the group Committed on winning the prize and a [[Sony Music Entertainment|Sony Recording]] contract. A holiday album was released featuring songs from all ten groups. Individual tracks (live and studio) were also released through [[iTunes]].

=== Songs performed ===
*Episode 2.1 - Group: [[Bad Romance]] ([[Lady Gaga]]) Peter: "[[I've Got the Music in Me]]"
*Episode 2.2 - [[Live Your Life (T.I. song)|Live Your Life]] ([[T.I.]] and [[Rihanna]]) - Solos: Peter Hollens, Rap: Jeff Rogers
*Episode 2.3 - [[Pour Some Sugar On Me]] ([[Def Leppard]]) Solo: Jonah Seitz, Peter Hollens, [[Kyrie (song)|Kyrie]] ([[Mr. Mister]]) Solo: Peter Hollens
*Episode 2.4 - [[Elton John]] Medley ([[The Bitch Is Back]], [[Bennie and the Jets]], [[Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me]]) Solos: Nick Firth, Jonah Seitz, Peter Hollens
*Episode 2.5 - Swan Song- [[The Final Countdown (song)|The Final Countdown]] ([[Europe (band)|Europe]]) Solos: Peter Hollens,

== Awards and nominations ==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Year
!Award
!Category
!Work
!Result
|-
|2013
|Contemporary A cappella Recording Awards<ref name=CARA 2013 Awards
<ref>"http://www.casa.org/cara2013w" CARA 2013 Awards. Accessed 30 May 2016</ref>
|Collaborative and Solo Performer Awards/Best Song By A Solo Performer
|[[Oh Shenandoah|“Shenandoah"]] on Covers Vol. 2
|style="background: #ffdddd"| Won
|-
|2014
|Contemporary A cappella Recording Awards<ref name=CARA 2014 Awards
<ref>"http://www.casa.org/cara2014w" CARA 2014 Awards. Accessed 30 May 2016</ref>
|Collaborative and Solo Performer Awards/Best Song By A Solo Performer
|“[[I See Fire]]”
|style="background: #ffdddd"| Won
|-
|2015
|Game Audio Network Guild Awards<ref name=Game Audio Network Guild 2015 Awards
<ref>"http://www.audiogang.org/awards/2015-awards/"Game Audio Network Guild 2015 Awards. Accessed 30 May 2016</ref>
|Best Game Music Cover/Remix Award
|"[[Baba Yetu]]" ([[Civilization IV]]) feat. [[Malukah]]
|style="background: #ffdddd"| Finalist
|-
|2015
|Contemporary A cappella Recording Awards<ref name=CARA 2015 Awards
<ref>"http://www.casa.org/cara2015w" CARA 2015 Awards. Accessed 30 May 2016</ref>
|Collaborative and Solo Performer Awards/Best Folk/World Song
|[[Black Is the Color (Of My True Love's Hair)|"Black is the Color of My True Love's Hair"]] feat. [[Avi Kaplan]]
|style="background: #ffdddd"| Won
|-
|2015
|Contemporary A cappella Recording Awards<ref name=CARA 2015 Awards
<ref>"http://www.casa.org/cara2015n" CARA 2015 Awards. Accessed 30 May 2016</ref>
|Collaborative and Solo Performer Awards/Best Pop/Rock Song
|[[Dark Horse (Katy Perry song)|"Dark Horse"]] feat. [[Sam Tsui]]
|style="background: #ffdddd"| Nominated
|-
|2016
|Game Audio Network Guild Awards<ref name=Game Audio Network Guild 2016 Awards
<ref>"http://www.audiogang.org/2016-g-a-n-g-award-winners/" Game Audio Network Guild 2016 Awards. Accessed 30 May 2016</ref>
|Best Game Music Cover/Remix Award
|[[Assassin's Creed Syndicate]] - "Underground"
|style="background: #ffdddd"| Won
|-
|2016
|Contemporary A cappella Recording Awards<ref name=CARA 2016 Awards
<ref>"http://www.casa.org/cara2016w" CARA 2016 Awards. Accessed 30 May 2016</ref>
|Collaborative and Solo Performer Awards/Best Song By A Solo Performer
|"[[Now We Are Free]]"
|style="background: #ffdddd"| Won
|}

== References ==
{{Reflist|2}}

== External links ==
* {{Official website|http://peterhollens.com/}}
* {{YouTube|u=peterhollens|{{PAGENAMEBASE}}}}
* [https://www.patreon.com/peterhollens Peter Hollens Patreon Page]

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Hollens, Peter}}
[[Category:Musicians from Ashland, Oregon]]
[[Category:University of Oregon alumni]]
[[Category:Songwriters from Oregon]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Musicians from Eugene, Oregon]]
[[Category:YouTube channels]]
[[Category:Writers from Ashland, Oregon]]
[[Category:1982 births]]

Talk:BYU Vocal Point

2016-12-25T22:45:00Z

Harry8: /* Members 2016/2017 */ they are

{{WikiProjectBannerShell|1=
{{WikiProject Brigham Young University|class=Start}}
{{WikiProject Organizations|class=Start|importance=Low}}
{{WikiProject United States|class=Start|importance=Low|USMusic=Yes|USMusic-importance=Low|UT=Yes|UT-importance=Low}}
{{WikiProject Universities|class=Start|student affairs=Yes}}
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{{Image requested|musicians}}

==Conversion from Dab to Redirect==
Two of the three line items have been deleted via AFD:
* [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Vocal Point (University of Delaware)]]
* [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Vocal Point (University of Rochester)]]
:--User:Ceyockey (''[[User talk:Ceyockey|talk to me]]'') 10:34, 14 August 2007 (UTC)

== Official name is "BYU Vocal Point" ==

The name of the article should probably be changed to "BYU Vocal Point" because that the group's official name, at least currently (2015). [[User:Johncolton|Johncolton]] ([[User talk:Johncolton|talk]]) 22:13, 22 December 2015 (UTC)
:In the German WP it is so. Greetings [[User:Harry8|Harry8]] ([[User talk:Harry8|talk]]) 15:02, 23 December 2016 (UTC)

== CARA awards ==

Their CARAs should be added to the list of awards. [[User:Johncolton|Johncolton]] ([[User talk:Johncolton|talk]]) 22:15, 22 December 2015 (UTC)

== Members 2016/2017 ==

Are these the Members of 2016/2017: Matt Newman, Carl Prince, David Ross, Nathan Proffit, Jantzen Dalley, David Steele, Kyle Lemperle, Spencer Myler, and Logan Shelton? Greetings [[User:Harry8|Harry8]] ([[User talk:Harry8|talk]]) 15:00, 23 December 2016 (UTC)
:They are, I've found out. Greetings [[User:Harry8|Harry8]] ([[User talk:Harry8|talk]]) 22:44, 25 December 2016 (UTC)

BYU Vocal Point

2016-12-25T22:24:52Z

Harry8: /* History */ mistake

{{Infobox musical artist
| name = BYU Vocal Point
| image = VocalPoint logo.PNG
| alt =
| caption = Logo of Vocal Point
| image_size =
| landscape = 
| background = group_or_band
| alias =
| origin = [[Brigham Young University]]
| genre = [[A cappella]]
| years_active = {{start date|1991}}–present
| label = [[BYU Records]]
| associated_acts =
| website = {{URL|http://www.byuvocalpoint.com/}}
| current_members = Jantzen Dalley Kyle Lemperle Spencer Myler Matt Newman Carl Prince Nathan Proffit David Ross Logan Shelton David Steele
| past_members =
}}
'''BYU Vocal Point''' is a nine-member, male [[a cappella]] group at [[Brigham Young University]]. Founded by students in 1991, Vocal Point operates under the auspice of [[BYU Performing Arts Management]].

The group has won three [[Pearl Award]]s and it was the winner of the 2006 [[International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella]] (ICCA). In 2011, It also placed fifth on [[NBC]]'s [[The Sing-Off (season 3)|third season]] of ''[[The Sing Off]]''.

==History==
BYU Vocal Point was founded by two students at Brigham Young University. Dave Boyce and Bob Ahlander first heard the contemporary a cappella sound during a visit to the eastern U.S., where it had already grown to considerable popularity at colleges throughout the east. Seeking to bring that sound westward, Dave and Bob recruited Jill Petersen-Lex to serve as the group's first Artistic Director. The three held auditions in fall 1991. After the members were selected and began singing, the nine-man group became an instant hit on campus, selling out its first concert. The group made its first recording ("If Rocks Could Sing") and went on its first tour that same school year.

With Ahlander and Boyce providing the vision, and Lex providing much-needed musical direction, the first three years proved equally successful for the student-run group. They toured several times and released their first full-length CD, "Instruments Not Included." The group was so popular that the Director of the School of Music at BYU thought it should be an official part of the University. Finally, in Fall 1994, the ensemble was adopted into the School of Music, and Jim Anglesey was appointed as the group's Faculty Advisor. This was an important move for the group, as it ensured their longevity, and allowed for a full-time director, access to BYU's marvelous performing venues, and assistance from the staff of the School of Music and Performing Arts Management.

During Anglesey's seven-year stay as director, Vocal Point released two more albums, "Fatter Than Ever" in 1996 and "Mouthing Off" in 1999. The group had several key performances during this time, including a series of successful concerts in the de Jong Concert Hall on BYU campus, as well as the group's first [[New Year's Eve]] performance at the Tabernacle on [[Temple Square]]. In 1999, group member Joseph Lebaron updated the group's logo to its current "screaming head" design.

In 2001, co-founder Bob Ahlander returned to the scene to take the reins as director of Vocal Point. He started his tenure off with a bang, hosting the group's ten-year anniversary celebration, including a successful alumni reunion concert. Shortly thereafter, the group released its fourth CD, "Grand Slam," which represented the final years of the Anglesey-directed group.

During Ahlander's time as director, Vocal Point reached new heights. They twice won the regional semi-finals for the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella, but refused to take their seats at the international finals in New York City because the event would be held on a Sunday. The group performed the national anthem at multiple Utah Jazz games and other venues. In Ahlander's final weeks as director, Vocal Point spent three weeks in Nauvoo, Illinois, opening the new summer performing arts series there, and performing for thousands of visitors over a three-week run. At the group's final performance of the tour, they sang to a full house, giving them the idea for the name of their upcoming album, "Standing Room Only." That CD was released in Fall 2004, representing Ahlander's three years of work as director.

Next on the directorial stage was James Stevens, a BYU grad and studio engineer who had performed with Vocal Point for two years under Bob Ahlander's direction. Stevens quickly got to work, helping the group sell out the de Jong Concert Hall faster than ever. At the end of that year, the group took home three [[Pearl Award]]s from the Faith Centered Music Association for "Sacred Recorded Song of the Year," "Group Recording Artist of the Year" and "Performing Artist of the Year."

The following year, 2005–06, was a banner year for Vocal Point. The group appeared at BYU's well-known Homecoming Spectacular, as well as its first at BYU devotional. The group also hosted a successful celebration in honor of Vocal Point's 15th Anniversary. As a culmination of the group's success, they again won the regional semi-finals in the [[International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella]], but this time did not have to bow out; the finals were to be held on a Saturday. The group took its first tour to [[New York City]], and competed there with some of the world's best collegiate a cappella ensembles in the [[Lincoln Center]]'s Alice Tully Hall. In its first appearance at the finals, and after winning regional competition three times, Vocal Point took first place. They were crowned ''International Champions'' for 2006.<ref>Wadley, Carma, [http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,635204413,00.html "Vocal Point wins world championship"], Deseret Morning News, 2006-05-03. URL accessed on 2006-05-04.</ref>

James Stevens continued again as director in fall 2009, with a new group of motivated young men, and is still directing. In fall of 2010, a former member of Vocal Point, Buck Mangum, took on the role as Vocal Point director along with James Stevens. In January–April 2011, Vocal Point again competed in the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella. They placed first at quarter finals in Eugene, Oregon, as well as received awards for "best choreography" and "best soloist," awarded to Jake Hunsaker. At the semi-finals in Los Angeles, Vocal Point again placed first, and again received awards for "best choreography" and "best soloist" to Jake Hunsaker. At finals in New York, Vocal Point received awards for "best vocal percussionist" to Tanner Nilsson, again "best soloist" to Jake Hunsaker, and first runner-up in the entire competition. The songs they competed with in their set were Michael Jackson's "Beat It," Michael Buble's "Meglio Stassera," a polish hymn entitled "Infant Holy," and Louis Prima's "Jump Jive an' Wail."

In 2011, Vocal Point competed as part of NBC's reality TV series [[The Sing Off]] season 3. The members of the group that competed in the show are Michael Christensen, McKay Crockett, Keith Evans, Tyler Sterling, Tanner Nilsson, Robert Seely, Ross Welch, Ben Murphy, and Jake Hunsaker. They were accompanied by director James Stevens. As a result of their participation in the show, the group was featured in a [[CNN]] article discussing how the group represented not only their school but also their faith.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2011/12/08/the-mormon-group-whether-they-like-it-or-not/?hpt=hp_c3 |title=The Mormon group – whether they like it or not |author=Dan Merica |date=December 8, 2011 |work= |publisher=[[CNN]] |accessdate=December 8, 2011}}</ref> The group continues to perform for sold-out crowds across the United States, now under the direction of Vocal Point alum McKay Crockett. The current members of the group are Jantzen Dalley, Kyle Lemperle, Spencer Myler, Matt Newman, Carl Prince, Nathan Proffit, David Ross, Logan Shelton, and David Steele.<ref>https://www.facebook.com/pg/BYUVocalPoint/about/?ref=page_internal</ref>

== Awards ==
* Fifth place on [[NBC]]'s [[The Sing-Off (season 3)|third season]] of ''[[The Sing Off]]'' (2011)
* [[International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella|ICCA]] Second place (2011)
* [[International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella|ICCA]] International Champions (2006)
* [[Pearl Award]] for ''Best Performing Artist'' (2005)
* [[Pearl Award]] for ''Best Performing Group'' (2005)

== Discography ==
*''If Rocks Could Sing'', 1992
*''Instruments Not Included'', 1994
*''Fatter Than Ever'', 1996
*''Mouthing Off'', 1999
*''Grand Slam'', 2003
*''Standing Room Only'', 2004
*''[[Nonstop (album)|Nonstop]]'', 2008
*''Back In Blue'' 2011.
*''Lead Thou Me On: Hymns and Inspiration'' 2012.
*''Spectrum'' 2014.
*''He Is Born'' 2015.
*''Music Video Hits (Vol. 1)''. 2016

==See also==
* [[List of collegiate a cappella groups]]

==References==
{{refimprove|date=October 2011}}
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.byuvocalpoint.com Official Site]
*[https://www.youtube.com/vocalpointbyu Official YouTube Channel]
*[https://www.facebook.com/byuvocalpoint Official Facebook Page]
*[https://www.twitter.com/byuvocalpoint Official Twitter Account]
*[http://www.byumusicstore.com/brands/BYU-Vocal-Point.html Albums and Merchandise]
*[http://pam.byu.edu/similarpage.asp?title=Vocal%20Point BYU's Performing Arts Management Page for Vocal Point]
*[http://pam.byu.edu/SimilarPage.asp?title=Vocal%20Point&StartScreen=Video/Sound%20Clips&pr=y Video/Sound recordings]

{{Brigham Young University}}

[[Category:Brigham Young University]]
[[Category:Collegiate a cappella groups]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1991]]
[[Category:Musical groups from Utah]]
[[Category:1991 establishments in Utah]]

BYU Vocal Point

2016-12-25T22:24:30Z

Harry8: current members (→ facebook)

{{Infobox musical artist
| name = BYU Vocal Point
| image = VocalPoint logo.PNG
| alt =
| caption = Logo of Vocal Point
| image_size =
| landscape = 
| background = group_or_band
| alias =
| origin = [[Brigham Young University]]
| genre = [[A cappella]]
| years_active = {{start date|1991}}–present
| label = [[BYU Records]]
| associated_acts =
| website = {{URL|http://www.byuvocalpoint.com/}}
| current_members = Jantzen Dalley Kyle Lemperle Spencer Myler Matt Newman Carl Prince Nathan Proffit David Ross Logan Shelton David Steele
| past_members =
}}
'''BYU Vocal Point''' is a nine-member, male [[a cappella]] group at [[Brigham Young University]]. Founded by students in 1991, Vocal Point operates under the auspice of [[BYU Performing Arts Management]].

The group has won three [[Pearl Award]]s and it was the winner of the 2006 [[International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella]] (ICCA). In 2011, It also placed fifth on [[NBC]]'s [[The Sing-Off (season 3)|third season]] of ''[[The Sing Off]]''.

==History==
BYU Vocal Point was founded by two students at Brigham Young University. Dave Boyce and Bob Ahlander first heard the contemporary a cappella sound during a visit to the eastern U.S., where it had already grown to considerable popularity at colleges throughout the east. Seeking to bring that sound westward, Dave and Bob recruited Jill Petersen-Lex to serve as the group's first Artistic Director. The three held auditions in fall 1991. After the members were selected and began singing, the nine-man group became an instant hit on campus, selling out its first concert. The group made its first recording ("If Rocks Could Sing") and went on its first tour that same school year.

With Ahlander and Boyce providing the vision, and Lex providing much-needed musical direction, the first three years proved equally successful for the student-run group. They toured several times and released their first full-length CD, "Instruments Not Included." The group was so popular that the Director of the School of Music at BYU thought it should be an official part of the University. Finally, in Fall 1994, the ensemble was adopted into the School of Music, and Jim Anglesey was appointed as the group's Faculty Advisor. This was an important move for the group, as it ensured their longevity, and allowed for a full-time director, access to BYU's marvelous performing venues, and assistance from the staff of the School of Music and Performing Arts Management.

During Anglesey's seven-year stay as director, Vocal Point released two more albums, "Fatter Than Ever" in 1996 and "Mouthing Off" in 1999. The group had several key performances during this time, including a series of successful concerts in the de Jong Concert Hall on BYU campus, as well as the group's first [[New Year's Eve]] performance at the Tabernacle on [[Temple Square]]. In 1999, group member Joseph Lebaron updated the group's logo to its current "screaming head" design.

In 2001, co-founder Bob Ahlander returned to the scene to take the reins as director of Vocal Point. He started his tenure off with a bang, hosting the group's ten-year anniversary celebration, including a successful alumni reunion concert. Shortly thereafter, the group released its fourth CD, "Grand Slam," which represented the final years of the Anglesey-directed group.

During Ahlander's time as director, Vocal Point reached new heights. They twice won the regional semi-finals for the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella, but refused to take their seats at the international finals in New York City because the event would be held on a Sunday. The group performed the national anthem at multiple Utah Jazz games and other venues. In Ahlander's final weeks as director, Vocal Point spent three weeks in Nauvoo, Illinois, opening the new summer performing arts series there, and performing for thousands of visitors over a three-week run. At the group's final performance of the tour, they sang to a full house, giving them the idea for the name of their upcoming album, "Standing Room Only." That CD was released in Fall 2004, representing Ahlander's three years of work as director.

Next on the directorial stage was James Stevens, a BYU grad and studio engineer who had performed with Vocal Point for two years under Bob Ahlander's direction. Stevens quickly got to work, helping the group sell out the de Jong Concert Hall faster than ever. At the end of that year, the group took home three [[Pearl Award]]s from the Faith Centered Music Association for "Sacred Recorded Song of the Year," "Group Recording Artist of the Year" and "Performing Artist of the Year."

The following year, 2005–06, was a banner year for Vocal Point. The group appeared at BYU's well-known Homecoming Spectacular, as well as its first at BYU devotional. The group also hosted a successful celebration in honor of Vocal Point's 15th Anniversary. As a culmination of the group's success, they again won the regional semi-finals in the [[International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella]], but this time did not have to bow out; the finals were to be held on a Saturday. The group took its first tour to [[New York City]], and competed there with some of the world's best collegiate a cappella ensembles in the [[Lincoln Center]]'s Alice Tully Hall. In its first appearance at the finals, and after winning regional competition three times, Vocal Point took first place. They were crowned ''International Champions'' for 2006.<ref>Wadley, Carma, [http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,635204413,00.html "Vocal Point wins world championship"], Deseret Morning News, 2006-05-03. URL accessed on 2006-05-04.</ref>

James Stevens continued again as director in fall 2009, with a new group of motivated young men, and is still directing. In fall of 2010, a former member of Vocal Point, Buck Mangum, took on the role as Vocal Point director along with James Stevens. In January–April 2011, Vocal Point again competed in the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella. They placed first at quarter finals in Eugene, Oregon, as well as received awards for "best choreography" and "best soloist," awarded to Jake Hunsaker. At the semi-finals in Los Angeles, Vocal Point again placed first, and again received awards for "best choreography" and "best soloist" to Jake Hunsaker. At finals in New York, Vocal Point received awards for "best vocal percussionist" to Tanner Nilsson, again "best soloist" to Jake Hunsaker, and first runner-up in the entire competition. The songs they competed with in their set were Michael Jackson's "Beat It," Michael Buble's "Meglio Stassera," a polish hymn entitled "Infant Holy," and Louis Prima's "Jump Jive an' Wail."

In 2011, Vocal Point competed as part of NBC's reality TV series [[The Sing Off]] season 3. The members of the group that competed in the show are Michael Christensen, McKay Crockett, Keith Evans, Tyler Sterling, Tanner Nilsson, Robert Seely, Ross Welch, Ben Murphy, and Jake Hunsaker. They were accompanied by director James Stevens. As a result of their participation in the show, the group was featured in a [[CNN]] article discussing how the group represented not only their school but also their faith.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2011/12/08/the-mormon-group-whether-they-like-it-or-not/?hpt=hp_c3 |title=The Mormon group – whether they like it or not |author=Dan Merica |date=December 8, 2011 |work= |publisher=[[CNN]] |accessdate=December 8, 2011}}</ref> The group continues to perform for sold-out crowds across the United States, now under the direction of Vocal Point alum McKay Crockett. The current members of the group are Jantzen Dalley, Kyle Lemperle, Spencer Myler, Matt Newman, Carl Prince, Nathan Proffit, David Ross, Logan Shelton, andDavid Steele.<ref>https://www.facebook.com/pg/BYUVocalPoint/about/?ref=page_internal</ref>

== Awards ==
* Fifth place on [[NBC]]'s [[The Sing-Off (season 3)|third season]] of ''[[The Sing Off]]'' (2011)
* [[International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella|ICCA]] Second place (2011)
* [[International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella|ICCA]] International Champions (2006)
* [[Pearl Award]] for ''Best Performing Artist'' (2005)
* [[Pearl Award]] for ''Best Performing Group'' (2005)

== Discography ==
*''If Rocks Could Sing'', 1992
*''Instruments Not Included'', 1994
*''Fatter Than Ever'', 1996
*''Mouthing Off'', 1999
*''Grand Slam'', 2003
*''Standing Room Only'', 2004
*''[[Nonstop (album)|Nonstop]]'', 2008
*''Back In Blue'' 2011.
*''Lead Thou Me On: Hymns and Inspiration'' 2012.
*''Spectrum'' 2014.
*''He Is Born'' 2015.
*''Music Video Hits (Vol. 1)''. 2016

==See also==
* [[List of collegiate a cappella groups]]

==References==
{{refimprove|date=October 2011}}
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.byuvocalpoint.com Official Site]
*[https://www.youtube.com/vocalpointbyu Official YouTube Channel]
*[https://www.facebook.com/byuvocalpoint Official Facebook Page]
*[https://www.twitter.com/byuvocalpoint Official Twitter Account]
*[http://www.byumusicstore.com/brands/BYU-Vocal-Point.html Albums and Merchandise]
*[http://pam.byu.edu/similarpage.asp?title=Vocal%20Point BYU's Performing Arts Management Page for Vocal Point]
*[http://pam.byu.edu/SimilarPage.asp?title=Vocal%20Point&StartScreen=Video/Sound%20Clips&pr=y Video/Sound recordings]

{{Brigham Young University}}

[[Category:Brigham Young University]]
[[Category:Collegiate a cappella groups]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1991]]
[[Category:Musical groups from Utah]]
[[Category:1991 establishments in Utah]]

BYU Vocal Point

2016-12-25T22:22:06Z

Harry8: current members (→ facebook)

{{Infobox musical artist
| name = BYU Vocal Point
| image = VocalPoint logo.PNG
| alt =
| caption = Logo of Vocal Point
| image_size =
| landscape = 
| background = group_or_band
| alias =
| origin = [[Brigham Young University]]
| genre = [[A cappella]]
| years_active = {{start date|1991}}–present
| label = [[BYU Records]]
| associated_acts =
| website = {{URL|http://www.byuvocalpoint.com/}}
| current_members = Jantzen Dalley Kyle Lemperle Spencer Myler Matt Newman Carl Prince Nathan Proffit David Ross Logan Shelton David Steele
| past_members =
}}
'''BYU Vocal Point''' is a nine-member, male [[a cappella]] group at [[Brigham Young University]]. Founded by students in 1991, Vocal Point operates under the auspice of [[BYU Performing Arts Management]].

The group has won three [[Pearl Award]]s and it was the winner of the 2006 [[International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella]] (ICCA). In 2011, It also placed fifth on [[NBC]]'s [[The Sing-Off (season 3)|third season]] of ''[[The Sing Off]]''.

==History==
BYU Vocal Point was founded by two students at Brigham Young University. Dave Boyce and Bob Ahlander first heard the contemporary a cappella sound during a visit to the eastern U.S., where it had already grown to considerable popularity at colleges throughout the east. Seeking to bring that sound westward, Dave and Bob recruited Jill Petersen-Lex to serve as the group's first Artistic Director. The three held auditions in fall 1991. After the members were selected and began singing, the nine-man group became an instant hit on campus, selling out its first concert. The group made its first recording ("If Rocks Could Sing") and went on its first tour that same school year.

With Ahlander and Boyce providing the vision, and Lex providing much-needed musical direction, the first three years proved equally successful for the student-run group. They toured several times and released their first full-length CD, "Instruments Not Included." The group was so popular that the Director of the School of Music at BYU thought it should be an official part of the University. Finally, in Fall 1994, the ensemble was adopted into the School of Music, and Jim Anglesey was appointed as the group's Faculty Advisor. This was an important move for the group, as it ensured their longevity, and allowed for a full-time director, access to BYU's marvelous performing venues, and assistance from the staff of the School of Music and Performing Arts Management.

During Anglesey's seven-year stay as director, Vocal Point released two more albums, "Fatter Than Ever" in 1996 and "Mouthing Off" in 1999. The group had several key performances during this time, including a series of successful concerts in the de Jong Concert Hall on BYU campus, as well as the group's first [[New Year's Eve]] performance at the Tabernacle on [[Temple Square]]. In 1999, group member Joseph Lebaron updated the group's logo to its current "screaming head" design.

In 2001, co-founder Bob Ahlander returned to the scene to take the reins as director of Vocal Point. He started his tenure off with a bang, hosting the group's ten-year anniversary celebration, including a successful alumni reunion concert. Shortly thereafter, the group released its fourth CD, "Grand Slam," which represented the final years of the Anglesey-directed group.

During Ahlander's time as director, Vocal Point reached new heights. They twice won the regional semi-finals for the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella, but refused to take their seats at the international finals in New York City because the event would be held on a Sunday. The group performed the national anthem at multiple Utah Jazz games and other venues. In Ahlander's final weeks as director, Vocal Point spent three weeks in Nauvoo, Illinois, opening the new summer performing arts series there, and performing for thousands of visitors over a three-week run. At the group's final performance of the tour, they sang to a full house, giving them the idea for the name of their upcoming album, "Standing Room Only." That CD was released in Fall 2004, representing Ahlander's three years of work as director.

Next on the directorial stage was James Stevens, a BYU grad and studio engineer who had performed with Vocal Point for two years under Bob Ahlander's direction. Stevens quickly got to work, helping the group sell out the de Jong Concert Hall faster than ever. At the end of that year, the group took home three [[Pearl Award]]s from the Faith Centered Music Association for "Sacred Recorded Song of the Year," "Group Recording Artist of the Year" and "Performing Artist of the Year."

The following year, 2005–06, was a banner year for Vocal Point. The group appeared at BYU's well-known Homecoming Spectacular, as well as its first at BYU devotional. The group also hosted a successful celebration in honor of Vocal Point's 15th Anniversary. As a culmination of the group's success, they again won the regional semi-finals in the [[International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella]], but this time did not have to bow out; the finals were to be held on a Saturday. The group took its first tour to [[New York City]], and competed there with some of the world's best collegiate a cappella ensembles in the [[Lincoln Center]]'s Alice Tully Hall. In its first appearance at the finals, and after winning regional competition three times, Vocal Point took first place. They were crowned ''International Champions'' for 2006.<ref>Wadley, Carma, [http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,635204413,00.html "Vocal Point wins world championship"], Deseret Morning News, 2006-05-03. URL accessed on 2006-05-04.</ref>

James Stevens continued again as director in fall 2009, with a new group of motivated young men, and is still directing. In fall of 2010, a former member of Vocal Point, Buck Mangum, took on the role as Vocal Point director along with James Stevens. In January–April 2011, Vocal Point again competed in the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella. They placed first at quarter finals in Eugene, Oregon, as well as received awards for "best choreography" and "best soloist," awarded to Jake Hunsaker. At the semi-finals in Los Angeles, Vocal Point again placed first, and again received awards for "best choreography" and "best soloist" to Jake Hunsaker. At finals in New York, Vocal Point received awards for "best vocal percussionist" to Tanner Nilsson, again "best soloist" to Jake Hunsaker, and first runner-up in the entire competition. The songs they competed with in their set were Michael Jackson's "Beat It," Michael Buble's "Meglio Stassera," a polish hymn entitled "Infant Holy," and Louis Prima's "Jump Jive an' Wail."

In 2011, Vocal Point competed as part of NBC's reality TV series [[The Sing Off]] season 3. The members of the group that competed in the show are Michael Christensen, McKay Crockett, Keith Evans, Tyler Sterling, Tanner Nilsson, Robert Seely, Ross Welch, Ben Murphy, and Jake Hunsaker. They were accompanied by director James Stevens. As a result of their participation in the show, the group was featured in a [[CNN]] article discussing how the group represented not only their school but also their faith.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2011/12/08/the-mormon-group-whether-they-like-it-or-not/?hpt=hp_c3 |title=The Mormon group – whether they like it or not |author=Dan Merica |date=December 8, 2011 |work= |publisher=[[CNN]] |accessdate=December 8, 2011}}</ref> The group continues to perform for sold-out crowds across the United States, now under the direction of Vocal Point alum McKay Crockett. The current members of the group are Devin Flake, Jordan Hale, Kyle Lemperle, Spencer Myler, Matt Newman, Cody Phillips, Carl Prince, Bryce Romney, and Logan Shelton.<ref>http://www.byuvocalpoint.com/about</ref>

== Awards ==
* Fifth place on [[NBC]]'s [[The Sing-Off (season 3)|third season]] of ''[[The Sing Off]]'' (2011)
* [[International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella|ICCA]] Second place (2011)
* [[International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella|ICCA]] International Champions (2006)
* [[Pearl Award]] for ''Best Performing Artist'' (2005)
* [[Pearl Award]] for ''Best Performing Group'' (2005)

== Discography ==
*''If Rocks Could Sing'', 1992
*''Instruments Not Included'', 1994
*''Fatter Than Ever'', 1996
*''Mouthing Off'', 1999
*''Grand Slam'', 2003
*''Standing Room Only'', 2004
*''[[Nonstop (album)|Nonstop]]'', 2008
*''Back In Blue'' 2011.
*''Lead Thou Me On: Hymns and Inspiration'' 2012.
*''Spectrum'' 2014.
*''He Is Born'' 2015.
*''Music Video Hits (Vol. 1)''. 2016

==See also==
* [[List of collegiate a cappella groups]]

==References==
{{refimprove|date=October 2011}}
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.byuvocalpoint.com Official Site]
*[https://www.youtube.com/vocalpointbyu Official YouTube Channel]
*[https://www.facebook.com/byuvocalpoint Official Facebook Page]
*[https://www.twitter.com/byuvocalpoint Official Twitter Account]
*[http://www.byumusicstore.com/brands/BYU-Vocal-Point.html Albums and Merchandise]
*[http://pam.byu.edu/similarpage.asp?title=Vocal%20Point BYU's Performing Arts Management Page for Vocal Point]
*[http://pam.byu.edu/SimilarPage.asp?title=Vocal%20Point&StartScreen=Video/Sound%20Clips&pr=y Video/Sound recordings]

{{Brigham Young University}}

[[Category:Brigham Young University]]
[[Category:Collegiate a cappella groups]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1991]]
[[Category:Musical groups from Utah]]
[[Category:1991 establishments in Utah]]

Talk:BYU Vocal Point

2016-12-23T15:02:18Z

Harry8: /* Official name is "BYU Vocal Point" */ German WP

Talk:BYU Vocal Point

2016-12-23T15:00:56Z

Harry8: /* Members 2016/2017 */ new section

{{WikiProjectBannerShell|1=
{{WikiProject Brigham Young University|class=Start}}
{{WikiProject Organizations|class=Start|importance=Low}}
{{WikiProject United States|class=Start|importance=Low|USMusic=Yes|USMusic-importance=Low|UT=Yes|UT-importance=Low}}
{{WikiProject Universities|class=Start|student affairs=Yes}}
}}
{{Image requested|musicians}}

==Conversion from Dab to Redirect==
Two of the three line items have been deleted via AFD:
* [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Vocal Point (University of Delaware)]]
* [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Vocal Point (University of Rochester)]]
:--User:Ceyockey (''[[User talk:Ceyockey|talk to me]]'') 10:34, 14 August 2007 (UTC)

== Official name is "BYU Vocal Point" ==

The name of the article should probably be changed to "BYU Vocal Point" because that the group's official name, at least currently (2015). [[User:Johncolton|Johncolton]] ([[User talk:Johncolton|talk]]) 22:13, 22 December 2015 (UTC)

== CARA awards ==

Their CARAs should be added to the list of awards. [[User:Johncolton|Johncolton]] ([[User talk:Johncolton|talk]]) 22:15, 22 December 2015 (UTC)

== Members 2016/2017 ==

Are these the Members of 2016/2017: Matt Newman, Carl Prince, David Ross, Nathan Proffit, Jantzen Dalley, David Steele, Kyle Lemperle, Spencer Myler, and Logan Shelton? Greetings [[User:Harry8|Harry8]] ([[User talk:Harry8|talk]]) 15:00, 23 December 2016 (UTC)

Noteworthy (vocal group)

2016-12-20T15:02:51Z

Harry8: /* Historical highlights */ 2013–14

{{other uses|Noteworthy (disambiguation)}}
{{ infobox theatre group
| name = BYU Noteworthy
| image = |thumb|Noteworthy 1410-35 176
| imagesize =
| caption =
| ArtisticDirector =
| formed = 2003
| location = [[Brigham Young University]], [[Provo, Utah]], [[United States]]
| disbanded =
| members = 9
| notable =
| homepage =
| genre = a cappella
}}

'''BYU Noteworthy''' is a nine-member, female [[a cappella]] group based in [[Provo, Utah]], [[United States]]. All members attend [[Brigham Young University]] and are members of [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]]. They appeared on the first season of [[NBC]]'s a cappella competition reality show ''[[The Sing-Off]]'' in 2009.<ref name="deseretnews1">{{cite web|url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705351369/BYU-singers-to-compete-in-The-Sing-Off.html |title=BYU singers to compete in 'The Sing Off' |publisher=Deseret News |date=2009-12-14 |accessdate=2012-01-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.acappellanews.com/archive/2009_11.html |title=November 2009 Archives |publisher=A Cappella News |date= |accessdate=2012-01-09}}</ref>

==Historical highlights==
;2003–04
Noteworthy was founded in 2003 by a student named Esther Yoder. She consulted with co-founder and then director of [[Vocal Point]], Bob Ahlander, and recruited [[Vocal Point]] members Dave Brown and Dan Dunn to help create the new group.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://byuvocalpoint.com/ |title=BYU Vocal Point |publisher=BYU Vocal Point |date= |accessdate=2012-01-09}}</ref><ref name="msnbc1">{{cite web|author= |url=http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/23611178/ |title=Walters: BYU boasts two impressive a cappella groups - Other sports- NBC Sports |publisher=Nbcsports.msnbc.com |date=2008-03-13 |accessdate=2012-01-09}}</ref> February 1, 2004 marked the formation of the first group of nine Noteworthy ladies.

;2004–05
Noteworthy performed in the West Coast A Cappella Showcase at UC Berkeley, at a [[Utah Jazz]] game, and competed in the [[International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella]] (ICCA). In the Semifinal round, Noteworthy placed second in the West region, and Yoder received the award for Most Outstanding Vocal Percussion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://varsityvocals.com/results/icca-west/?my_year=2005 |title=ICCA West Archives |publisher=Varsity Vocals |date= |accessdate=2014-02-24}}</ref>

;2005–06
The group recorded its debut album, ''On the Horizon'', and performed in the third annual Vocal Point / Noteworthy joint concert. They again competed at the ICCA and placed second to BYU's [[Vocal Point]] in the Quarterfinal round. Noteworthy member Camille Hancock won the award for Most Outstanding Choreography.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://varsityvocals.com/results/icca-west/?my_year=2006 |title=ICCA West Archives |publisher=Varsity Vocals |date= |accessdate=2014-02-24}}</ref>

;2006–07
Noteworthy released their debut album ''On the Horizon''. A Bulgarian track on the album, "Kaval Sviri," was nominated for a [[Contemporary A Cappella Society|Contemporary A Cappella Recording Award]] (CARA) in the best female collegiate song category.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ldsliving.com/story/60382-noteworthy-byu-musicians-perform-on-nbc/print |title=Print: Noteworthy BYU Musicians Perform on NBC |publisher=LDS Living |date=2000-09-13 |accessdate=2012-01-09}}</ref>

The group again competed in the [[International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella]]. They took first place in the Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and the Final round of the competition at the [[Lincoln Center]] in [[New York City]], making them the 2007 International Champions. Director Catherine Papworth received the Most Outstanding Arrangement Award for "How Great Thou Art" in both the Quarterfinal and Semifinal rounds. Member Kristin Papworth received the award for Most Outstanding Choreography for Noteworthy's full set in the Finals round.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://varsityvocals.com/results/icca-west/?my_year=2007 |title=ICCA West Archives |publisher=Varsity Vocals |date= |accessdate=2014-02-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://varsityvocals.com/results/icca-finals/?my_year=2007 |title=ICCA Finals Archives |publisher=Varsity Vocals |date= |accessdate=2014-02-24}}</ref>

;2007–08
Noteworthy was featured in a story for NBC Sports<ref name="msnbc1"/> and piece in BYU Magazine. The group competed again at the [[International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella]] and advanced to the Semifinal round, placing Noteworthy among the top groups in the west region.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://varsityvocals.com/results/icca-west/?my_year=2008 |title=ICCA West Archives |publisher=Varsity Vocals |date= |accessdate=2014-02-24}}</ref> Noteworthy unveiled their revamped website in 2007,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://noteworthyladies.com/ |title=at |publisher=Noteworthyladies.com |date= |accessdate=2012-01-09}}</ref> designed by group member Nabby Parkinson. The group tracked its second album, ''Green Means Go'', produced by Catherine Papworth.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://noteworthyladies.com/cds.php |title=at |publisher=Noteworthyladies.com |date= |accessdate=2012-01-09}}</ref>

;2008–09
The ladies toured parts of California and appeared on a web series, JER3MIAH.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://jer3miah.com/ |title=The Book of Jer3miah |publisher=Jer3miah.com |date= |accessdate=2012-01-09}}</ref> The group's second album ''Green Means Go'' was released in April 2009. It features songs from their 2007 [[International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella]] championship set.

;2009–10
"Listen," a cover track from ''Green Means Go'' was selected to appear on the Best of Collegiate A Cappella (BOCA) compilation for 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.casa.org/node/5597 |title=BOCA 2010: Best Of College A Cappella Announced! | A Cappella Music - The Contemporary A Cappella Society |publisher=Casa.org |date= |accessdate=2012-01-09}}</ref> Noteworthy was contacted by producers at NBC and asked to be one of eight groups across the nation to appear on [[NBC]]'s a cappella competition reality show ''[[The Sing-Off]]''.<ref name="deseretnews1"/> The show debuted on NBC on December 14, 2009. Noteworthy was eliminated in the second episode on December 15, 2009.<ref>{{cite web|last=Genzlinger |first=Neil |url=http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/tag/the-sing-off/ |title=THE SING OFF - ArtsBeat Blog - NYTimes.com |publisher=Artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com |date= |accessdate=2012-01-09}}</ref>

After performing on The Sing-Off, Noteworthy went on to compete in the ICCA quarter finals in Eugene, Oregon, where they took first place and the award for Outstanding Choreography, Outstanding Soloist, Outstanding Arrangement, and Outstanding Vocal Percussion.<ref>{{cite web|author=Gazette-Times |url=http://www.gazettetimes.com/news/local/article_d4ac2384-122f-11df-9584-001cc4c03286.html |title=OSU {{sic|hide=y|a cap|ella}} [sic] group to compete Saturday |publisher=Gazettetimes.com |date=2010-02-05 |accessdate=2012-01-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://varsityvocals.com/results/icca-west/?my_year=2010 |title=ICCA West Archives |publisher=Varsity Vocals |date= |accessdate=2014-02-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Alexis Jones |url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865576270/BYUs-Noteworthy-a-capella-group-hits-a-high-note-with-YouTube-single.html?pg=all |title=BYU's Noteworthy a capella group hits a high note with YouTube single |newspaper= Deseret News |date=2013-03-20 |accessdate=2014-02-24}}</ref>

;2010–11
Noteworthy's third album was released in December 2010, titled ''Defined''. The CD received four [[Contemporary A Cappella Society|Contemporary A Cappella Recording Award]] (CARA) nominations, Best Scholastic Original Song, Best Female Collegiate Album, Best Female Collegiate Solo, and Best Female Collegiate Arrangement.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.casa.org/cara2011n |title=2011 Contemporary A Cappella Recording Award Nominees | A Cappella Music - The Contemporary A Cappella Society |publisher=Casa.org |date= |accessdate=2012-01-09}}</ref> The group also reunited with their former Sing-Off competitors, the [[Beelzebubs]], in Orlando, Florida to perform at the MD Anderson Cancer Center benefit concert.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://orlandohealth.com/mdanderson/misc/HopeAndHarmony.aspx?pid=6611 |title=Hope & Harmony |publisher=Orlandohealth.com |date=2011-02-26 |accessdate=2012-01-09}}</ref>

;2011–12
Noteworthy performed in two joint concerts with the Whiffenpoofs of Yale while the ensemble was on tour in Utah.<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/mobile/53224668-90/whiffenpoofs-group-cappella-university.html.csp |title=Utah Local News - Salt Lake City News, Sports, Archive - The Salt Lake Tribune |publisher=Sltrib.com |date=2012-01-03 |accessdate=2014-02-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150453559373224&set=pb.92181583223.-2207520000.1393224798.&type=3&theater |title=Noteworthy - Foto's van Noteworthy |publisher=Facebook |date= |accessdate=2014-02-24}}</ref> Noteworthy again competed in the ICCA, taking first place at the Quarterfinal in Eugene, Oregon.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://varsityvocals.com/results/icca-west/?my_year=2012 |title=ICCA West Archives |publisher=Varsity Vocals |date= |accessdate=2014-02-24}}</ref> The group performed the National Anthem for Real Salt Lake's home-game season opener<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150615490583224&set=pb.92181583223.-2207520000.1393224798.&type=3&permPage=1 |title=Noteworthy - Foto's van Noteworthy |publisher=Facebook |date= |accessdate=2014-02-24}}{{rs|date=December 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYVw5X3wHus |title=Real Salt Lake Opener |publisher=YouTube |date= |accessdate=2014-02-24}}{{rs|date=December 2014}}</ref> and launched a new website.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://noteworthy9.com/ |title=Noteworthy | We're 9 ladies who love to share our love of music, each other and our faith through acappella music! |publisher=Noteworthy9.com |date= |accessdate=2014-02-24}}</ref>

Former members Amy Whitcomb and Laina Walker were featured on the third season of NBC's TV Show ''[[The Sing-Off]]'' with a group called Delilah.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nbc.com/sing-off/contestants/season-3/delilah/ |title=Delilah (Contestant Bios) |publisher=nbc.com |date= |accessdate=2012-02-13}}</ref>

;2012–13
Noteworthy made its first YouTube music video <ref>{{cite news |author=Alexis Jones |url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865576270/BYUs-Noteworthy-a-capella-group-hits-a-high-note-with-YouTube-single.html |title=BYU's Noteworthy a capella group hits a high note with YouTube single |newspaper= Deseret News |date=2013-03-20 |accessdate=2014-02-24}}</ref> and began producing MP3 singles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://noteworthy9.com/#!/music/ |accessdate=December 2, 2013 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021184724/http://noteworthy9.com/ |archivedate=October 21, 2013 }}</ref> The group was featured on a 40-minute segment of BYU Radio's Highway 89,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hplxaHKM6Ds|title=HWY 89: Episode 1247 Noteworthy|work=YouTube|accessdate=6 December 2014}}</ref> {{rs|date=December 2014}} and performed at BYU's annual Unforum assembly.

Former member Amy Whitcomb appeared on the fourth season of [[The Voice (U.S. season 4)|The Voice]], where she was eliminated in the knockout rounds.

;2013–14
Noteworthy released a new album, "Unbound"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/unbound/id855189824|title=iTunes - Music - Unbound by Noteworthy|work=iTunes|accessdate=6 December 2014}}</ref> and two more music videos and MP3 singles.<ref>[https://www.noteworthy9.com/music] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140218090709/https://www.noteworthy9.com/music |date=February 18, 2014 }}</ref> The group performed live on [[KZHT]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/pages/Noteworthy/92181583223?ref=br_tf|title=BYU Noteworthy|work=Facebook|accessdate=6 December 2014}}</ref> as well as Utah News Station KUTV 2News.<ref>[http://www.kutv.com/news/features/guests/stories/vid_2545.shtml] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140426012624/http://www.kutv.com/news/features/guests/stories/vid_2545.shtml |date=April 26, 2014 }}</ref> Noteworthy competed in the ICCA (International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella) and placed 10th in the competition.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://varsityvocals.com/results/icca-wild-card/?my_year=2014|title=ICCA Wild Card Archives - Varsity Vocals|work=Varsity Vocals|accessdate=6 December 2014}}</ref> On April 12, 2014, alumni traveled to Provo for a 10-Year Anniversary Concert, which included performances by the current Noteworthy group as well as past generations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heraldextra.com/entertainment/music/a-decade-of-song-years-in-noteworthy-is-hitting-its/article_30fb5b37-2232-5029-9fbf-b261980b0238.html|title=A decade of song: 10 years in, Noteworthy is hitting its stride|author=Court Mann - Daily Herald|work=Daily Herald|accessdate=6 December 2014}}</ref> Noteworthy participated in a YouTube collaboration with [[Stuart Edge]], Peter Hollens, and Vocal Point: "Kiss the Girl in Real Life."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58l0-Jc_bOk|title=Kiss The Girl In Real Life|work=YouTube|accessdate=6 December 2014}}</ref> {{rs|date=December 2014}} The group performed as an opener for Home Free, the Season 4 winning group of NBC's "The Sing-Off," on Memorial Day in Orem, Utah.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://scera.org/events/view/238|title=SCERA Center for the Arts - Utah : Events|publisher=Scera.org|accessdate=6 December 2014}}</ref>

==Today==
In Fall 2014 Noteworthy was officially accepted as part of BYU Performing Arts. Noteworthy has been accepted as a class through BYU. They are working on releasing another album within the next few years. A new music video is also in the works and will be released sometime next year.

==Directors, alumni, and members==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Year!!Director(s)!!Members!!
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2004
| style="text-align:center;"| Dan Dunn, Esther Yoder
| style="text-align:center;"| Stephanie Call, Nykelle Cloward, LeeElle Jex, Rachel Kocherhans, Rosa Parma, Ellen Pratt, Ashley Tanabe, Esther Yoder, Jessica Zabawa
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2004-2005
| style="text-align:center;"| Dave Brown
| style="text-align:center;"| Stephanie Call(Aug-Dec), Suzie Hall, Lauren Hart, Alexis Munoa(Jan-Apr), Catherine Papworth, Rosa Parma, Ellen Pratt, Ashley Tanabe, Esther Yoder, Jessica Zabawa
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2005-2006
| style="text-align:center;"| Jimmy Dunn, David Anderson
| style="text-align:center;"| Sommer Anderson(Aug-Dec), Jackie Donkin(Jan-Apr), Camille Hancock, Lauren Hart, Erica Neuffer, Catherine Papworth, Kristin Papworth, Megan Schmidt and Mikelle Young (Aug-Dec)
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2006-2007
| style="text-align:center;"| Catherine Papworth
| style="text-align:center;"| Ashley Cazier(Jan-Apr, Jackie Donkin, Camille Hancock, Courtney Jensen, Kaity McGuire, Ashley Mordwinow, Erica Neuffer, Kristin Papworth, Nabby Parkinson, Megan Schmidt
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2007-2008
| style="text-align:center;"| Catherine Papworth, Esther Yoder
| style="text-align:center;"| Camrie Copier, Courtney Jensen, Kaity McGuire, Ashley Mordwinow, Erica Neuffer, Michelle Osmond, Kristin Papworth, Nabby Parkinson, Amy Whitcomb
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2008-2009
| style="text-align:center;"| Catherine Papworth, Erica Neuffer
| style="text-align:center;"| Catherine Cooley, Jenna Engebretsen, Courtney Jensen, Katie Jensen, Ashley Mordwinow, Nabby Parkinson, Kelsey Raps, Rachel Sonderegger, Amy Whitcomb
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2009-2010
| style="text-align:center;"| Courtney Jensen, Amy Whitcomb
| style="text-align:center;"| Siri Alemany, Amber Catherall, Cassie Crabb, Lizzy Early, Courtney Jensen, Katie Jensen, Kelsey Raps, Laina Walker, Amy Whitcomb
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2010-2011
| style="text-align:center;"| Kelsey Raps Pratt, Cassie Crabb
| style="text-align:center;"| Amber Catherall, Cassie Crabb, Lizzy Early, McKenzie Giles, Katie Jensen(Aug-Dec), Kristen Metzger, Taylor Olson, Sara Parkinson, Laina Walker, Brooke Weenig
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2011-2012
| style="text-align:center;"| Amanda Crabb, Kelsey Pratt
| style="text-align:center;"| Cassie Crabb, McKenzie Giles, Katie Jensen, Sara Phelps, Hollie Pratt, Tatiana Quinn, Cassie Tobler, Brooke Weenig, Rebecca Woahn
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2012-2013
| style="text-align:center;"| Katie Jensen Hall, Kelsey Pratt
| style="text-align:center;"| Brianna Boyd, Brittany Bruner, Cassie Gonzalez, Liz Hilton, Jillian Innes, Lauren Myrick, Emily Parkinson, Tatiana Quinn, Jennifer Riding
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2013-2014
| style="text-align:center;"| Tatiana Quinn
| style="text-align:center;"| Shirley Cole, Jordyn Crowley, Cassie Gonzalez, Janae Klumpp, Mariah Kolts, Diana Kramer, Elicia Merwin, Marissa Quinn, Hanna Zenger
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2014-2015
| style="text-align:center;"| Keith Evans
| style="text-align:center;"| Alyssa Aramaki, Sarah Cunha, Allyssa Jex, Janae Klumpp, Janessa Lyons, Jessica McKay, Mariella Roberts, Tressa Roberts, Bethany Simmons
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2015-2016
| style="text-align:center;"| Keith Evans
| style="text-align:center;"| Alyssa Aramaki, Sarah Cunha, Allyssa Jex, Janae Klumpp, Jessica Johnson, Tressa Roberts, Alyssa Flake, Rachael Holt, Taylor Whitlock
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2016-2017
| style="text-align:center;"| Keith Evans
| style="text-align:center;"| Alyssa Aramaki, Bronwyn Bent, Sarah Cunha, Caitlin Dudley, Alyssa Flake, Rachael Holt, Megan Sackett, Taylor Whitlock, Hanna Zenger
|}

==Discography==
'''Albums:'''
*"Ready For A Miracle" (2016)
*"Unbound" (2014)
*"Defined" (2010)
*"Green Means Go" (2009)
*"On the Horizon" (2006)

'''Singles:'''
*"Madness - Single" (2014)
*"I Was Here - Single" (2014)
*"Feel Again - Single" (2014)
*"O Holy Night - Single" (2013)
*"I Knew You Were Trouble / We Are Never Getting Back Together - Single" (2013)
*"Without You / I Will Wait Mashup - Single" (2013)
*"Geronimo - Single" (2015)
*"Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) - Single" (2015)
*"Gloria (Angels We Have Heard on High} - Single" (2016)

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
*[http://noteworthy9.com/ Official Site]

{{Brigham Young University}}

[[Category:2003 establishments in Utah]]
[[Category:Brigham Young University]]
[[Category:Collegiate a cappella groups]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 2003]]
[[Category:Musical groups from Utah]]

Noteworthy (vocal group)

2016-12-20T15:01:05Z

Harry8: /* Historical highlights */ 2003–04

{{other uses|Noteworthy (disambiguation)}}
{{ infobox theatre group
| name = BYU Noteworthy
| image = |thumb|Noteworthy 1410-35 176
| imagesize =
| caption =
| ArtisticDirector =
| formed = 2003
| location = [[Brigham Young University]], [[Provo, Utah]], [[United States]]
| disbanded =
| members = 9
| notable =
| homepage =
| genre = a cappella
}}

'''BYU Noteworthy''' is a nine-member, female [[a cappella]] group based in [[Provo, Utah]], [[United States]]. All members attend [[Brigham Young University]] and are members of [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]]. They appeared on the first season of [[NBC]]'s a cappella competition reality show ''[[The Sing-Off]]'' in 2009.<ref name="deseretnews1">{{cite web|url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705351369/BYU-singers-to-compete-in-The-Sing-Off.html |title=BYU singers to compete in 'The Sing Off' |publisher=Deseret News |date=2009-12-14 |accessdate=2012-01-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.acappellanews.com/archive/2009_11.html |title=November 2009 Archives |publisher=A Cappella News |date= |accessdate=2012-01-09}}</ref>

==Historical highlights==
;2003–04
Noteworthy was founded in 2003 by a student named Esther Yoder. She consulted with co-founder and then director of [[Vocal Point]], Bob Ahlander, and recruited [[Vocal Point]] members Dave Brown and Dan Dunn to help create the new group.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://byuvocalpoint.com/ |title=BYU Vocal Point |publisher=BYU Vocal Point |date= |accessdate=2012-01-09}}</ref><ref name="msnbc1">{{cite web|author= |url=http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/23611178/ |title=Walters: BYU boasts two impressive a cappella groups - Other sports- NBC Sports |publisher=Nbcsports.msnbc.com |date=2008-03-13 |accessdate=2012-01-09}}</ref> February 1, 2004 marked the formation of the first group of nine Noteworthy ladies.

;2004–05
Noteworthy performed in the West Coast A Cappella Showcase at UC Berkeley, at a [[Utah Jazz]] game, and competed in the [[International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella]] (ICCA). In the Semifinal round, Noteworthy placed second in the West region, and Yoder received the award for Most Outstanding Vocal Percussion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://varsityvocals.com/results/icca-west/?my_year=2005 |title=ICCA West Archives |publisher=Varsity Vocals |date= |accessdate=2014-02-24}}</ref>

;2005–06
The group recorded its debut album, ''On the Horizon'', and performed in the third annual Vocal Point / Noteworthy joint concert. They again competed at the ICCA and placed second to BYU's [[Vocal Point]] in the Quarterfinal round. Noteworthy member Camille Hancock won the award for Most Outstanding Choreography.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://varsityvocals.com/results/icca-west/?my_year=2006 |title=ICCA West Archives |publisher=Varsity Vocals |date= |accessdate=2014-02-24}}</ref>

;2006–07
Noteworthy released their debut album ''On the Horizon''. A Bulgarian track on the album, "Kaval Sviri," was nominated for a [[Contemporary A Cappella Society|Contemporary A Cappella Recording Award]] (CARA) in the best female collegiate song category.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ldsliving.com/story/60382-noteworthy-byu-musicians-perform-on-nbc/print |title=Print: Noteworthy BYU Musicians Perform on NBC |publisher=LDS Living |date=2000-09-13 |accessdate=2012-01-09}}</ref>

The group again competed in the [[International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella]]. They took first place in the Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and the Final round of the competition at the [[Lincoln Center]] in [[New York City]], making them the 2007 International Champions. Director Catherine Papworth received the Most Outstanding Arrangement Award for "How Great Thou Art" in both the Quarterfinal and Semifinal rounds. Member Kristin Papworth received the award for Most Outstanding Choreography for Noteworthy's full set in the Finals round.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://varsityvocals.com/results/icca-west/?my_year=2007 |title=ICCA West Archives |publisher=Varsity Vocals |date= |accessdate=2014-02-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://varsityvocals.com/results/icca-finals/?my_year=2007 |title=ICCA Finals Archives |publisher=Varsity Vocals |date= |accessdate=2014-02-24}}</ref>

;2007–08
Noteworthy was featured in a story for NBC Sports<ref name="msnbc1"/> and piece in BYU Magazine. The group competed again at the [[International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella]] and advanced to the Semifinal round, placing Noteworthy among the top groups in the west region.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://varsityvocals.com/results/icca-west/?my_year=2008 |title=ICCA West Archives |publisher=Varsity Vocals |date= |accessdate=2014-02-24}}</ref> Noteworthy unveiled their revamped website in 2007,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://noteworthyladies.com/ |title=at |publisher=Noteworthyladies.com |date= |accessdate=2012-01-09}}</ref> designed by group member Nabby Parkinson. The group tracked its second album, ''Green Means Go'', produced by Catherine Papworth.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://noteworthyladies.com/cds.php |title=at |publisher=Noteworthyladies.com |date= |accessdate=2012-01-09}}</ref>

;2008–09
The ladies toured parts of California and appeared on a web series, JER3MIAH.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://jer3miah.com/ |title=The Book of Jer3miah |publisher=Jer3miah.com |date= |accessdate=2012-01-09}}</ref> The group's second album ''Green Means Go'' was released in April 2009. It features songs from their 2007 [[International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella]] championship set.

;2009–10
"Listen," a cover track from ''Green Means Go'' was selected to appear on the Best of Collegiate A Cappella (BOCA) compilation for 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.casa.org/node/5597 |title=BOCA 2010: Best Of College A Cappella Announced! | A Cappella Music - The Contemporary A Cappella Society |publisher=Casa.org |date= |accessdate=2012-01-09}}</ref> Noteworthy was contacted by producers at NBC and asked to be one of eight groups across the nation to appear on [[NBC]]'s a cappella competition reality show ''[[The Sing-Off]]''.<ref name="deseretnews1"/> The show debuted on NBC on December 14, 2009. Noteworthy was eliminated in the second episode on December 15, 2009.<ref>{{cite web|last=Genzlinger |first=Neil |url=http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/tag/the-sing-off/ |title=THE SING OFF - ArtsBeat Blog - NYTimes.com |publisher=Artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com |date= |accessdate=2012-01-09}}</ref>

After performing on The Sing-Off, Noteworthy went on to compete in the ICCA quarter finals in Eugene, Oregon, where they took first place and the award for Outstanding Choreography, Outstanding Soloist, Outstanding Arrangement, and Outstanding Vocal Percussion.<ref>{{cite web|author=Gazette-Times |url=http://www.gazettetimes.com/news/local/article_d4ac2384-122f-11df-9584-001cc4c03286.html |title=OSU {{sic|hide=y|a cap|ella}} [sic] group to compete Saturday |publisher=Gazettetimes.com |date=2010-02-05 |accessdate=2012-01-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://varsityvocals.com/results/icca-west/?my_year=2010 |title=ICCA West Archives |publisher=Varsity Vocals |date= |accessdate=2014-02-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Alexis Jones |url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865576270/BYUs-Noteworthy-a-capella-group-hits-a-high-note-with-YouTube-single.html?pg=all |title=BYU's Noteworthy a capella group hits a high note with YouTube single |newspaper= Deseret News |date=2013-03-20 |accessdate=2014-02-24}}</ref>

;2010–11
Noteworthy's third album was released in December 2010, titled ''Defined''. The CD received four [[Contemporary A Cappella Society|Contemporary A Cappella Recording Award]] (CARA) nominations, Best Scholastic Original Song, Best Female Collegiate Album, Best Female Collegiate Solo, and Best Female Collegiate Arrangement.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.casa.org/cara2011n |title=2011 Contemporary A Cappella Recording Award Nominees | A Cappella Music - The Contemporary A Cappella Society |publisher=Casa.org |date= |accessdate=2012-01-09}}</ref> The group also reunited with their former Sing-Off competitors, the [[Beelzebubs]], in Orlando, Florida to perform at the MD Anderson Cancer Center benefit concert.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://orlandohealth.com/mdanderson/misc/HopeAndHarmony.aspx?pid=6611 |title=Hope & Harmony |publisher=Orlandohealth.com |date=2011-02-26 |accessdate=2012-01-09}}</ref>

;2011–12
Noteworthy performed in two joint concerts with the Whiffenpoofs of Yale while the ensemble was on tour in Utah.<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/mobile/53224668-90/whiffenpoofs-group-cappella-university.html.csp |title=Utah Local News - Salt Lake City News, Sports, Archive - The Salt Lake Tribune |publisher=Sltrib.com |date=2012-01-03 |accessdate=2014-02-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150453559373224&set=pb.92181583223.-2207520000.1393224798.&type=3&theater |title=Noteworthy - Foto's van Noteworthy |publisher=Facebook |date= |accessdate=2014-02-24}}</ref> Noteworthy again competed in the ICCA, taking first place at the Quarterfinal in Eugene, Oregon.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://varsityvocals.com/results/icca-west/?my_year=2012 |title=ICCA West Archives |publisher=Varsity Vocals |date= |accessdate=2014-02-24}}</ref> The group performed the National Anthem for Real Salt Lake's home-game season opener<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150615490583224&set=pb.92181583223.-2207520000.1393224798.&type=3&permPage=1 |title=Noteworthy - Foto's van Noteworthy |publisher=Facebook |date= |accessdate=2014-02-24}}{{rs|date=December 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYVw5X3wHus |title=Real Salt Lake Opener |publisher=YouTube |date= |accessdate=2014-02-24}}{{rs|date=December 2014}}</ref> and launched a new website.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://noteworthy9.com/ |title=Noteworthy | We're 9 ladies who love to share our love of music, each other and our faith through acappella music! |publisher=Noteworthy9.com |date= |accessdate=2014-02-24}}</ref>

Former members Amy Whitcomb and Laina Walker were featured on the third season of NBC's TV Show ''[[The Sing-Off]]'' with a group called Delilah.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nbc.com/sing-off/contestants/season-3/delilah/ |title=Delilah (Contestant Bios) |publisher=nbc.com |date= |accessdate=2012-02-13}}</ref>

;2012–13
Noteworthy made its first YouTube music video <ref>{{cite news |author=Alexis Jones |url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865576270/BYUs-Noteworthy-a-capella-group-hits-a-high-note-with-YouTube-single.html |title=BYU's Noteworthy a capella group hits a high note with YouTube single |newspaper= Deseret News |date=2013-03-20 |accessdate=2014-02-24}}</ref> and began producing MP3 singles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://noteworthy9.com/#!/music/ |accessdate=December 2, 2013 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021184724/http://noteworthy9.com/ |archivedate=October 21, 2013 }}</ref> The group was featured on a 40-minute segment of BYU Radio's Highway 89,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hplxaHKM6Ds|title=HWY 89: Episode 1247 Noteworthy|work=YouTube|accessdate=6 December 2014}}</ref> {{rs|date=December 2014}} and performed at BYU's annual Unforum assembly.

Former member Amy Whitcomb appeared on the fourth season of [[The Voice (U.S. season 4)|The Voice]], where she was eliminated in the knockout rounds.

;2013-14
Noteworthy released a new album, "Unbound"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/unbound/id855189824|title=iTunes - Music - Unbound by Noteworthy|work=iTunes|accessdate=6 December 2014}}</ref> and two more music videos and MP3 singles.<ref>[https://www.noteworthy9.com/music] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140218090709/https://www.noteworthy9.com/music |date=February 18, 2014 }}</ref> The group performed live on [[KZHT]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/pages/Noteworthy/92181583223?ref=br_tf|title=BYU Noteworthy|work=Facebook|accessdate=6 December 2014}}</ref> as well as Utah News Station KUTV 2News.<ref>[http://www.kutv.com/news/features/guests/stories/vid_2545.shtml] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140426012624/http://www.kutv.com/news/features/guests/stories/vid_2545.shtml |date=April 26, 2014 }}</ref> Noteworthy competed in the ICCA (International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella) and placed 10th in the competition.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://varsityvocals.com/results/icca-wild-card/?my_year=2014|title=ICCA Wild Card Archives - Varsity Vocals|work=Varsity Vocals|accessdate=6 December 2014}}</ref> On April 12, 2014, alumni traveled to Provo for a 10-Year Anniversary Concert, which included performances by the current Noteworthy group as well as past generations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heraldextra.com/entertainment/music/a-decade-of-song-years-in-noteworthy-is-hitting-its/article_30fb5b37-2232-5029-9fbf-b261980b0238.html|title=A decade of song: 10 years in, Noteworthy is hitting its stride|author=Court Mann - Daily Herald|work=Daily Herald|accessdate=6 December 2014}}</ref> Noteworthy participated in a YouTube collaboration with [[Stuart Edge]], Peter Hollens, and Vocal Point: "Kiss the Girl in Real Life."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58l0-Jc_bOk|title=Kiss The Girl In Real Life|work=YouTube|accessdate=6 December 2014}}</ref> {{rs|date=December 2014}} The group performed as an opener for Home Free, the Season 4 winning group of NBC's "The Sing-Off," on Memorial Day in Orem, Utah.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://scera.org/events/view/238|title=SCERA Center for the Arts - Utah : Events|publisher=Scera.org|accessdate=6 December 2014}}</ref>

==Today==
In Fall 2014 Noteworthy was officially accepted as part of BYU Performing Arts. Noteworthy has been accepted as a class through BYU. They are working on releasing another album within the next few years. A new music video is also in the works and will be released sometime next year.

==Directors, alumni, and members==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Year!!Director(s)!!Members!!
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2004
| style="text-align:center;"| Dan Dunn, Esther Yoder
| style="text-align:center;"| Stephanie Call, Nykelle Cloward, LeeElle Jex, Rachel Kocherhans, Rosa Parma, Ellen Pratt, Ashley Tanabe, Esther Yoder, Jessica Zabawa
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2004-2005
| style="text-align:center;"| Dave Brown
| style="text-align:center;"| Stephanie Call(Aug-Dec), Suzie Hall, Lauren Hart, Alexis Munoa(Jan-Apr), Catherine Papworth, Rosa Parma, Ellen Pratt, Ashley Tanabe, Esther Yoder, Jessica Zabawa
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2005-2006
| style="text-align:center;"| Jimmy Dunn, David Anderson
| style="text-align:center;"| Sommer Anderson(Aug-Dec), Jackie Donkin(Jan-Apr), Camille Hancock, Lauren Hart, Erica Neuffer, Catherine Papworth, Kristin Papworth, Megan Schmidt and Mikelle Young (Aug-Dec)
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2006-2007
| style="text-align:center;"| Catherine Papworth
| style="text-align:center;"| Ashley Cazier(Jan-Apr, Jackie Donkin, Camille Hancock, Courtney Jensen, Kaity McGuire, Ashley Mordwinow, Erica Neuffer, Kristin Papworth, Nabby Parkinson, Megan Schmidt
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2007-2008
| style="text-align:center;"| Catherine Papworth, Esther Yoder
| style="text-align:center;"| Camrie Copier, Courtney Jensen, Kaity McGuire, Ashley Mordwinow, Erica Neuffer, Michelle Osmond, Kristin Papworth, Nabby Parkinson, Amy Whitcomb
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2008-2009
| style="text-align:center;"| Catherine Papworth, Erica Neuffer
| style="text-align:center;"| Catherine Cooley, Jenna Engebretsen, Courtney Jensen, Katie Jensen, Ashley Mordwinow, Nabby Parkinson, Kelsey Raps, Rachel Sonderegger, Amy Whitcomb
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2009-2010
| style="text-align:center;"| Courtney Jensen, Amy Whitcomb
| style="text-align:center;"| Siri Alemany, Amber Catherall, Cassie Crabb, Lizzy Early, Courtney Jensen, Katie Jensen, Kelsey Raps, Laina Walker, Amy Whitcomb
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2010-2011
| style="text-align:center;"| Kelsey Raps Pratt, Cassie Crabb
| style="text-align:center;"| Amber Catherall, Cassie Crabb, Lizzy Early, McKenzie Giles, Katie Jensen(Aug-Dec), Kristen Metzger, Taylor Olson, Sara Parkinson, Laina Walker, Brooke Weenig
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2011-2012
| style="text-align:center;"| Amanda Crabb, Kelsey Pratt
| style="text-align:center;"| Cassie Crabb, McKenzie Giles, Katie Jensen, Sara Phelps, Hollie Pratt, Tatiana Quinn, Cassie Tobler, Brooke Weenig, Rebecca Woahn
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2012-2013
| style="text-align:center;"| Katie Jensen Hall, Kelsey Pratt
| style="text-align:center;"| Brianna Boyd, Brittany Bruner, Cassie Gonzalez, Liz Hilton, Jillian Innes, Lauren Myrick, Emily Parkinson, Tatiana Quinn, Jennifer Riding
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2013-2014
| style="text-align:center;"| Tatiana Quinn
| style="text-align:center;"| Shirley Cole, Jordyn Crowley, Cassie Gonzalez, Janae Klumpp, Mariah Kolts, Diana Kramer, Elicia Merwin, Marissa Quinn, Hanna Zenger
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2014-2015
| style="text-align:center;"| Keith Evans
| style="text-align:center;"| Alyssa Aramaki, Sarah Cunha, Allyssa Jex, Janae Klumpp, Janessa Lyons, Jessica McKay, Mariella Roberts, Tressa Roberts, Bethany Simmons
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2015-2016
| style="text-align:center;"| Keith Evans
| style="text-align:center;"| Alyssa Aramaki, Sarah Cunha, Allyssa Jex, Janae Klumpp, Jessica Johnson, Tressa Roberts, Alyssa Flake, Rachael Holt, Taylor Whitlock
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2016-2017
| style="text-align:center;"| Keith Evans
| style="text-align:center;"| Alyssa Aramaki, Bronwyn Bent, Sarah Cunha, Caitlin Dudley, Alyssa Flake, Rachael Holt, Megan Sackett, Taylor Whitlock, Hanna Zenger
|}

==Discography==
'''Albums:'''
*"Ready For A Miracle" (2016)
*"Unbound" (2014)
*"Defined" (2010)
*"Green Means Go" (2009)
*"On the Horizon" (2006)

'''Singles:'''
*"Madness - Single" (2014)
*"I Was Here - Single" (2014)
*"Feel Again - Single" (2014)
*"O Holy Night - Single" (2013)
*"I Knew You Were Trouble / We Are Never Getting Back Together - Single" (2013)
*"Without You / I Will Wait Mashup - Single" (2013)
*"Geronimo - Single" (2015)
*"Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) - Single" (2015)
*"Gloria (Angels We Have Heard on High} - Single" (2016)

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
*[http://noteworthy9.com/ Official Site]

{{Brigham Young University}}

[[Category:2003 establishments in Utah]]
[[Category:Brigham Young University]]
[[Category:Collegiate a cappella groups]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 2003]]
[[Category:Musical groups from Utah]]

BYU Vocal Point

2016-12-11T11:06:28Z

Harry8: /* History */ mistake

{{Infobox musical artist
| name = BYU Vocal Point
| image = VocalPoint logo.PNG
| alt =
| caption = Logo of Vocal Point
| image_size =
| landscape = 
| background = group_or_band
| alias =
| origin = [[Brigham Young University]]
| genre = [[A cappella]]
| years_active = {{start date|1991}}–present
| label = [[BYU Records]]
| associated_acts =
| website = {{URL|http://www.byuvocalpoint.com/}}
| current_members = Matt Newman Bryce Romney Kyle Lemperle Spencer Myler Devin Flake Cody Phillips Carl Prince Logan Shelton Jordan Hale
| past_members =
}}
'''BYU Vocal Point''' is a nine-member, male [[a cappella]] group at [[Brigham Young University]]. Founded by students in 1991, Vocal Point operates under the auspice of [[BYU Performing Arts Management]].

The group has won three [[Pearl Award]]s and it was the winner of the 2006 [[International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella]] (ICCA). In 2011, It also placed fifth on [[NBC]]'s [[The Sing-Off (season 3)|third season]] of ''[[The Sing Off]]''.

==History==
BYU Vocal Point was founded by two students at Brigham Young University. Dave Boyce and Bob Ahlander first heard the contemporary a cappella sound during a visit to the eastern U.S., where it had already grown to considerable popularity at colleges throughout the east. Seeking to bring that sound westward, Dave and Bob recruited Jill Petersen-Lex to serve as the group's first Artistic Director. The three held auditions in fall 1991. After the members were selected and began singing, the nine-man group became an instant hit on campus, selling out its first concert. The group made its first recording ("If Rocks Could Sing") and went on its first tour that same school year.

With Ahlander and Boyce providing the vision, and Lex providing much-needed musical direction, the first three years proved equally successful for the student-run group. They toured several times and released their first full-length CD, "Instruments Not Included." The group was so popular that the Director of the School of Music at BYU thought it should be an official part of the University. Finally, in Fall 1994, the ensemble was adopted into the School of Music, and Jim Anglesey was appointed as the group's Faculty Advisor. This was an important move for the group, as it ensured their longevity, and allowed for a full-time director, access to BYU's marvelous performing venues, and assistance from the staff of the School of Music and Performing Arts Management.

During Anglesey's seven-year stay as director, Vocal Point released two more albums, "Fatter Than Ever" in 1996 and "Mouthing Off" in 1999. The group had several key performances during this time, including a series of successful concerts in the de Jong Concert Hall on BYU campus, as well as the group's first [[New Year's Eve]] performance at the Tabernacle on [[Temple Square]]. In 1999, group member Joseph Lebaron updated the group's logo to its current "screaming head" design.

In 2001, co-founder Bob Ahlander returned to the scene to take the reins as director of Vocal Point. He started his tenure off with a bang, hosting the group's ten-year anniversary celebration, including a successful alumni reunion concert. Shortly thereafter, the group released its fourth CD, "Grand Slam," which represented the final years of the Anglesey-directed group.

During Ahlander's time as director, Vocal Point reached new heights. They twice won the regional semi-finals for the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella, but refused to take their seats at the international finals in New York City because the event would be held on a Sunday. The group performed the national anthem at multiple Utah Jazz games and other venues. In Ahlander's final weeks as director, Vocal Point spent three weeks in Nauvoo, Illinois, opening the new summer performing arts series there, and performing for thousands of visitors over a three-week run. At the group's final performance of the tour, they sang to a full house, giving them the idea for the name of their upcoming album, "Standing Room Only." That CD was released in Fall 2004, representing Ahlander's three years of work as director.

Next on the directorial stage was James Stevens, a BYU grad and studio engineer who had performed with Vocal Point for two years under Bob Ahlander's direction. Stevens quickly got to work, helping the group sell out the de Jong Concert Hall faster than ever. At the end of that year, the group took home three [[Pearl Award]]s from the Faith Centered Music Association for "Sacred Recorded Song of the Year," "Group Recording Artist of the Year" and "Performing Artist of the Year."

The following year, 2005–06, was a banner year for Vocal Point. The group appeared at BYU's well-known Homecoming Spectacular, as well as its first at BYU devotional. The group also hosted a successful celebration in honor of Vocal Point's 15th Anniversary. As a culmination of the group's success, they again won the regional semi-finals in the [[International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella]], but this time did not have to bow out; the finals were to be held on a Saturday. The group took its first tour to [[New York City]], and competed there with some of the world's best collegiate a cappella ensembles in the [[Lincoln Center]]'s Alice Tully Hall. In its first appearance at the finals, and after winning regional competition three times, Vocal Point took first place. They were crowned ''International Champions'' for 2006.<ref>Wadley, Carma, [http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,635204413,00.html "Vocal Point wins world championship"], Deseret Morning News, 2006-05-03. URL accessed on 2006-05-04.</ref>

James Stevens continued again as director in fall 2009, with a new group of motivated young men, and is still directing. In fall of 2010, a former member of Vocal Point, Buck Mangum, took on the role as Vocal Point director along with James Stevens. In January–April 2011, Vocal Point again competed in the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella. They placed first at quarter finals in Eugene, Oregon, as well as received awards for "best choreography" and "best soloist," awarded to Jake Hunsaker. At the semi-finals in Los Angeles, Vocal Point again placed first, and again received awards for "best choreography" and "best soloist" to Jake Hunsaker. At finals in New York, Vocal Point received awards for "best vocal percussionist" to Tanner Nilsson, again "best soloist" to Jake Hunsaker, and first runner-up in the entire competition. The songs they competed with in their set were Michael Jackson's "Beat It," Michael Buble's "Meglio Stassera," a polish hymn entitled "Infant Holy," and Louis Prima's "Jump Jive an' Wail."

In 2011, Vocal Point competed as part of NBC's reality TV series [[The Sing Off]] season 3. The members of the group that competed in the show are Michael Christensen, McKay Crockett, Keith Evans, Tyler Sterling, Tanner Nilsson, Robert Seely, Ross Welch, Ben Murphy, and Jake Hunsaker. They were accompanied by director James Stevens. As a result of their participation in the show, the group was featured in a [[CNN]] article discussing how the group represented not only their school but also their faith.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2011/12/08/the-mormon-group-whether-they-like-it-or-not/?hpt=hp_c3 |title=The Mormon group – whether they like it or not |author=Dan Merica |date=December 8, 2011 |work= |publisher=[[CNN]] |accessdate=December 8, 2011}}</ref> The group continues to perform for sold-out crowds across the United States, now under the direction of Vocal Point alum McKay Crockett. The current members of the group are Devin Flake, Jordan Hale, Kyle Lemperle, Spencer Myler, Matt Newman, Cody Phillips, Carl Prince, Bryce Romney, and Logan Shelton.<ref>http://www.byuvocalpoint.com/about</ref>

== Awards ==
* Fifth place on [[NBC]]'s [[The Sing-Off (season 3)|third season]] of ''[[The Sing Off]]'' (2011)
* [[International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella|ICCA]] Second place (2011)
* [[International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella|ICCA]] International Champions (2006)
* [[Pearl Award]] for ''Best Performing Artist'' (2005)
* [[Pearl Award]] for ''Best Performing Group'' (2005)

== Discography ==
*''If Rocks Could Sing'', 1992
*''Instruments Not Included'', 1994
*''Fatter Than Ever'', 1996
*''Mouthing Off'', 1999
*''Grand Slam'', 2003
*''Standing Room Only'', 2004
*''[[Nonstop (album)|Nonstop]]'', 2008
*''Back In Blue'' 2011.
*''Lead Thou Me On: Hymns and Inspiration'' 2012.
*''Spectrum'' 2014.
*''He Is Born'' 2015.
*''Music Video Hits (Vol. 1)''. 2016

==See also==
* [[List of collegiate a cappella groups]]

==References==
{{refimprove|date=October 2011}}
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.byuvocalpoint.com Official Site]
*[https://www.youtube.com/vocalpointbyu Official YouTube Channel]
*[https://www.facebook.com/byuvocalpoint Official Facebook Page]
*[https://www.twitter.com/byuvocalpoint Official Twitter Account]
*[http://www.byumusicstore.com/brands/BYU-Vocal-Point.html Albums and Merchandise]
*[http://pam.byu.edu/similarpage.asp?title=Vocal%20Point BYU's Performing Arts Management Page for Vocal Point]
*[http://pam.byu.edu/SimilarPage.asp?title=Vocal%20Point&StartScreen=Video/Sound%20Clips&pr=y Video/Sound recordings]

{{Brigham Young University}}

[[Category:Brigham Young University]]
[[Category:Collegiate a cappella groups]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1991]]
[[Category:Musical groups from Utah]]
[[Category:1991 establishments in Utah]]

BYU Vocal Point

2016-12-11T11:06:03Z

Harry8: /* History */ update

{{Infobox musical artist
| name = BYU Vocal Point
| image = VocalPoint logo.PNG
| alt =
| caption = Logo of Vocal Point
| image_size =
| landscape = 
| background = group_or_band
| alias =
| origin = [[Brigham Young University]]
| genre = [[A cappella]]
| years_active = {{start date|1991}}–present
| label = [[BYU Records]]
| associated_acts =
| website = {{URL|http://www.byuvocalpoint.com/}}
| current_members = Matt Newman Bryce Romney Kyle Lemperle Spencer Myler Devin Flake Cody Phillips Carl Prince Logan Shelton Jordan Hale
| past_members =
}}
'''BYU Vocal Point''' is a nine-member, male [[a cappella]] group at [[Brigham Young University]]. Founded by students in 1991, Vocal Point operates under the auspice of [[BYU Performing Arts Management]].

The group has won three [[Pearl Award]]s and it was the winner of the 2006 [[International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella]] (ICCA). In 2011, It also placed fifth on [[NBC]]'s [[The Sing-Off (season 3)|third season]] of ''[[The Sing Off]]''.

==History==
BYU Vocal Point was founded by two students at Brigham Young University. Dave Boyce and Bob Ahlander first heard the contemporary a cappella sound during a visit to the eastern U.S., where it had already grown to considerable popularity at colleges throughout the east. Seeking to bring that sound westward, Dave and Bob recruited Jill Petersen-Lex to serve as the group's first Artistic Director. The three held auditions in fall 1991. After the members were selected and began singing, the nine-man group became an instant hit on campus, selling out its first concert. The group made its first recording ("If Rocks Could Sing") and went on its first tour that same school year.

With Ahlander and Boyce providing the vision, and Lex providing much-needed musical direction, the first three years proved equally successful for the student-run group. They toured several times and released their first full-length CD, "Instruments Not Included." The group was so popular that the Director of the School of Music at BYU thought it should be an official part of the University. Finally, in Fall 1994, the ensemble was adopted into the School of Music, and Jim Anglesey was appointed as the group's Faculty Advisor. This was an important move for the group, as it ensured their longevity, and allowed for a full-time director, access to BYU's marvelous performing venues, and assistance from the staff of the School of Music and Performing Arts Management.

During Anglesey's seven-year stay as director, Vocal Point released two more albums, "Fatter Than Ever" in 1996 and "Mouthing Off" in 1999. The group had several key performances during this time, including a series of successful concerts in the de Jong Concert Hall on BYU campus, as well as the group's first [[New Year's Eve]] performance at the Tabernacle on [[Temple Square]]. In 1999, group member Joseph Lebaron updated the group's logo to its current "screaming head" design.

In 2001, co-founder Bob Ahlander returned to the scene to take the reins as director of Vocal Point. He started his tenure off with a bang, hosting the group's ten-year anniversary celebration, including a successful alumni reunion concert. Shortly thereafter, the group released its fourth CD, "Grand Slam," which represented the final years of the Anglesey-directed group.

During Ahlander's time as director, Vocal Point reached new heights. They twice won the regional semi-finals for the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella, but refused to take their seats at the international finals in New York City because the event would be held on a Sunday. The group performed the national anthem at multiple Utah Jazz games and other venues. In Ahlander's final weeks as director, Vocal Point spent three weeks in Nauvoo, Illinois, opening the new summer performing arts series there, and performing for thousands of visitors over a three-week run. At the group's final performance of the tour, they sang to a full house, giving them the idea for the name of their upcoming album, "Standing Room Only." That CD was released in Fall 2004, representing Ahlander's three years of work as director.

Next on the directorial stage was James Stevens, a BYU grad and studio engineer who had performed with Vocal Point for two years under Bob Ahlander's direction. Stevens quickly got to work, helping the group sell out the de Jong Concert Hall faster than ever. At the end of that year, the group took home three [[Pearl Award]]s from the Faith Centered Music Association for "Sacred Recorded Song of the Year," "Group Recording Artist of the Year" and "Performing Artist of the Year."

The following year, 2005–06, was a banner year for Vocal Point. The group appeared at BYU's well-known Homecoming Spectacular, as well as its first at BYU devotional. The group also hosted a successful celebration in honor of Vocal Point's 15th Anniversary. As a culmination of the group's success, they again won the regional semi-finals in the [[International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella]], but this time did not have to bow out; the finals were to be held on a Saturday. The group took its first tour to [[New York City]], and competed there with some of the world's best collegiate a cappella ensembles in the [[Lincoln Center]]'s Alice Tully Hall. In its first appearance at the finals, and after winning regional competition three times, Vocal Point took first place. They were crowned ''International Champions'' for 2006.<ref>Wadley, Carma, [http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,635204413,00.html "Vocal Point wins world championship"], Deseret Morning News, 2006-05-03. URL accessed on 2006-05-04.</ref>

James Stevens continued again as director in fall 2009, with a new group of motivated young men, and is still directing. In fall of 2010, a former member of Vocal Point, Buck Mangum, took on the role as Vocal Point director along with James Stevens. In January–April 2011, Vocal Point again competed in the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella. They placed first at quarter finals in Eugene, Oregon, as well as received awards for "best choreography" and "best soloist," awarded to Jake Hunsaker. At the semi-finals in Los Angeles, Vocal Point again placed first, and again received awards for "best choreography" and "best soloist" to Jake Hunsaker. At finals in New York, Vocal Point received awards for "best vocal percussionist" to Tanner Nilsson, again "best soloist" to Jake Hunsaker, and first runner-up in the entire competition. The songs they competed with in their set were Michael Jackson's "Beat It," Michael Buble's "Meglio Stassera," a polish hymn entitled "Infant Holy," and Louis Prima's "Jump Jive an' Wail."

In 2011, Vocal Point competed as part of NBC's reality TV series [[The Sing Off]] season 3. The members of the group that competed in the show are Michael Christensen, McKay Crockett, Keith Evans, Tyler Sterling, Tanner Nilsson, Robert Seely, Ross Welch, Ben Murphy, and Jake Hunsaker. They were accompanied by director James Stevens. As a result of their participation in the show, the group was featured in a [[CNN]] article discussing how the group represented not only their school but also their faith.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2011/12/08/the-mormon-group-whether-they-like-it-or-not/?hpt=hp_c3 |title=The Mormon group – whether they like it or not |author=Dan Merica |date=December 8, 2011 |work= |publisher=[[CNN]] |accessdate=December 8, 2011}}</ref> The group continues to perform for sold-out crowds across the United States, now under the direction of Vocal Point alum McKay Crockett. The current members of the group are Devin Flake, Jordan Hale, Kyle Lemperle, Spencer Myler, Matt Newman, Cody Phillips, Carl Prince, Bryce Romney, and Logan Sheltonn.<ref>http://www.byuvocalpoint.com/about</ref>

== Awards ==
* Fifth place on [[NBC]]'s [[The Sing-Off (season 3)|third season]] of ''[[The Sing Off]]'' (2011)
* [[International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella|ICCA]] Second place (2011)
* [[International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella|ICCA]] International Champions (2006)
* [[Pearl Award]] for ''Best Performing Artist'' (2005)
* [[Pearl Award]] for ''Best Performing Group'' (2005)

== Discography ==
*''If Rocks Could Sing'', 1992
*''Instruments Not Included'', 1994
*''Fatter Than Ever'', 1996
*''Mouthing Off'', 1999
*''Grand Slam'', 2003
*''Standing Room Only'', 2004
*''[[Nonstop (album)|Nonstop]]'', 2008
*''Back In Blue'' 2011.
*''Lead Thou Me On: Hymns and Inspiration'' 2012.
*''Spectrum'' 2014.
*''He Is Born'' 2015.
*''Music Video Hits (Vol. 1)''. 2016

==See also==
* [[List of collegiate a cappella groups]]

==References==
{{refimprove|date=October 2011}}
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.byuvocalpoint.com Official Site]
*[https://www.youtube.com/vocalpointbyu Official YouTube Channel]
*[https://www.facebook.com/byuvocalpoint Official Facebook Page]
*[https://www.twitter.com/byuvocalpoint Official Twitter Account]
*[http://www.byumusicstore.com/brands/BYU-Vocal-Point.html Albums and Merchandise]
*[http://pam.byu.edu/similarpage.asp?title=Vocal%20Point BYU's Performing Arts Management Page for Vocal Point]
*[http://pam.byu.edu/SimilarPage.asp?title=Vocal%20Point&StartScreen=Video/Sound%20Clips&pr=y Video/Sound recordings]

{{Brigham Young University}}

[[Category:Brigham Young University]]
[[Category:Collegiate a cappella groups]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1991]]
[[Category:Musical groups from Utah]]
[[Category:1991 establishments in Utah]]

List of collegiate a cappella groups in the United States

2016-12-05T23:37:18Z

Harry8: The Spizzwinks

{{refimprove|date=October 2015}}
{{for|groups in the United Kingdom|List of university a cappella groups in the United Kingdom}}
This is an incomplete '''list of [[a cappella]] musical groups''' at colleges or universities in the [[United States]], who have achieved some level of recognition or success.

{| class="wikitable sortable"
! | Group Name
! | Institution
! | Membership
! | Year(s)
|- valign="top"

| [[The Academical Village People]]
| [[University of Virginia]]
| Tenor/Bass
| 1993–

|-valign="top"

| The [[Accafellas]]
| [[Michigan State University]]
| Tenor/Bass
| 1996–
|- valign="top"

| The [[UGA Accidentals|Accidentals]]
| [[University of Georgia]]
| Tenor/Bass
| 1974–
|- valign="top"

| [[Another Round (group)|Another Round]]
| [[Indiana University]]
| Tenor/Bass
| 1996–
|- valign="top"

| The [[Beelzebubs]]
| [[Tufts University]]
| Tenor/Bass
| 1962–
|-
|[https://www.facebook.com/BroadStreetLineTU/ Broad Street Line]
|[[Temple University]]
|Tenor/Bass
|
|- valign="top"

| [[The Brown Derbies]]
| [[Brown University]]
| Tenor/Bass
| 1982–
|- valign="top"

| [[California Golden Overtones|The California Golden Overtones]]
| [[University of California, Berkeley]]
| Soprano/Alto
|
|- valign="top"

| [[Cayuga's Waiters]]
| [[Cornell University]]
| Tenor/Bass
| 1949–
|- valign="top"

| [[Chai Town]]
| [[University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign]]
| Tenor/Bass
| 2001–
|- valign="top"

| [[Chattertocks]]
| [[Brown University]]
| Soprano/Alto
|
|- valign="top"

| [[The Georgetown Chimes]]
| [[Georgetown University]]
| Tenor/Bass
|1946–
|- valign="top"

| [[Chorallaries|Chorallaries of MIT]]
| [[Massachusetts Institute of Technology]]
| Mixed
|
|- valign="top"

| The [[Claremont Shades]]
| [[Claremont Colleges]]
| Mixed
| 1995–
|- valign="top"

| The [[UNC Clef Hangers|Clef Hangers]]
| [[University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill]]
| Tenor/Bass
|
|- valign="top"

| [[The Colgate Thirteen]]
| [[Colgate University]]
| Tenor/Bass
|1942–
|- valign="top"

| [[Compulsive Lyres]]
| [[University of Michigan]]
| Mixed
|
|- valign="top"

| The [[Binghamton Crosbys|Crosbys]]
| [[Binghamton University]]
| Tenor/Bass
|
|- valign="top"

| [[The Dartmouth Aires]]
| [[Dartmouth College]]
| Tenor/Bass
|
|- valign="top"

| [[Boston University Dear Abbeys|The Dear Abbeys]]
| [[Boston University]]
| Tenor/Bass
|
|- valign="top"

| [[Deep Treble]]
| [[Rutgers University]]
| Mixed
|
|- valign="top"

|[[Deewane]]
|[[Carnegie Mellon University]]
|
|
|- valign="top"

|[[Dhamakapella]]
|[[Case Western Reserve University]]
|Mixed, South Asian
|2005-
|- valign="top"

| [[Dicks and Janes]]
| [[University of Michigan]]
| Mixed
|
|- valign="top"

| The [[Harvard Din & Tonics|Din & Tonics]]
| [[Harvard University]]
| Tenor/Bass
|
|- valign="top"

| The [[Dissipated Eight]]
| [[Middlebury College]]
| Tenor/Bass
|1952–
|- valign="top"

| [[The Dreamers of Phi Mu Alpha]]
| [[Penn State]]
| Tenor/Bass
|
|- valign="top"

| [[The Duke's Men of Yale]]
| [[Yale University]]
| Tenor/Bass
|1952–
|- valign="top"

| [[The Earth Tones]]
| [[University at Albany]]
| Tenor/Bass
|
|- valign="top"

| [[Eight Beat Measure]]
| [[Rochester Institute of Technology]]
| Tenor/Bass
|
|- valign="top"

| [[Emocapella]]
| [[George Washington University]]
| Tenor/Bass
|
|- valign="top"

| [[Princeton Footnotes|Footnotes]]
| [[Princeton University]]
| Tenor/Bass
| 1959–
|-valign="top

| [[The Gentlemen of the College]]
| [[The College of William and Mary]]
| Tenor/Bass
|
|- valign="top"

| [[The Hangovers]]
| [[Cornell University]]
| Tenor/Bass
|
|- valign="top"

| [[Harpur Harpeggios]]
| [[Binghamton University]]
| Soprano/Alto
|
|- valign="top"

| [[The Hawkettes]]
| [[University of Massachusetts Lowell]]
| Soprano/Alto
| 2014–
|- valign="top"

| [[Heinz Chapel Choir]]
| [[University of Pittsburgh]]
| Mixed
|
|- valign="top"

| The [[Hullabahoos]]
| [[University of Virginia]]
| Tenor/Bass
|
|- valign="top"

| [[The Idlers]]
| [[United States Coast Guard Academy]]
| Tenor/Bass
|
|- valign="top"

| [[Jabberwocks|The Jabberwocks]]
| [[Brown University]]
| Tenor/Bass
|
|- valign="top"

| [[Princeton Katzenjammers|The Katzenjammers]]
| [[Princeton University]]
| Mixed
|
|- valign="top"

| [[Kauppakorkeakoulun Ylioppilaskunnan Laulajat]]
| [[Aalto University School of Economics]]
| Tenor/Bass
|
|-valign="top

| The [[Krokodiloes]]
| [[Harvard University]]
| Tenor/Bass
|
|- valign="top"

| The [[Logarhythms]]
| [[Massachusetts Institute of Technology]]
| Tenor/Bass
|
|- valign="top"

| [[The Maccabeats]]
| [[Yeshiva University]]
| Tenor/Bass
|
|- valign="top"

| [[UW MadHatters]]
| [[University of Wisconsin-Madison]]
| Tenor/Bass
|
|- valign="top"

| [[Magevet]]
| [[Yale University]]
| Mixed
|
|-valign="top"

| The [[Stanford Mendicants|Mendicants]]
| [[Stanford University]]
| Tenor/Bass
|
|- valign="top"

| [[University of California Men's Octet|UC Men's Octet]]
| [[University of California, Berkeley]]
| Tenor/Bass
|
|- valign="top"

| [[Midnight Ramblers]]
| [[University of Rochester]]
| Tenor/Bass
|
|- valign="top"

| [[MIT Resonance#Resonance|MIT Resonance]]
| [[Massachusetts Institute of Technology]]
| Mixed
|
|- valign="top"

| [[Mixed Company of Yale]]
| [[Yale University]]
| Mixed
|
|- valign="top"

| [[Mosaic Whispers]]
| [[Washington University in St. Louis]]
| Mixed
|
|- valign="top"

| [[Princeton Nassoons|Nassoons]]
| [[Princeton University]]
| Tenor/Bass
| 1941–
|- valign="top"

| [[Northwestern Undertones]]
| [[Northwestern University]]
| Mixed
|
|- valign="top"

| [[Not Too Sharp]]
| [[University of New Hampshire]]
| Tenor/Bass
|
|-valign="top"

| [[Noteworthy (vocal group)|Noteworthy]]
| [[Brigham Young University]]
| Soprano/Alto
|
|- valign="top"

| [[On a Sensual Note]]
| [[American University]]
| Tenor/Bass
|
|- valign="top"

| [[The Other Guys]]
| [[University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign]]
| Tenor/Bass
|
|- valign="top"

| [[Out of the Blue (Yale University)|Out of the Blue]]
| [[Yale University]]
| Mixed
|
|- valign="top"

| [[Penn Masala]]
| [[University of Pennsylvania]]
| Tenor/Bass
|
|- valign="top"

| [[Polyteknikkojen Kuoro]]
| [[Helsinki University of Technology]]
| Tenor/Bass
|
|-
|Proof of Purchase
|Rochester Institute of Technology
|Mixed
|2009-
|- valign="top"

| [[Purple Haze (a cappella group)|Purple Haze]]
| [[Northwestern University]]
| Mixed
|
|- valign="top"

| [[Stanford Raagapella|Raagapella]]
| [[Stanford University]]
| Tenor/Bass
|
|- valign="top"

| The [[Radcliffe Pitches]]
| [[Harvard University]]
| Soprano/Alto
|
|- valign="top"

| [[Redhot & Blue (musical group)|Redhot & Blue]]
| [[Yale University]]
| Mixed
|
|- valign="top"

| [[Reverse Osmosis A Cappella|Reverse Osmosis]]
| [[University of Southern California]]
| Mixed
|
|- valign="top"

| [[Shir Appeal]]
| [[Tufts University]]
| Mixed
|
|- valign="top"

| [[Sil'hooettes]]
| [[University of Virginia]]
| Soprano/Alto
|
|- valign="top"

| The [[Smiffenpoofs]]
| [[Smith College]]
| Soprano/Alto
|
|-valign="top

| The [[SoCal VoCals]]
| [[University of Southern California]]
| Mixed
|
|- valign="top"

| [[The Society of Orpheus and Bacchus]]
| [[Yale University]]
| Tenor/Bass
|
|- valign="top"

| [[The Spizzwinks(?)]]
| [[Yale University]]
| Tenor/Bass
|1914-
|- valign="top"

| [[Stanford Harmonics]]
| [[Stanford University]]
| Mixed
|
|- valign="top"

| [[Stanford Talisman|Talisman]]
| [[Stanford University]]
| Mixed
|
|- valign="top"

| [[Northwestern THUNK a cappella|THUNK a cappella]]
| [[Northwestern University]]
| Mixed
|1993-
|- valign="top"

| [[Princeton Tigertones|Tigertones]]
| [[Princeton University]]
| Tenor/Bass
| 1946–
|- valign="top"

| [[The Trojan Men]]
| [[University of Southern California]]
| Tenor/Bass
|
|- valign="top"

| [[The Harvard-Radcliffe Veritones]]
| [[Harvard University]]
| Mixed
|
|- valign="top"

| [[The Virginia Belles]]
| [[University of Virginia]]
| Soprano/Alto
|
|- valign="top"

| [[Virginia Gentlemen]]
| [[University of Virginia]]
| Tenor/Bass
|
|- valign="top"

| [[Vocal Point]]
| [[Brigham Young University]]
| Tenor/Bass
|
|-valign="top

| [[VoiceMale]]
| [[Brandeis University]]
| Tenor/Bass
|
|- valign="top"

| [[Voices in Your Head]]
| [[University of Chicago]]
| Mixed
|
|- valign="top"

| [[The Whiffenpoofs]]
| [[Yale University]]
| Tenor/Bass
|1909–
|- valign="top"

| [[The Yale Alley Cats]]
| [[Yale University]]
| Tenor/Bass
|
|- valign="top"

| The [[Yale Russian Chorus]]
| [[Yale University]]
| Tenor/Bass
|
|- valign="top"

| The [[University of Rochester YellowJackets|YellowJackets]]
| [[University of Rochester]]
| Tenor/Bass
|
|}

==See also==
* [[International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella]]
* [[Pitch Perfect]], a 2012 film about a collegiate a cappella group

==References==

{{reflist}}

[[Category:Collegiate a cappella groups| ]]

Vocal Spectrum

2016-12-05T23:30:43Z

Harry8: /* Awards */ link

{{Infobox musical artist
|name = '''Vocal Spectrum'''
|image =
|caption = left to right: Tim Waurick (tenor), Eric Dalbey (lead), Chris Hallam (bass) and Jonny Moroni (baritone)
|background = group_or_band
|origin =
|Formed = 2003
|years_active = 2003–present
|label =
|website = [http://www.vocalspectrum.com Official site]
|current_members = [[Tim Waurick]] – [[tenor]] Eric Dalbey – [[Melody|lead]] Jonny Moroni – [[baritone]] Chris Hallam – [[Basso|bass]]
|past_members = David Cassel – tenor (2003)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aicgold.com/index.php/active-quartet-champions/167-2006-vocal-spectrum |title=2006 – Vocal Spectrum |publisher=Association of International Champions |access-date=September 16, 2015 }}</ref>
}}
'''Vocal Spectrum''' is a [[barbershop quartet]] from [[Saint Charles, Missouri|St. Charles]], [[Missouri]]. In 2004, Vocal Spectrum won the [[Barbershop Harmony Society]]'s International Collegiate Quartet Contest, and on July 8, 2006, they became [[List of quartet champions by year|International Champions]], winning the society's International Quartet Contest. A distinctive factor of the quartet is the tenor's ([[Tim Waurick]]'s) ability to sustain notes for upwards of 30 seconds,{{according to whom|date=September 2015}},<ref>{{Citation|last=terfone16|title=Cruella DeVille - Vocal Spectrum|date=2011-04-20|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qukygSQjQTw&feature=youtu.be|accessdate=2016-07-25}}</ref> and the tenor's and lead's incredibly high note range,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.singers.com/item/Vocal_Spectrum/Vocal_Spectrum_3/5984c/ |title=Product Details – Vocal Spectrum: Vocal Spectrum 3 |access-date=September 16, 2015 |quote=The group's distinctive sound centers around the incredibly high vocal range of tenor Tim Waurick and lead Eric Dalbey. }}</ref> featured in many of the group's recordings and live shows.

The quartet's run for the title is featured in the 2009 feature documentary ''[[American Harmony]]''.<ref>Joe Leydon [http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117940873.html?categoryid=31&cs=1 "''American Harmony'' (Documentary)"] ''Variety'' August 20, 2009</ref>

==Background==
Vocal Spectrum began singing together in September 2003. Each member has graduated from [[Lindenwood University]] in St. Charles. Each member is also a member of [[Ambassadors of Harmony]], the [[List of chorus champions by year|International Chorus Champion]] of 2004, 2009, 2012, and 2016. As of the 2006 International Quartet Contest, Vocal Spectrum is the only quartet in history to capture three of the then-four (now five) possible BHS gold medals (Collegiate Quartet, Quartet, Chorus [as members of the Ambassadors of Harmony]).

The only championship that remains for Vocal Spectrum to win is the Barbershop Harmony Society's Senior quartet contest for which they will not become eligible for at least three decades (no member of a competing Senior Quartet can be younger than 55 years old, and the aggregate age of the quartet must equal or exceed 240 years [average age 60 or greater]).

==Members==
*[[Tim Waurick]] – tenor
**Tenor Section Leader of [[Ambassadors of Harmony]]
**Produces "TimTracks" barbershop learning tapes for Ambassadors of Harmony and other groups<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.timtracks.com/ |title=TimTracks |publisher=Tim Waurick |accessdate=October 30, 2013 }}</ref>
**Member of the Fantasy Gold Quartet along with Jeff Oxley, Tony DeRosa, and [[Joe Connelly (musician)|Joe Connelly]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timtracks.com/about.php |title=About Tim |publisher=Tim Waurick |accessdate=October 30, 2013 }}</ref>
*Eric Dalbey – lead
**Lead Section Leader of Ambassadors of Harmony
**Favorite song – Marian the Librarian
**Common soloist for Ambassadors of Harmony
*Jonny Moroni – baritone
**Baritone Section Leader of Ambassadors of Harmony
**Co-Director of Ambassadors of Harmony
*Chris Hallam – bass
**Non-performing member of Ambassadors of Harmony

==Awards==
The group's ''Vocal Spectrum II'' recording was awarded "Best Barbershop Album" by the [[Contemporary A Cappella Society]] in April 2009. The album's single, ''[[Go the Distance]]'', also won as "Best Barbershop Song".<ref>{{cite web | last=Hoffman | first=Julia | title=2009 Contemporary A Cappella Recording Award Winners | url=http://www.casa.org/node/4878 | date=April 1, 2009 | work=www.casa.org | publisher=Contemporary A Cappella Society | accessdate=2009-04-16 }}</ref>

==Discography==
*2006 – ''Vocal Spectrum''
*2008 – ''Vocal Spectrum II''
*2011 – ''Vocal Spectrum III''
*2013 – ''Vocal Spectrum IV''
*2016 – ''Vocal Spectrum V''

==See also==
*[[Barbershop music]]
*[[Ambassadors of Harmony]]
*[[Barbershop Harmony Society]]
*[[List of quartet champions by year]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.vocalspectrum.com Official website]
* [http://www.aicgold.com/index.php/active-quartet-champions/167-2006-vocal-spectrum AIC entry]

{{s-start}}
{{succession box|
before=[[Realtime (quartet)|Realtime]]|
title=[[Barbershop Harmony Society|SPEBSQSA]] International [[List of quartet champions by year|Quartet Champions]]|
years=2006|
after=[[Max Q (quartet)|Max Q]]
}}
{{s-end}}

{{BHS_Navbox}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Professional a cappella groups]]
[[Category:Barbershop quartets]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 2003]]

Vocal Spectrum

2016-11-26T09:53:00Z

Harry8: /* Background */ update

{{Infobox musical artist
|name = '''Vocal Spectrum'''
|image =
|caption = left to right: Tim Waurick (tenor), Eric Dalbey (lead), Chris Hallam (bass) and Jonny Moroni (baritone)
|background = group_or_band
|origin =
|Formed = 2003
|years_active = 2003–present
|label =
|website = [http://www.vocalspectrum.com Official site]
|current_members = [[Tim Waurick]] – [[tenor]] Eric Dalbey – [[Melody|lead]] Jonny Moroni – [[baritone]] Chris Hallam – [[Basso|bass]]
|past_members = David Cassel – tenor (2003)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aicgold.com/index.php/active-quartet-champions/167-2006-vocal-spectrum |title=2006 – Vocal Spectrum |publisher=Association of International Champions |access-date=September 16, 2015 }}</ref>
}}
'''Vocal Spectrum''' is a [[barbershop quartet]] from [[Saint Charles, Missouri|St. Charles]], [[Missouri]]. In 2004, Vocal Spectrum won the [[Barbershop Harmony Society]]'s International Collegiate Quartet Contest, and on July 8, 2006, they became [[List of quartet champions by year|International Champions]], winning the society's International Quartet Contest. A distinctive factor of the quartet is the tenor's ([[Tim Waurick]]'s) ability to sustain notes for upwards of 30 seconds,{{according to whom|date=September 2015}},<ref>{{Citation|last=terfone16|title=Cruella DeVille - Vocal Spectrum|date=2011-04-20|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qukygSQjQTw&feature=youtu.be|accessdate=2016-07-25}}</ref> and the tenor's and lead's incredibly high note range,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.singers.com/item/Vocal_Spectrum/Vocal_Spectrum_3/5984c/ |title=Product Details – Vocal Spectrum: Vocal Spectrum 3 |access-date=September 16, 2015 |quote=The group's distinctive sound centers around the incredibly high vocal range of tenor Tim Waurick and lead Eric Dalbey. }}</ref> featured in many of the group's recordings and live shows.

The quartet's run for the title is featured in the 2009 feature documentary ''[[American Harmony]]''.<ref>Joe Leydon [http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117940873.html?categoryid=31&cs=1 "''American Harmony'' (Documentary)"] ''Variety'' August 20, 2009</ref>

==Background==
Vocal Spectrum began singing together in September 2003. Each member has graduated from [[Lindenwood University]] in St. Charles. Each member is also a member of [[Ambassadors of Harmony]], the [[List of chorus champions by year|International Chorus Champion]] of 2004, 2009, 2012, and 2016. As of the 2006 International Quartet Contest, Vocal Spectrum is the only quartet in history to capture three of the then-four (now five) possible BHS gold medals (Collegiate Quartet, Quartet, Chorus [as members of the Ambassadors of Harmony]).

The only championship that remains for Vocal Spectrum to win is the Barbershop Harmony Society's Senior quartet contest for which they will not become eligible for at least three decades (no member of a competing Senior Quartet can be younger than 55 years old, and the aggregate age of the quartet must equal or exceed 240 years [average age 60 or greater]).

==Members==
*[[Tim Waurick]] – tenor
**Tenor Section Leader of [[Ambassadors of Harmony]]
**Produces "TimTracks" barbershop learning tapes for Ambassadors of Harmony and other groups<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.timtracks.com/ |title=TimTracks |publisher=Tim Waurick |accessdate=October 30, 2013 }}</ref>
**Member of the Fantasy Gold Quartet along with Jeff Oxley, Tony DeRosa, and [[Joe Connelly (musician)|Joe Connelly]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timtracks.com/about.php |title=About Tim |publisher=Tim Waurick |accessdate=October 30, 2013 }}</ref>
*Eric Dalbey – lead
**Lead Section Leader of Ambassadors of Harmony
**Favorite song – Marian the Librarian
**Common soloist for Ambassadors of Harmony
*Jonny Moroni – baritone
**Baritone Section Leader of Ambassadors of Harmony
**Co-Director of Ambassadors of Harmony
*Chris Hallam – bass
**Non-performing member of Ambassadors of Harmony

==Awards==
The group's ''Vocal Spectrum II'' recording was awarded "Best Barbershop Album" by the [[Contemporary A Cappella Society]] in April 2009. The album's single, ''Go the Distance'', also won as "Best Barbershop Song".<ref>{{cite web | last=Hoffman | first=Julia | title=2009 Contemporary A Cappella Recording Award Winners | url=http://www.casa.org/node/4878 | date=April 1, 2009 | work=www.casa.org | publisher=Contemporary A Cappella Society | accessdate=2009-04-16 }}</ref>

==Discography==
*2006 – ''Vocal Spectrum''
*2008 – ''Vocal Spectrum II''
*2011 – ''Vocal Spectrum III''
*2013 – ''Vocal Spectrum IV''
*2016 – ''Vocal Spectrum V''

==See also==
*[[Barbershop music]]
*[[Ambassadors of Harmony]]
*[[Barbershop Harmony Society]]
*[[List of quartet champions by year]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.vocalspectrum.com Official website]
* [http://www.aicgold.com/index.php/active-quartet-champions/167-2006-vocal-spectrum AIC entry]

{{s-start}}
{{succession box|
before=[[Realtime (quartet)|Realtime]]|
title=[[Barbershop Harmony Society|SPEBSQSA]] International [[List of quartet champions by year|Quartet Champions]]|
years=2006|
after=[[Max Q (quartet)|Max Q]]
}}
{{s-end}}

{{BHS_Navbox}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Professional a cappella groups]]
[[Category:Barbershop quartets]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 2003]]

Administrative divisions of Germany

2016-11-01T13:34:49Z

Harry8: update

{{multiple issues|
{{context|date=January 2013}}
{{cleanup-rewrite|date=January 2013}}
{{unreferenced|date=January 2013}}
}}
{{main|States of Germany}}

Subdivisions of Germany - overview.

{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Type
! No.
! Description
|-
| [[Postal codes in Germany|Postal codes areas]] 1
| align="right" | 10
| Leitzone
|-
| [[Postal codes in Germany|Postal codes areas]] 2
| align="right" | 95
| Leitregion not to use:00, federal gov.:11, reserve: 05, 43, 62
|-
| [[Telephone numbers in Germany|Telephone prefix]] 1
| align="right" | 8
| 2 - 9
|-
| [[States of Germany|States]] (Bundesländer)
| align="right" | 16
| Administrative division, Level 1
|-
| [[NUTS:DE]] 1
| align="right" | 16
| Like States
|-
| NUTS:DE 2
| align="right" | 38
| [[Government regions of Germany|Government regions]] (''Regierungsbezirke''), or equivalent
|-
| NUTS:DE 3
| align="right" | 401
| [[Districts of Germany|Districts]] (''Kreise'')
|}

==Maps==
<gallery>
File:Telefonvorwahlbereiche-Deutschland.png|Telephone prefix zones in Germany
File:German postcode information.png|German Postleitzahl map of the first two digits. The green lines mark state borders which don't correspond with postal code areas.
File:Germany_location_map.svg|States / NUTS 1
</gallery>

{{Germany topics}}
{{Europe topic|Subdivisions of}}

[[Category:Country subdivisions of Europe|Germany]]
[[Category:Subdivisions of Germany| ]]

Administrative divisions of Germany

2016-11-01T13:32:57Z

Harry8: update

{{multiple issues|
{{context|date=January 2013}}
{{cleanup-rewrite|date=January 2013}}
{{unreferenced|date=January 2013}}
}}
{{main|States of Germany}}

Subdivisions of Germany - overview.

{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Type
! No.
! Description
|-
| [[Postal codes in Germany|Postal codes areas]] 1
| align="right" | 10
| Leitzone
|-
| [[Postal codes in Germany|Postal codes areas]] 2
| align="right" | 95
| Leitregion not to use:00, federal gov.:11, reserve: 05, 43, 62
|-
| [[Telephone numbers in Germany|Telephone prefix]] 1
| align="right" | 8
| 2 - 9
|-
| [[States of Germany|States]] (Bundesländer)
| align="right" | 16
| Administrative division, Level 1
|-
| [[NUTS:DE]] 1
| align="right" | 16
| Like States
|-
| NUTS:DE 2
| align="right" | 39
| [[Government regions of Germany|Government regions]] (''Regierungsbezirke''), or equivalent
|-
| NUTS:DE 3
| align="right" | 401
| [[Districts of Germany|Districts]] (''Kreise'')
|}

==Maps==
<gallery>
File:Telefonvorwahlbereiche-Deutschland.png|Telephone prefix zones in Germany
File:German postcode information.png|German Postleitzahl map of the first two digits. The green lines mark state borders which don't correspond with postal code areas.
File:Germany_location_map.svg|States / NUTS 1
</gallery>

{{Germany topics}}
{{Europe topic|Subdivisions of}}

[[Category:Country subdivisions of Europe|Germany]]
[[Category:Subdivisions of Germany| ]]

Women's Softball World Cup

2016-10-28T22:09:33Z

Harry8: /* Medal table */ 7th

{{Infobox sports league
|Most Recent_season = 2014 Women's Softball World Championship
|logo=
|pixels=
|caption=
|sport=[[Softball]]
|founded=1965
|teams=16 (Finals)
|continent=[[International]]
|champion={{Sbw|USA}}
|most_champs={{Sbw|USA}} (10)
}}

The '''Women's Softball World Championship'''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wbsc.co/wbsc-calendar.html |title=WBSC Calendar |publisher=World Baseball Softball Confederation |accessdate=2014-03-11}}</ref> is a [[fastpitch]] [[softball]] tournament for women's national teams held historically every four years, now every two years, by the [[World Baseball Softball Confederation]] (WBSC). The tournament, originally known as the '''ISF Women's World Championship''', was sanctioned by the [[International Softball Federation]] (ISF) until that body's 2013 merger with the [[International Baseball Federation]] to create the WBSC. The number of teams in the tournament began at five in its inaugural event in 1965, went to a high of 28 for the 1994 edition, and now the WBSC Code legislates that the maximum number of teams that may participate is 16. There are qualifying tournaments that determine which countries will play at the World Championship.

==History==
A women's softball world championship predates the ISF's event. A championship was held in Canada between several American and Canadian teams in 1952 and 1953.<ref name="Hall2002">{{cite book|author=Margaret Ann Hall|title=The girl and the game: a history of women's sport in Canada|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=J1uDqj_75q4C&pg=PA126|accessdate=10 March 2012|year=2002|publisher=University of Toronto Press|isbn=978-1-55111-268-8|pages=126–127}}</ref> Australia had also hosted an international tournament that predated the first Women's World Championship.<ref name=stell-209>{{Cite book |last1=Stell |first1=Marion K. |title=Half the Race, A history of Australian women in sport|publisher=[[Harper Collins]] |year=1991 |location=North Ryde, Australia |isbn=0207169713 |page=209}}</ref><ref name=pollard-273>{{Cite book |last=Pollard |first=Jack |authorlink=Jack Pollard |title=AMPOL book of Australian Sporting Records|publisher=The Pollard Publishing Co|year=1968 |location=Sydney |oclc=71140 |pages=273–274}}</ref>

In 1965, the first ISF Women's World Championship was held in [[Melbourne]], with games being played at [[Albert Park and Lake|Albert Park]].<ref name="马国力2004"/><ref name="SagertOverman2012"/><ref name=australia-through-time-334>{{cite book|page=334|title=Australian sport through time|first=Richard|last=Cashman|location=Milsons Point, N.S.W.|publisher=Random House Australia|year=2001|isbn= 1740514459|oclc= 223005022}}</ref> Five nations competed at the inaugural championships including the United States, Japan and Australia, which Australia won 1-0 in a final game against the United States.<ref name="SagertOverman2012">{{cite book|author1=Kelly Boyer Sagert|author2=Steven J. Overman|title=Icons of Women's Sport|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=b_kTU8LfcqAC&pg=PA375|accessdate=10 March 2012|date=28 February 2012|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=978-0-313-38549-0|page=375}}</ref><ref name="australia-through-time-334" /><ref name=Arlott-978>{{cite book|title=The Oxford companion to sports and games|first=John|last=Arlott|location=London ; New York|publisher=Oxford University Press|year=1975|page=978|isbn= 0192115383|oclc= 1583084}}</ref> In the game, Australia was held to only two hits while the United States had four.<ref name="australia-through-time-334" /> [[Lorraine Woolley]] was named the player of the tournament.<ref name="australia-through-time-334" /> The inaugural men's championship would occur one year later in Mexico.<ref name="马国力2004">{{cite book|author=马国力|title=体育英语|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=z2BJTl2ERWUC&pg=PT59|accessdate=10 March 2012|year=2004|publisher=清华大学出版社|isbn=978-7-302-08926-1|page=59}}</ref>

In 1970, ten countries participated. The Japanese won competition after having twelve consecutive wins and beating the Americans 3-0 in a final game spectated by 30,000 people.<ref name="Arlott-978" />

In 1974, the Americans knocked out the Australians during the semi-finals, when they beat them by a score of 6-0.<ref name=australia-through-time-370>{{cite book|page=370|title=Australian sport through time|first=Richard|last=Cashman|location=Milsons Point, N.S.W.|publisher=Random House Australia|year=2001|isbn= 1740514459|oclc= 223005022}}</ref>

[[Chinese Taipei]]'s leadership discussed inviting China to compete at the 1982 competition which was the country was hosting. Ching-khou and Wang Shen supported mainland China's participation in the event and an invitation was issued but the Chinese government elected to not send a team.<ref name="Taylor2000">{{cite book|author=Jay Taylor|title=The Generalissimo's son: Chiang Ching-kuo and the revolutions in China and Taiwan|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_5R2fnVZXiwC&pg=PA370|accessdate=10 March 2012|year=2000|publisher=Harvard University Press|isbn=978-0-674-00287-6|page=370}}</ref>

The 1990 edition was the seventh to be held, with six different countries having played hosts to the competition.<ref name="GitlinJohns2011">{{cite book|author1=Marty Gitlin|author2=Karen (CON) Johns|title=Girls Play to Win Softball|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1K6yF0HOmgcC&pg=PA44|accessdate=10 March 2012|date=15 July 2011|publisher=Norwood House Press|isbn=978-1-59953-465-7|pages=44–45}}</ref>

Teams that competed in 1990 included the USA, New Zealand, China, Australia, Chinese Taipei, Japan, Canada, Italy, Netherlands, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Philippines, Bahamas, Netherlands Antilles, Mexico, Aruba, Bermuda, Indonesia, Argentina, and Zimbabwe.<ref name=1990-teams>{{cite web|url=http://www.internationalsoftball.com/english/events/90_womens_wc.asp |title=International Softball Federation - ISF |publisher=Internationalsoftball.com |date= |accessdate=2012-03-12}}</ref> The United States took home gold, New Zealand silver and China bronze.<ref name=1990-teams/> The Soviet Union had a representative attend the 1990 competition and promise that a Soviet side would be competing at the next championships.<ref name=1990-teams/>

The 2006 edition was very important as the Championships were used for Olympic qualifying, with the top four finishers going to the Olympic Games. In 2006, the fourth-place finishers automatically qualified to the Games because China was the Olympic Games based on that. Thus, there was a battle for fifth place between Canada and Italy for Olympic qualifications. In the match for fifth, Canada won 3-0 and earned their fourth consecutive trip to the Olympics.<ref name=isf-games>{{cite web|url=http://www.internationalsoftball.com/english/events/06_09_05_wwc.asp |title=International Softball Federation |publisher=Internationalsoftball.com |date=2006-09-05 |accessdate=2012-03-20}}</ref>
{{Quote box
|align=right
|width=25%
|quote=A world championships is just as tough as any Olympics you attend, the only thing different is at the Olympics you just don't have the same magnitude of hype around it.
|source=[[Kere Johanson]], Australian softball national team coach<ref name=papertimes>{{cite news|page=20|title=Swapping London games for Canberra|first=Courtney|last=Rees|newspaper=Canberra Times|location=Canberra, Australia|url=http://www.canberratimes.com.au/sport/swapping-london-games-for-canberra-20120321-1vkeo.html}}</ref>}}
Teams that will be competing at the 2012 edition include Australia, Canada and Japan who will play in the same pool.<ref name="papertimes" /><ref name=softball-aus-site>{{cite web|accessdate=6 March 2012|publisher=Softball Australia|location=Australia|date=24 February 2012|title=Australian Open Women's Squad 2012|url=http://www.softball.org.au/extra.asp?ID=22086}}</ref> The competition was scheduled to act as a replacement for the Olympics.<ref name="papertimes" />

==Results==
Australia won the competition in 1965. The victory was considered very impressive as they beat the Americans, who invented the game in 1887, to win the championship.<ref name=illusrated-balls>{{cite book|title=An illustrated history of ball games|first1=Nigel|last1=Viney|first2=Neil|last2=Grant|year=1978|location=London|publisher= Heinemann|pages=97–98|isbn=0434969400|oclc= 5125714}}</ref> The 1974 and 1978 editions were won by the United States, the American side also won seven championships in a row from 1988 to 2010,<ref name="Porter2004">{{cite book|author=David L. Porter|title=Latino and African American athletes today: a biographical dictionary|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0LSZX4z6WZAC&pg=PA106|accessdate=10 March 2012|date=30 March 2004|publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group|isbn=978-0-313-32048-4|pages=106–}}</ref><ref name="Edelson2002">{{cite book|author=Paula Edelson|title=A to Z of American Women in Sports|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7v7qX-cooooC&pg=PA79|accessdate=10 March 2012|year=2002|publisher=Infobase Publishing|isbn=978-1-4381-0789-9|pages=79–}}</ref><ref name=usa-wins>{{cite news|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/news/story?id=5350956 |title=Team USA earns 7th straight world softball title - ESPN |publisher=Sports.espn.go.com |date=2010-07-03 |accessdate=2012-03-12}}</ref><ref name="Miller2002">{{cite book|author=Ernestine G. Miller|title=Making her mark: firsts and milestones in women's sports|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=E1nPKuOF5KUC&pg=PA273|accessdate=10 March 2012|date=29 May 2002|publisher=McGraw-Hill Professional|isbn=978-0-07-139053-8|page=273}}</ref> with the USA's most recent victory being a 7–0 win over Japan in the finals.<ref name=usa-wins/> Other countries that have won it include Japan in 1970, 2012 and 2014, and New Zealand in 1982.<ref name=factfinder-543>{{cite book|title=Chambers sports factfinder|first=Patrick|last=White|location=Edinburgh|publisher=Chambers|year=2005|isbn= 0550101616|oclc= 58052551|pages=542–543}}</ref> Teams that have finished second include the USA in 1965, 1970, 2012 and 2014, Japan in 1974, 2002, 2006 and 2010, Canada in 1978, Taiwan in 1982, China in 1986 and 1994, New Zealand in 1990, and Australia in 1998.<ref name=usa-wins/><ref name="factfinder-543" /> Countries that have finished third include the Philippines in 1970.

{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%; text-align: center;"
|-
! rowspan="2" style="width:5%;"|Year
! rowspan="2" style="width:10%;"|Final Host
| rowspan="17" style="width:1%; border-top:none; border-bottom:none;"|
!colspan=4|Medalists
|-
!width=17%|Champions
!width=7%|Final score
!width=17%|Runners-up
!width=17%|3rd place
|-
|1965 ''[[1965 Women's Softball World Championship|Details]]''
|{{Flag icon|AUS}} [[Melbourne]]
|'''{{Sbw-big|AUS}}'''
|1 – 0
|{{Sbw-big|USA}}
|{{Sbw-big|JPN}}
|-
|1970 ''[[1970 Women's Softball World Championship|Details]]''
|{{Flag icon|JPN}} [[Osaka]]
|'''{{Sbw-big|JPN}}'''
|1 – 0
|{{Sbw-big|USA}}
|{{Sbw-big|PHI|1936}}
|-
|1974 ''[[1974 Women's Softball World Championship|Details]]''
|{{Flag icon|USA}} [[Stratford, Connecticut|Stratford]]
|'''{{Sbw-big|USA}}'''
|3 – 0
|{{Sbw-big|JPN}}
|{{Sbw-big|AUS}}
|-
|1978 ''[[1978 Women's Softball World Championship|Details]]''
|{{Flag icon|ESA}} [[San Salvador]]
|'''{{Sbw-big|USA}}'''
|4 – 0
|{{Sbw-big|CAN}}
|{{Sbw-big|NZL}}
|-
|1982 ''[[1982 Women's Softball World Championship|Details]]''
|{{Flag icon|TPE}} [[Taipei]]
|'''{{Sbw-big|NZL}}'''
|2 – 0
|{{Sbw-big|TPE}}
|{{Sbw-big|AUS}}
|-
|1986 ''[[1986 Women's Softball World Championship|Details]]''
|{{Flag icon|NZL}} [[Auckland]]
|'''{{Sbw-big|USA}}'''
|2 – 0
|{{Sbw-big|CHN}}
|{{Sbw-big|NZL}}
|-
|1990 ''[[1990 Women's Softball World Championship|Details]]''
|{{Flag icon|USA}} [[Normal, Illinois|Normal]]
|'''{{Sbw-big|USA}}'''
|*
|{{Sbw-big|NZL}}
|{{Sbw-big|CHN}}
|-
|1994 ''[[1994 Women's Softball World Championship|Details]]''
|{{Flag icon|CAN}} [[St. John's, Newfoundland|St. John's]]
|'''{{Sbw-big|USA}}'''
|6 – 0
|{{Sbw-big|CHN}}
|{{Sbw-big|AUS}}
|-
|1998 ''[[1998 Women's Softball World Championship|Details]]''
|{{Flag icon|JPN}} [[Fujinomiya]]
|'''{{Sbw-big|USA}}'''
|1 – 0
|{{Sbw-big|AUS}}
|{{Sbw-big|JPN}}
|-
|2002 ''[[2002 Women's Softball World Championship|Details]]''
|{{Flag icon|CAN}} [[Saskatoon]]
|'''{{Sbw-big|USA}}'''
|1 – 0
|{{Sbw-big|JPN}}
|{{Sbw-big|TPE}}
|-
|2006 ''[[2006 Women's Softball World Championship|Details]]''
|{{Flag icon|CHN}} [[Beijing]]
|'''{{Sbw-big|USA}}'''
|3 – 0
|{{Sbw-big|JPN}}
|{{Sbw-big|AUS}}
|-
|2010 ''[[2010 Women's Softball World Championship|Details]]''
|{{Flag icon|VEN}} [[Caracas]]
|'''{{Sbw-big|USA}}'''
|7 – 0
|{{Sbw-big|JPN}}
|{{Sbw-big|CAN}}
|-
|2012 ''[[2012 Women's Softball World Championship|Details]]''
|{{Flag icon|CAN}} [[Whitehorse, Yukon|Whitehorse]]
|'''{{Sbw-big|JPN}}'''
|2 – 1 ([[Extra innings|F/10]])
|{{Sbw-big|USA}}
|{{Sbw-big|AUS}}
|-
|2014 ''[[2014 Women's Softball World Championship|Details]]''
|{{Flag icon|NED}} [[Haarlem]]
|'''{{Sbw-big|JPN}}'''
|4 – 1
|{{Sbw-big|USA}}
|{{Sbw-big|AUS}}
|-
|2016 ''[[2016 Women's Softball World Championship|Details]]''
|{{Flag icon|CAN}} [[Surrey, British Columbia|Surrey]]
|'''{{Sbw-big|USA}}'''
|7 – 3
|{{Sbw-big|JPN}}
|{{Sbw-big|CAN}}
|}
: * 1990: Rain washed out the grand final, leading USA to win based on its record in [[Round-robin tournament|round-robin]] play.<ref name="International Softball Federation — ISF">{{cite web|url=http://www.ISFsoftball.org/english/events/90_womens_wc.asp|title=ISF VII WOMEN'S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP|accessdate=2007-02-03}}</ref>

==Medal table==
[[File:LauraBerg.jpg|thumb|right|230px|[[Laura Berg]] won the competition four times as part of the [[United States women's national softball team]].]]
{| {{RankedMedalTable}}
|-
|1
|align=left|{{sbw|United States}}
|10
|4
|0
|14
|-
|2
|align=left|{{sbw|Japan}}
|3
|5
|2
|10
|-
|3
|align=left|{{sbw|Australia}}
|1
|1
|6
|8
|-
|4
|align=left|{{sbw|New Zealand}}
|1
|1
|2
|4
|-
|5
|align=left|{{sbw|China}}
|0
|2
|1
|3
|-
|6
|align=left|{{sbw|Canada}}
|0
|1
|2
|3
|-
|7
|align=left|{{sbw|Chinese Taipei}}
|0
|1
|1
|2
|-
|8
|align=left|{{sbw|Philippines}}
|0
|0
|1
|1
|}

==Hosting==
The 1970 edition was hosted by Japan in Osaka.<ref name="factfinder-543" /> The 1974 edition was played in Stratford, United States.<ref name="factfinder-543"/> The 1978 games were played in [[San Salvador, El Salvador]].<ref name="factfinder-543"/> The 1982 competition was hosted by in [[Chinese Taipei]] in [[Taipei]].<ref name="Taylor2000"/><ref name="factfinder-543"/> The 1986 edition was hosted by [[New Zealand]] and held in [[Auckland]].<ref name="Miller2002" /><ref name="factfinder-543"/><ref name="KirschHarris2000">{{cite book|author1=George B. Kirsch|author2=Othello Harris|author3=Claire Elaine Nolte|title=Encyclopedia of ethnicity and sports in the United States|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xdV_JV1fbZMC&pg=PA375|accessdate=10 March 2012|date=April 2000|publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group|isbn=978-0-313-29911-7|pages=375–}}</ref> In 1990, the competition was played in [[Normal, Illinois]].<ref name="Miller2002"/><ref name="factfinder-543"/> The 1994 edition was played in [[St. John's, Newfoundland]].<ref name="Miller2002"/><ref name="factfinder-543"/><ref name="Congressional Record">{{cite book|title=Congressional Record|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ukHt42H0sLwC&pg=PA24996|accessdate=10 March 2012|publisher=Government Printing Office|pages=24996–|id=GGKEY:QQLDQYTX3ST}}</ref> Japan hosted the 1998 competition in [[Fujinomiya]].<ref name="Miller2002"/><ref name="factfinder-543"/> The 2002 Championships were held in [[Saskatoon, Canada]].<ref name="factfinder-543"/> China hosted the 2006 Championships in [[Beijing]].<ref name="factfinder-543"/> The 2010 edition was hosted by [[Venezuela]]. The 2012 championship took place in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada. The 2014 championships were held in Haarlem, Netherlands. The 2016 Tournament will be held in Surrey, British Columbia.<ref name="GarmanGromacki2011">{{cite book|author1=Judi Garman|author2=Michelle Gromacki|title=Softball Skills & Drills|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OuiYd-k4U4QC&pg=PA314|accessdate=10 March 2012|date=22 February 2011|publisher=Human Kinetics|isbn=978-0-7360-9074-2|pages=314–}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Softball at the World Games]]
*[[Softball at the Summer Olympics]]

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==
*[http://www.wbsc.co WBSC official website]

{{Women's Softball World Championship}}
{{International softball}}
{{Main world championships}}
{{Sports country lists|state=collapsed}}

[[Category:Softball competitions]]
[[Category:Women's Softball World Championship| ]]
[[Category:World championships]]
[[Category:Recurring sporting events established in 1965]]

Men's Softball World Cup

2016-10-28T22:07:50Z

Harry8: /* Medal table */ 5th

{{Infobox sports league
|current_season= 2015 Men's Softball World Championship
|logo=
|pixels=
|caption=
|sport=[[Softball]]
|founded=1966
|teams=16 (Finals)
|continent=[[International]]
|champion={{Sb|CAN}}
|most_champs={{Sb|NZL}} (6 titles)
}}

The '''Men's Softball World Championship''', known through 2013 as the '''ISF Men's World Championship''', is a [[softball]] tournament for the best national men's teams in the world. Held every four years, first by the [[International Softball Federation]] (ISF) through 2013 and now by the [[World Baseball Softball Confederation]] (WBSC), the 16 best teams in the world compete.<ref>[http://www.internationalsoftball.com/english/events/past_results.asp Past results since 1990 in softball]</ref><ref name=2013ISF>{{cite web|title=Tradestaff ISF Men's World Softball Championships|url=http://www.softball2013.com/|publisher=NHSA|accessdate=10 March 2013}}</ref> From 2013 the event will be held every second year.

==Results==
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%; text-align: center;"
!rowspan=2 width=5%|Year
!rowspan=2 width=10%|Final Host
|width=1% rowspan=15 style="border-top:none;border-bottom:none;"|
!colspan=4|Medalists
|-
!width=17%|Champions
!width=7%|Final score
!width=17%|Runners-up
!width=17%|3rd place
|-
|1966 ''[[1966 Men's Softball World Championship|Details]]''
|{{flagicon|MEX|1934}} [[Mexico City]]
|'''{{Sb-big|USA}}'''
|6 – 0
|{{Sb-big|MEX|1934}}
|{{Sb-big|NZL}}
|-
|1968 ''[[1968 Men's Softball World Championship|Details]]''
|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Oklahoma City]]
|'''{{Sb-big|USA}}'''
|4 – 0
|{{Sb-big|CAN}}
|{{Sb-big|MEX|1934}}
|-
|1972 ''[[1972 Men's Softball World Championship|Details]]''
|{{flagicon|PHI|1936}} [[Marikina]]
|'''{{Sb-big|CAN}}'''
|1 – 0
|{{Sb-big|USA}}
|{{Sb-big|NZL}}
|-
|1976 ''[[1976 Men's Softball World Championship|Details]]''
|{{flagicon|NZL}} [[Lower Hutt]]
|'''{{Sb-big|USA}}'''
{{Sb-big|CAN}}

{{Sb-big|NZL}}
| –
|
|
|-
|1980 ''[[1980 Men's Softball World Championship|Details]]''
|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Tacoma]]
|'''{{Sb-big|USA}}'''
|3 – 0
|{{Sb-big|CAN}}
|{{Sb-big|BAH}}
|-
|1984 ''[[1984 Men's Softball World Championship|Details]]''
|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Midland, Michigan|Midland]]
|'''{{Sb-big|NZL}}'''
|3 – 1
|{{Sb-big|CAN}}
|{{Sb-big|USA}}
|-
|1988 ''[[1988 Men's Softball World Championship|Details]]''
|{{flagicon|CAN}} [[Saskatoon]]
|'''{{Sb-big|USA}}'''
|4 – 0
|{{Sb-big|NZL}}
|{{Sb-big|CAN}}
|-
|1992 ''[[1992 Men's Softball World Championship|Details]]''
|{{flagicon|PHI|1986}} [[Manila]]/[[Pasig]]
|'''{{Sb-big|CAN}}'''
|5 – 3
|{{Sb-big|NZL}}
|{{Sb-big|USA}}
|-
|1996 ''[[1996 Men's Softball World Championship|Details]]''
|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Midland, Michigan|Midland]]
|'''{{Sb-big|NZL}}'''
|4 – 0
|{{Sb-big|CAN}}
|{{Sb-big|JPN}}
|-
|2000 ''[[2000 Men's Softball World Championship|Details]]''
|{{flagicon|RSA}} [[East London, South Africa|East London]]
|'''{{Sb-big|NZL}}'''
|2 – 1
|{{Sb-big|JPN}}
|{{Sb-big|USA}}
|-
|2004 ''[[2004 Men's Softball World Championship|Details]]''
|{{flagicon|NZL}} [[Christchurch]]
|'''{{Sb-big|NZL}}'''
|9 – 5
|{{Sb-big|CAN}}
|{{Sb-big|AUS}}
|-
|2009 ''[[2009 Men's Softball World Championship|Details]]''
|{{flagicon|CAN}} [[Saskatoon]]
|'''{{Sb-big|AUS}}'''
|5 – 0
|{{Sb-big|NZL}}
|{{Sb-big|CAN}}
|-
|2013 ''[[2013 Men's Softball World Championship|Details]]''
|{{flagicon|NZL}} [[Auckland, New Zealand|Auckland]]
|'''{{Sb-big|NZL}}'''
|4 – 1
|{{sb-big|VEN}}
|{{Sb-big|AUS}}
|-
|2015 ''[[2015 Men's Softball World Championship|Details]]''
|{{flagicon|CAN}} [[Saskatoon]]
|
|'''{{Sb-big|CAN}}'''
|10 – 5
|{{Sb-big|NZL}}
|{{Sb-big|VEN}}
|-
|2017 ''[[2017 Men's Softball World Championship|Details]]''
|{{flagicon|CAN}} [[Whitehorse, Yukon|Whitehorse]]
|
|
|
|
|
|-
|}

In 1976 the final day was rained out. New Zealand, USA and Canada were all awarded the gold medal.

===Medal table===
{| {{RankedMedalTable}}
|-
|- align="center" valign="top" bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| valign="center"| 1
| align="left" | {{NZL}}
| style="background:#F7F6A8;" | 6
| style="background:#DCE5E5;" | 4
| style="background:#FFDAB9;" | 2
| 12
|- align="center" valign="top" bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| valign="center"| 2
| align="left" | {{USA}}
| style="background:#F7F6A8;" | 5
| style="background:#DCE5E5;" | 1
| style="background:#FFDAB9;" | 3
| 9
|-
|- align="center" valign="top" bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| valign="center"| 3
| align="left" | {{CAN}}
| style="background:#F7F6A8;" | 4
| style="background:#DCE5E5;" | 5
| style="background:#FFDAB9;" | 2
| 11
|- align="center" valign="top" bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| valign="center"| 4
| align="left" | {{AUS}}
| style="background:#F7F6A8;" | 1
| style="background:#DCE5E5;" |
| style="background:#FFDAB9;" | 3
| 4

|-
|- align="center" valign="top" bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| valign="center"| 5
| align="left" | {{MEX}}
| style="background:#F7F6A8;" |
| style="background:#DCE5E5;" | 1
| style="background:#FFDAB9;" | 1
| 2
|-
|- align="center" valign="top" bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| valign="center"| 5
| align="left" | {{JPN}}
| style="background:#F7F6A8;" |
| style="background:#DCE5E5;" | 1
| style="background:#FFDAB9;" | 1
| 2

|-
|- align="center" valign="top" bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| valign="center"| 5
| align="left" | {{VEN}}
| style="background:#F7F6A8;" |
| style="background:#DCE5E5;" | 1
| style="background:#FFDAB9;" | 1
| 2
|-
|- align="center" valign="top" bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| valign="center"| 8
| align="left" | {{BAH}}
| style="background:#F7F6A8;" |
| style="background:#DCE5E5;" |
| style="background:#FFDAB9;" | 1
| 1

|}

==Participating nations==
* {{legend | 1=gold | 2= — Champion | outline=grey | text='''1st'''}}
* {{legend | 1=silver | 2= — Runner-up | outline=grey | text='''2nd'''}}
* {{legend | 1=#cc9966 | 2= — Third place | outline=grey | text='''3rd'''}}
* {{legend | 1=# | 2= — Group Stage | outline=grey | text='''GS'''}}

{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%; width: 65%; text-align: center;"
|-
! width="22%" | Teams
! width="06%" | [[1966 Men's Softball World Championship|1966]]
! width="06%" | [[1968 Men's Softball World Championship|1968]]
! width="06%" | [[1972 Men's Softball World Championship|1972]]
! width="06%" | [[1976 Men's Softball World Championship|1976]]
! width="06%" | [[1980 Men's Softball World Championship|1980]]
! width="06%" | [[1984 Men's Softball World Championship|1984]]
! width="06%" | [[1988 Men's Softball World Championship|1988]]
! width="06%" | [[1992 Men's Softball World Championship|1992]]
! width="06%" | [[1996 Men's Softball World Championship|1996]]
! width="06%" | [[2000 Men's Softball World Championship|2000]]
! width="06%" | [[2004 Men's Softball World Championship|2004]]
! width="06%" | [[2009 Men's Softball World Championship|2009]]
! width="06%" | [[2013 Men's Softball World Championship|2013]]
! width="06%" | [[2015 Men's Softball World Championship|2015]]
! width="05%" | {{tooltip|Years|Number of years participated}}
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|ARG}}
|
|
|
|
| 12th
| GS
|
| 6th
| 9th
|
| 8th
| 7th
| 4th
| 7th
! 8
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|AUS}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 7th
| 5th
| 7th
| 12th
| style="background:#cc9966;" | 3rd
| style="background:gold;" | 1st
| style="background:#cc9966;" | 3rd
| 4th
! 8
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|BAH}}
| 6th
| 7th
|
| style="background:#cc9966;" | 3rd
|
| GS
| 6th
|
| 10th
|
|
|
|
|
! 6
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|BER}}
|
|
|
|
|
| GS
| 13th
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
! 2
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|IVB}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 12th
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
! 1
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|BOT}}
|
|
|
|
|
| GS
|
| 10th
| 18th
| 9th
| 13th
| 13th
|
|
! 6
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|CAN}}
| 9th
| style="background:silver;" | 2nd
| style="background:gold;" | 1st
| style="background:gold;" | 1st
| style="background:silver;" | 2nd
| style="background:silver;" | 2nd
| style="background:#cc9966;" | 3rd
| style="background:gold;" | 1st
| style="background:silver;" | 2nd
| 4th
| style="background:silver;" | 2nd
| style="background:#cc9966;" | 3rd
| 5th
| style="background:gold;" | 1st
! 14
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|TPE}}
|
|
| 8th
| 5th
| 6th
| 4th
| 11th
| 9th
| 14th
| 15th
|
|
|
|
! 8
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|COL}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 10th
|
! 1
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|CUB}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 4th
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
! 1
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|CZE}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 12th
| 12th
| 6th
| 7th
| 9th
| 10th
| 8th
! 7
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|DEN}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 14th
|
| 15th
| 13th
|
| 11th
|
| 14th
! 5
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|DOM}}
| 8th
|
|
|
| 11th
| GS
|
|
|
| 7th
|
|
|
| 5th
! 5
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|ESA}}
| 10th
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
! 1
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|GB}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 9th
| 8th
| 9th
| 11th
! 4
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|GUM}}
|
|
| 7th
| 6th
| 8th
| GS
|
| 16th
|
|
|
|
|
|
! 5
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|GUA}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 12th
! 1
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|HKG}}
|
|
| 10th
|
|
| GS
|
| 14th
|
|
| 15th
|
|
|
! 4
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|INA}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 11th
|
|
|
| 16th
| 16th
|
! 3
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|ISR}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 20
|
|
|
|
|
! 1
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|JPN}}
| 7th
| 10th
| 6th
| 4th
| 7th
| GS
| 5th
| 4th
| style="background:#cc9966;" | 3rd
| style="background:silver;" | 2nd
| 6th
| 6th
| 6th
| 6th
! 14
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|KOR}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 17th
|
|
|
|
|
! 1
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|LES}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 16th
|
|
|
|
! 1
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|MEX}}
| style="background:silver;" | 2nd
| style="background:#cc9966;" | 3rd
| 4th
|
| 5th
| GS
| 9th
| 8th
| 5th
| 11th
|
| 14th
| 13th
| 10th
! 12
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|NED}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ?*
| 13th
| 14th
| 14th
|
| 14th
| 15th
! 5*
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|AHO}}
|
|
|
|
|
| GS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
! 1
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|NZL}}
| style="background:#cc9966;" | 3rd
| 5th
| style="background:#cc9966;" | 3rd
| style="background:gold;" | 1st
| 4th
| style="background:gold;" | 1st
| style="background:silver;" | 2nd
| style="background:silver;" | 2nd
| style="background:gold;" | 1st
| style="background:gold;" | 1st
| style="background:gold;" | 1st
| style="background:silver;" | 2nd
| style="background:gold;" | 1st
| style="background:silver;" | 2nd
! 14
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|NIC}}
| 11th
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
! 1
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|NMI}}
|
|
|
|
|
| GS
|
| 13th
| 16th
|
|
|
|
|
! 3
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|PUR}}
| 4th
| 6th
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 11th
|
|
| 12th
|
|
! 4
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|PAK}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 22nd
|
|
|
|
|
! 1
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|PAN}}
|
|
|
|
| 9th
| GS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
! 2
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|PNG}}
|
|
|
|
| 14th
|
|
| 17th
| 19th
|
|
|
|
|
! 3
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|PHI}}
|
| 4th
| 5th
|
|
|
| 8th
| 7th
|
| 10th
| 10th
| 10th
| 15th
| 13th
! 9
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|RUS}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 21st
|
|
|
|
|
! 1
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|SAM}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 6th
|
| 7th
|
! 2
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|SIN}}
|
|
| 9th
|
|
|
|
| 15th
|
|
|
|
|
|
! 2
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|RSA}}
|
| 9th
| 7th
|
| 13th
|
|
|
| 8th
| 8th
| 12th
| 15th
| 12th
|
! 8
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|USA}}
| style="background:gold;" | 1st
| style="background:gold;" | 1st
| style="background:silver;" | 2nd
| style="background:gold;" | 1st
| style="background:gold;" | 1st
| style="background:#cc9966;" | 3rd
| style="background:gold;" | 1st
| style="background:#cc9966;" | 3rd
| 4th
| style="background:#cc9966;" | 3rd
| 4th
| 4th
| 8th
| 9th
! 14
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|ISV}}
|
| 8th
|
|
| 10th
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
! 2
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|VEN}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 6th
| 5th
| 11th
| 5th
| style="background:silver;" | 2nd
| style="background:#cc9966;" | 3rd
! 6
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|ZIM}}
|
|
|
|
|
| GS
| 10th
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
! 2
|-
!No. of Teams
! width="06%" | 11
! width="06%" | 10
! width="06%" | 10
! width="06%" | 7
! width="06%" | 14
! width="06%" | 16
! width="06%" | 14
! width="06%" | 17
! width="06%" | 22
! width="06%" | 16
! width="06%" | 15
! width="06%" | 16
! width="06%" | 16
! width="06%" | 15
!
|}

*(*) Netherlands participated at the 1992 edition but was not included in the final standings by the ISF. Including this edition the Netherlands has participated in 5 editions.
*Czech Republic has participated as {{sb|TCH}} in 1992.

==See also==
*[[Women's Softball World Championship]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Men's Softball World Championship}}
{{International softball}}
{{Main world championships}}
{{Sports country lists|state=collapsed}}

[[Category:Softball competitions]]
[[Category:Men's Softball World Championship| ]]
[[Category:World championships]]
[[Category:Recurring sporting events established in 1966]]

Men's Softball World Cup

2016-10-28T22:03:41Z

Harry8: /* Medal table */ 2nd and 3rd

{{Infobox sports league
|current_season= 2015 Men's Softball World Championship
|logo=
|pixels=
|caption=
|sport=[[Softball]]
|founded=1966
|teams=16 (Finals)
|continent=[[International]]
|champion={{Sb|CAN}}
|most_champs={{Sb|NZL}} (6 titles)
}}

The '''Men's Softball World Championship''', known through 2013 as the '''ISF Men's World Championship''', is a [[softball]] tournament for the best national men's teams in the world. Held every four years, first by the [[International Softball Federation]] (ISF) through 2013 and now by the [[World Baseball Softball Confederation]] (WBSC), the 16 best teams in the world compete.<ref>[http://www.internationalsoftball.com/english/events/past_results.asp Past results since 1990 in softball]</ref><ref name=2013ISF>{{cite web|title=Tradestaff ISF Men's World Softball Championships|url=http://www.softball2013.com/|publisher=NHSA|accessdate=10 March 2013}}</ref> From 2013 the event will be held every second year.

==Results==
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%; text-align: center;"
!rowspan=2 width=5%|Year
!rowspan=2 width=10%|Final Host
|width=1% rowspan=15 style="border-top:none;border-bottom:none;"|
!colspan=4|Medalists
|-
!width=17%|Champions
!width=7%|Final score
!width=17%|Runners-up
!width=17%|3rd place
|-
|1966 ''[[1966 Men's Softball World Championship|Details]]''
|{{flagicon|MEX|1934}} [[Mexico City]]
|'''{{Sb-big|USA}}'''
|6 – 0
|{{Sb-big|MEX|1934}}
|{{Sb-big|NZL}}
|-
|1968 ''[[1968 Men's Softball World Championship|Details]]''
|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Oklahoma City]]
|'''{{Sb-big|USA}}'''
|4 – 0
|{{Sb-big|CAN}}
|{{Sb-big|MEX|1934}}
|-
|1972 ''[[1972 Men's Softball World Championship|Details]]''
|{{flagicon|PHI|1936}} [[Marikina]]
|'''{{Sb-big|CAN}}'''
|1 – 0
|{{Sb-big|USA}}
|{{Sb-big|NZL}}
|-
|1976 ''[[1976 Men's Softball World Championship|Details]]''
|{{flagicon|NZL}} [[Lower Hutt]]
|'''{{Sb-big|USA}}'''
{{Sb-big|CAN}}

{{Sb-big|NZL}}
| –
|
|
|-
|1980 ''[[1980 Men's Softball World Championship|Details]]''
|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Tacoma]]
|'''{{Sb-big|USA}}'''
|3 – 0
|{{Sb-big|CAN}}
|{{Sb-big|BAH}}
|-
|1984 ''[[1984 Men's Softball World Championship|Details]]''
|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Midland, Michigan|Midland]]
|'''{{Sb-big|NZL}}'''
|3 – 1
|{{Sb-big|CAN}}
|{{Sb-big|USA}}
|-
|1988 ''[[1988 Men's Softball World Championship|Details]]''
|{{flagicon|CAN}} [[Saskatoon]]
|'''{{Sb-big|USA}}'''
|4 – 0
|{{Sb-big|NZL}}
|{{Sb-big|CAN}}
|-
|1992 ''[[1992 Men's Softball World Championship|Details]]''
|{{flagicon|PHI|1986}} [[Manila]]/[[Pasig]]
|'''{{Sb-big|CAN}}'''
|5 – 3
|{{Sb-big|NZL}}
|{{Sb-big|USA}}
|-
|1996 ''[[1996 Men's Softball World Championship|Details]]''
|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Midland, Michigan|Midland]]
|'''{{Sb-big|NZL}}'''
|4 – 0
|{{Sb-big|CAN}}
|{{Sb-big|JPN}}
|-
|2000 ''[[2000 Men's Softball World Championship|Details]]''
|{{flagicon|RSA}} [[East London, South Africa|East London]]
|'''{{Sb-big|NZL}}'''
|2 – 1
|{{Sb-big|JPN}}
|{{Sb-big|USA}}
|-
|2004 ''[[2004 Men's Softball World Championship|Details]]''
|{{flagicon|NZL}} [[Christchurch]]
|'''{{Sb-big|NZL}}'''
|9 – 5
|{{Sb-big|CAN}}
|{{Sb-big|AUS}}
|-
|2009 ''[[2009 Men's Softball World Championship|Details]]''
|{{flagicon|CAN}} [[Saskatoon]]
|'''{{Sb-big|AUS}}'''
|5 – 0
|{{Sb-big|NZL}}
|{{Sb-big|CAN}}
|-
|2013 ''[[2013 Men's Softball World Championship|Details]]''
|{{flagicon|NZL}} [[Auckland, New Zealand|Auckland]]
|'''{{Sb-big|NZL}}'''
|4 – 1
|{{sb-big|VEN}}
|{{Sb-big|AUS}}
|-
|2015 ''[[2015 Men's Softball World Championship|Details]]''
|{{flagicon|CAN}} [[Saskatoon]]
|
|'''{{Sb-big|CAN}}'''
|10 – 5
|{{Sb-big|NZL}}
|{{Sb-big|VEN}}
|-
|2017 ''[[2017 Men's Softball World Championship|Details]]''
|{{flagicon|CAN}} [[Whitehorse, Yukon|Whitehorse]]
|
|
|
|
|
|-
|}

In 1976 the final day was rained out. New Zealand, USA and Canada were all awarded the gold medal.

===Medal table===
{| {{RankedMedalTable}}
|-
|- align="center" valign="top" bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| valign="center"| 1
| align="left" | {{NZL}}
| style="background:#F7F6A8;" | 6
| style="background:#DCE5E5;" | 4
| style="background:#FFDAB9;" | 2
| 12
|- align="center" valign="top" bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| valign="center"| 2
| align="left" | {{USA}}
| style="background:#F7F6A8;" | 5
| style="background:#DCE5E5;" | 1
| style="background:#FFDAB9;" | 3
| 9
|-
|- align="center" valign="top" bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| valign="center"| 3
| align="left" | {{CAN}}
| style="background:#F7F6A8;" | 4
| style="background:#DCE5E5;" | 5
| style="background:#FFDAB9;" | 2
| 11
|- align="center" valign="top" bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| valign="center"| 4
| align="left" | {{AUS}}
| style="background:#F7F6A8;" | 1
| style="background:#DCE5E5;" |
| style="background:#FFDAB9;" | 3
| 4

|-
|- align="center" valign="top" bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| valign="center"| 5
| align="left" | {{MEX}}
| style="background:#F7F6A8;" |
| style="background:#DCE5E5;" | 1
| style="background:#FFDAB9;" | 1
| 2
|-
|- align="center" valign="top" bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| valign="center"| 6
| align="left" | {{JPN}}
| style="background:#F7F6A8;" |
| style="background:#DCE5E5;" | 1
| style="background:#FFDAB9;" | 1
| 2

|-
|- align="center" valign="top" bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| valign="center"| 7
| align="left" | {{VEN}}
| style="background:#F7F6A8;" |
| style="background:#DCE5E5;" | 1
| style="background:#FFDAB9;" | 1
| 2
|-
|- align="center" valign="top" bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| valign="center"| 8
| align="left" | {{BAH}}
| style="background:#F7F6A8;" |
| style="background:#DCE5E5;" |
| style="background:#FFDAB9;" | 1
| 1

|}

==Participating nations==
* {{legend | 1=gold | 2= — Champion | outline=grey | text='''1st'''}}
* {{legend | 1=silver | 2= — Runner-up | outline=grey | text='''2nd'''}}
* {{legend | 1=#cc9966 | 2= — Third place | outline=grey | text='''3rd'''}}
* {{legend | 1=# | 2= — Group Stage | outline=grey | text='''GS'''}}

{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%; width: 65%; text-align: center;"
|-
! width="22%" | Teams
! width="06%" | [[1966 Men's Softball World Championship|1966]]
! width="06%" | [[1968 Men's Softball World Championship|1968]]
! width="06%" | [[1972 Men's Softball World Championship|1972]]
! width="06%" | [[1976 Men's Softball World Championship|1976]]
! width="06%" | [[1980 Men's Softball World Championship|1980]]
! width="06%" | [[1984 Men's Softball World Championship|1984]]
! width="06%" | [[1988 Men's Softball World Championship|1988]]
! width="06%" | [[1992 Men's Softball World Championship|1992]]
! width="06%" | [[1996 Men's Softball World Championship|1996]]
! width="06%" | [[2000 Men's Softball World Championship|2000]]
! width="06%" | [[2004 Men's Softball World Championship|2004]]
! width="06%" | [[2009 Men's Softball World Championship|2009]]
! width="06%" | [[2013 Men's Softball World Championship|2013]]
! width="06%" | [[2015 Men's Softball World Championship|2015]]
! width="05%" | {{tooltip|Years|Number of years participated}}
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|ARG}}
|
|
|
|
| 12th
| GS
|
| 6th
| 9th
|
| 8th
| 7th
| 4th
| 7th
! 8
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|AUS}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 7th
| 5th
| 7th
| 12th
| style="background:#cc9966;" | 3rd
| style="background:gold;" | 1st
| style="background:#cc9966;" | 3rd
| 4th
! 8
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|BAH}}
| 6th
| 7th
|
| style="background:#cc9966;" | 3rd
|
| GS
| 6th
|
| 10th
|
|
|
|
|
! 6
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|BER}}
|
|
|
|
|
| GS
| 13th
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
! 2
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|IVB}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 12th
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
! 1
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|BOT}}
|
|
|
|
|
| GS
|
| 10th
| 18th
| 9th
| 13th
| 13th
|
|
! 6
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|CAN}}
| 9th
| style="background:silver;" | 2nd
| style="background:gold;" | 1st
| style="background:gold;" | 1st
| style="background:silver;" | 2nd
| style="background:silver;" | 2nd
| style="background:#cc9966;" | 3rd
| style="background:gold;" | 1st
| style="background:silver;" | 2nd
| 4th
| style="background:silver;" | 2nd
| style="background:#cc9966;" | 3rd
| 5th
| style="background:gold;" | 1st
! 14
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|TPE}}
|
|
| 8th
| 5th
| 6th
| 4th
| 11th
| 9th
| 14th
| 15th
|
|
|
|
! 8
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|COL}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 10th
|
! 1
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|CUB}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 4th
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
! 1
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|CZE}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 12th
| 12th
| 6th
| 7th
| 9th
| 10th
| 8th
! 7
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|DEN}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 14th
|
| 15th
| 13th
|
| 11th
|
| 14th
! 5
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|DOM}}
| 8th
|
|
|
| 11th
| GS
|
|
|
| 7th
|
|
|
| 5th
! 5
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|ESA}}
| 10th
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
! 1
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|GB}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 9th
| 8th
| 9th
| 11th
! 4
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|GUM}}
|
|
| 7th
| 6th
| 8th
| GS
|
| 16th
|
|
|
|
|
|
! 5
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|GUA}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 12th
! 1
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|HKG}}
|
|
| 10th
|
|
| GS
|
| 14th
|
|
| 15th
|
|
|
! 4
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|INA}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 11th
|
|
|
| 16th
| 16th
|
! 3
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|ISR}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 20
|
|
|
|
|
! 1
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|JPN}}
| 7th
| 10th
| 6th
| 4th
| 7th
| GS
| 5th
| 4th
| style="background:#cc9966;" | 3rd
| style="background:silver;" | 2nd
| 6th
| 6th
| 6th
| 6th
! 14
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|KOR}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 17th
|
|
|
|
|
! 1
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|LES}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 16th
|
|
|
|
! 1
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|MEX}}
| style="background:silver;" | 2nd
| style="background:#cc9966;" | 3rd
| 4th
|
| 5th
| GS
| 9th
| 8th
| 5th
| 11th
|
| 14th
| 13th
| 10th
! 12
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|NED}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ?*
| 13th
| 14th
| 14th
|
| 14th
| 15th
! 5*
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|AHO}}
|
|
|
|
|
| GS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
! 1
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|NZL}}
| style="background:#cc9966;" | 3rd
| 5th
| style="background:#cc9966;" | 3rd
| style="background:gold;" | 1st
| 4th
| style="background:gold;" | 1st
| style="background:silver;" | 2nd
| style="background:silver;" | 2nd
| style="background:gold;" | 1st
| style="background:gold;" | 1st
| style="background:gold;" | 1st
| style="background:silver;" | 2nd
| style="background:gold;" | 1st
| style="background:silver;" | 2nd
! 14
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|NIC}}
| 11th
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
! 1
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|NMI}}
|
|
|
|
|
| GS
|
| 13th
| 16th
|
|
|
|
|
! 3
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|PUR}}
| 4th
| 6th
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 11th
|
|
| 12th
|
|
! 4
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|PAK}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 22nd
|
|
|
|
|
! 1
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|PAN}}
|
|
|
|
| 9th
| GS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
! 2
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|PNG}}
|
|
|
|
| 14th
|
|
| 17th
| 19th
|
|
|
|
|
! 3
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|PHI}}
|
| 4th
| 5th
|
|
|
| 8th
| 7th
|
| 10th
| 10th
| 10th
| 15th
| 13th
! 9
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|RUS}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 21st
|
|
|
|
|
! 1
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|SAM}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 6th
|
| 7th
|
! 2
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|SIN}}
|
|
| 9th
|
|
|
|
| 15th
|
|
|
|
|
|
! 2
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|RSA}}
|
| 9th
| 7th
|
| 13th
|
|
|
| 8th
| 8th
| 12th
| 15th
| 12th
|
! 8
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|USA}}
| style="background:gold;" | 1st
| style="background:gold;" | 1st
| style="background:silver;" | 2nd
| style="background:gold;" | 1st
| style="background:gold;" | 1st
| style="background:#cc9966;" | 3rd
| style="background:gold;" | 1st
| style="background:#cc9966;" | 3rd
| 4th
| style="background:#cc9966;" | 3rd
| 4th
| 4th
| 8th
| 9th
! 14
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|ISV}}
|
| 8th
|
|
| 10th
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
! 2
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|VEN}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 6th
| 5th
| 11th
| 5th
| style="background:silver;" | 2nd
| style="background:#cc9966;" | 3rd
! 6
|-
| align="left" | {{sb|ZIM}}
|
|
|
|
|
| GS
| 10th
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
! 2
|-
!No. of Teams
! width="06%" | 11
! width="06%" | 10
! width="06%" | 10
! width="06%" | 7
! width="06%" | 14
! width="06%" | 16
! width="06%" | 14
! width="06%" | 17
! width="06%" | 22
! width="06%" | 16
! width="06%" | 15
! width="06%" | 16
! width="06%" | 16
! width="06%" | 15
!
|}

*(*) Netherlands participated at the 1992 edition but was not included in the final standings by the ISF. Including this edition the Netherlands has participated in 5 editions.
*Czech Republic has participated as {{sb|TCH}} in 1992.

==See also==
*[[Women's Softball World Championship]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Men's Softball World Championship}}
{{International softball}}
{{Main world championships}}
{{Sports country lists|state=collapsed}}

[[Category:Softball competitions]]
[[Category:Men's Softball World Championship| ]]
[[Category:World championships]]
[[Category:Recurring sporting events established in 1966]]

Vehicle registration plates of Germany

2016-01-03T23:55:51Z

Harry8: /* History */ January 1991

{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2014}}
'''German vehicle registration plates''' (''Kraftfahrzeug-Kennzeichen'' or, more colloquially, ''Nummernschilder'') indicate the place where the vehicle bearing them was once registered. Whenever German owners of a motor vehicle change their main place of residence within [[Germany]] or buy a car from a person living in a different city or [[Districts of Germany|county]] they have to have the vehicle documentation changed accordingly. In the process owners may opt for new license plates that reflect their place of residence or simply retain the old identifier and plates. The states of [[Hesse]], [[Schleswig-Holstein]], [[Brandenburg]], [[Saxony]], [[Thuringia]] and [[North Rhine-Westphalia]] were the first ones to create laws so that owners were not obliged anymore to change license plates if they were changing residence within the respective state. A nationwide law has since been passed by the federal government and it comes into effect on January 1, 2015.<ref>
{{cite web |url=http://www.vz-nrw.de/energie-und-verkehr#kfzkennzeichenhhauchfuerfrankfurter |title=Kfz-Kennzeichen: HH auch für Frankfurter |accessdate=2014-12-09 |author=Verbraucherzentrale Nordrhein-Westfalen e.V. |date=2014-12-02 }}
</ref> From this time on, it is generally not possible anymore to tell the owner's place of residence just from looking at the plates.

The option to be assigned temporary plates allows owners a financial saving in the case they have vehicles (e.g. motorcycles) which they intend to drive only during one particular part of the year. While temporary plates can only be used for the time printed on them and new ones have to be assigned and bought if the vehicle is supposed to be on public roads later on there is no need to renew regular plates periodically. German motor vehicle tax is paid independently of the license plates by annual direct debit from a bank account.

As of 2007, new number plates normally cost around €30, while the cost of de-registering a vehicle and re-registering it with new plates is between €10 and €40. The license plates themselves are not made by the registration office but by independent for-profit stores that are usually located in the same building as the registration office or close by. Upon successful registration the applicant is merely given a slip of paper with the assigned number that can be presented at any store that makes plates. Sometimes there are several stores in the vicinity of the registration office with prices for plates dropping the further the store is away from the registration office. Once the plates are made, which is a matter of minutes, the owner must return to the registration office with them, pay the costs for registration and then the required registration seal and safety test stickers are applied to the plates making them legal for use in traffic.

If ownership of a vehicle is permanently transferred to a new owner who lives in the same city/region then the registration number may remain unchanged. Administration fees are, however, still payable in respect of the necessary changes to the vehicle's official documentation. Many people however will change the license plates even if it is not necessary in order to personalize them.

==Format==
[[File:KFZmod.png|thumb|200px|right|The post-1994 German number plate format (FE-style)]]
[[File:Plate-KA-RR232.JPG|thumb|200px|right|The pre-1994 German number plate format (DIN-style), no longer issued but still in use.]]
[[File:Kfz-Kennzeichen in Deutschland.svg|thumb|300 px|Map of German districts and their license plate codes]]
The present German number plate format has been in use since 1994. As with many plates for countries within the [[European Union]], a blue strip on the left shows a shortened [[List of international vehicle registration codes|country code]] in white text ('''D''' for ''Deutschland'' = Germany) and the [[Flag of Europe]] (12 golden stars forming a circle on a blue background).

The rest of the license plate uses black print on a white background. Just after the country code strip is a one, two or three letter abbreviation, which represents the city or region where the car was registered, such as B for [[Berlin]]. These letters formerly coincide with the [[Districts of Germany|German districts]]. Since 2013 the letters were extended to former districts ([http://www.kfz.de/autokennzeichen/autokennzeichen_deutschland/ complete list]). In some cases an [[Urban districts of Germany|urban district]] and the surrounding non-urban district share the same letter code. Where this happens, the number of the following letters and digits is usually different. For example, the urban district of [[Straubing]] (SR) has one letter after the code (SR - A 123). The surrounding district [[Straubing-Bogen]] has two letters (SR - AB 123) after the code. However, these different systems are being used in fewer cases, as many cities that share their code with the surrounding rural districts have started using all codes for both districts without any distinction; the city of [[Regensburg]], for example, and the surrounding [[Regensburg (district)|rural district Regensburg]] used different systems only until 2007.

The number of letters in the city/region prefix code mostly reflects the size of the district. The basic idea was to even out the number of digits on all license plates, because the largest districts would have more digits after the prefix for more cars. The largest German cities generally only have one letter codes (B=[[Berlin]], M=[[Munich]], K=[[Cologne]] (''Köln''), F=[[Frankfurt]], L=[[Leipzig]], S=[[Stuttgart]]), most other districts in Germany have two or three letter codes. Therefore, cities or districts with fewer letters are generally assumed to be bigger and more important. Reflecting that, most districts tried to get a combination with fewer letters for their prefix code. {{cn|date=November 2015}}

Districts in eastern Germany usually have more letters, for two reasons: {{cn|date=November 2015}}
* Fewer people live in eastern German districts, so the number of cars registered is smaller and hence the use of three letter codes.
* With the introduction of the current system on 1 July 1956 in then West Germany including [[West Berlin|Berlin (West)]], letters had been reserved for all east German districts of that time. However, a lot of those districts were changed over the years, and in 1990 after [[German reunification]], many of the possible shorter combinations had already been used up in western Germany.

There are a number of exceptions e.g. Germany's second largest city [[Hamburg]] (HH, Hansestadt Hamburg, because of its historical membership in the [[Hanseatic League]], reflected already in its prefix used between 1906 and 1945). Similar is the case of the cities of [[Bremen]] and [[Bremerhaven]], forming the state [[Bremen (state)|Free Hanseatic City of Bremen]], sharing the common prefix HB (1906–1947, and again since 1956), differentiated by the number of letters and digits added. {{cn|date=November 2015}}

In 1956 also [[Lübeck]] received its former prefix HL, already used between 1906 and 1937, when its statehood was abolished. In analogy to these three northwestern cities, but without historical examples of formerly issued prefixes, four northeastern Hanseatic cities, [[Greifswald]], [[Rostock]], [[Stralsund]] and [[Wismar]], chose the prefixes HGW, HRO, HST and HWI, since the shorter HG ([[Hochtaunuskreis]], capital: Bad Homburg vor der Höhe), HR ([[Schwalm-Eder-Kreis]], capital: [[Homberg (Efze)]]), HS ([[Kreis Heinsberg]]) and HW (Kreis Halle in Westphalia) were already taken by west German districts.

More west German districts have prefixes derived from the names of their capitals: [[Ammerland]] (WST, after Westerstede), [[Dithmarschen]] (HEI, after Heide in Dithmarschen), [[Harburg (district)|Harburg]] (WL, after Winsen upon Luhe), [[Herzogtum Lauenburg]] (RZ, after Ratzeburg) etc.

The letter "G" was reserved for the east German city of [[Gera]], although it is much smaller than the west German [[Gelsenkirchen]] ("GE"). The letter "L" had been reserved for Leipzig, but in 1977 it was assigned to the newly formed city of [[Lahn, Hesse|Lahn]], and the rural district [[Lahn-Dill-Kreis]]. This casts some light on how unlikely a reunification was regarded at that time. In 1990, Leipzig claimed back the letter "L", and it was reassigned, and Lahn-Dill-Kreis had to change to LDK.

The reason for this scheme is however not to display size or location, but simply to have enough combinations available within the maximum length of eight characters per plate.

After the location name there are the round vehicle safety test and registration seal stickers (see below) placed on top of each other. The registration sticker is the bottom one. For vehicles that are required to bear a front and rear plate the front plate nowadays only features the registration seal sticker. Before 2010, in which year the emission test became a part of the vehicle safety test, the hexagonal emission test sticker was placed above it. The stickers are followed by one or two usually random letters and one to four usually random numbers. The total quantity of letters and numbers on the plate is never higher than eight. Identifiers consisting of one letter with low numbers are normally reserved for motorcycle use since there is less space for plates on these vehicles.

A problem with this scheme is that the space between geographic identifier and random letters is a significant character and must be considered when writing down a number. For example, B MW 555 is not the same number as BM W 555. The confusion can be avoided by writing a hyphen after the city code, as in the old number plates, like B-MW 555. For this reason, the police will always radio the location name and spell out the next letters using the German [[German phonetic alphabet|telephone alphabet]], which varies somewhat from the English one. Thus, B MW 555 would be radioed as "[[Berlin]], Martha, Wilhelm, fünf-fünf-fünf" and BM W 555 as "[[Rhein-Erft-Kreis|Bergheim]], Wilhelm, fünf-fünf-fünf".

[[File:Toyota Celica Gr.A 002.JPG|thumb|The Köln-based Toyota Team Europe prepared Celica GT-Four rally car with Köln (Cologne) license plate. Note the plate starts with "K".]]

For an extra charge of €10.20 car owners can also register a personalized identifier. Car owners can only choose the numbers or letters instead of the random ones at the end, provided of course they are not yet taken and not a prohibited combination. For example, people living in the town of Pirna might choose ''PIR-AT 77'', "Pirat" being the [[German language|German]] for "pirate". [[Kiel]] is one of few places (others are Brake (capital of the district of [[Wesermarsch]]), Cham, Daun, Emden, Halle, Hamm, Heide, Herne, Hof, Kleve, Kusel, Lauf, Lünen, Pirna, Plön, Regen, Rehau, Selb, Ulm, Unna and Wesel) where the number plate can be the city name: 'KI-EL'. In most cases of personalized plates people choose their initials and a number reflecting their birthdate. In this fashion fictional Mrs. Ulrike Mustermann, born May 2, 1965 and living in Essen would choose 'E UM 2565' for her car. Note that dates are given in the format DDMMYY in Germany.

Germany includes diacritical marks in the letters of some codes, that is the letters Ö and Ü. Such a thing is rarely done in other European countries, but also appears on regular [[Vehicle registration plates of Bosnia and Herzegovina|Bosnian]], [[Vehicle registration plates of Croatia|Croatian]] and [[Vehicle registration plates of Serbia|Serbian]](letters Č, Š and Ž), [[Vehicle registration plates of Finland|Åland registration plates]] (letter Å), as well as on [[Vehicle registration plates of Sweden#Personal plates|Swedish]] (letters Å, Ä and Ö) and [[Vehicle registration plates of Denmark|Danish]] (letters Å, Æ and Ø) personal registration plates. In Germany there are no two codes where the only difference is that one letter O and Q, the only pair of codes with the letters I and J is IL for Landkreis Ilmenau and JL for Landkreis Jerichower Land.

[[BMW]], owner of [[Mini (marque)|Mini]], registers all Mini press/marketing cars in the city of [[Minden]], which holds the code ''MI'', to get "MI-NI" number plates for the cars. BMW itself is based in Munich, yet "M-INI" plates are not possible to issue, as three letters after the district code are not permitted.

===Prohibited combinations===
Various combinations that could be considered politically unacceptable — mainly due to implications relating to [[Nazi Germany]] — are disallowed or otherwise avoided.<ref>[http://www.sueddeutsche.de/muenchen/behoerdenfehler-m-ah-ist-durchgerutscht-1.2683534 M-AH 8888 ist durchgerutscht] {{de icon}} ''[[Sueddeutsche Zeitung]]'', published: 9 October 2015, accessed: 9 October 2015</ref> The district [[Sächsische Schweiz]] used the name of its main town, Pirna, in its code ''PIR'', to avoid the use of ''[[Schutzstaffel|SS]]'', the name of the paramilitary organization; similarly ''[[Sturmabteilung|SA]]'' is also unused. Although between 1945 and 1949 the French occupation force used the combination SA followed by the double-digit numbers 01 to 08 for the then seven rural districts in the [[Saar (protectorate)|Saar Protectorate]] and its capital [[Saarbrücken]]. In 2004 in [[Nuremberg]], a car owner was refused a number plate beginning N-PD because of the connection to the political party the [[National Democratic Party of Germany|NPD]].{{Citation needed|date=January 2010}} The combinations [[Starnberg (district)|STA]]-SI, [[Dithmarschen|HEI]]-L, [[Steinburg|IZ]]-AN and [[Warendorf|WAF]]-FE are also avoided, to avoid association with [[Stasi]], the [[Nazi salute]], NAZI backwards and the [[Luftwaffe]] respectively..

[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen mit Erkennungsnummer NS.jpg||thumb|200px|right|Example of banned combination (NS) which was issued accidentally.]]
Banned combinations also include the Nazi abbreviations HJ (''Hitlerjugend'', [[Hitler Youth]]), NS (''Nationalsozialismus'', [[Nazism|National Socialism]]), SA (''[[Sturmabteilung]]''), SS (''[[Schutzstaffel]]''), KZ (''Konzentrationslager'', [[Internment|concentration camp]]) and often SD (''[[Sicherheitsdienst]]''). Some registration offices have overlooked this rule by mistake, however, and there are a few cars registered carrying prohibited codes, such as ''B-SS 12''. Some counties also allow these combinations if they are the initials of the owner (e.g., '''N'''orbert '''S'''chmidt might be able to get XX-NS 1234), but in this case, if the car is sold and re-registered in the same county by the new owner, the number can be changed (otherwise the number stays with the car until it registered in a different area). However, the combination ''HH'' (which could be interpreted as ''[[Nazi salute|Heil Hitler]]'') is used for the city of [[Hamburg]], first introduced in 1906. It stands for the city's title ''Hansestadt Hamburg'' ([[Hanseatic League|Hanseatic]] City of Hamburg). The combination ''AH'' (which could be interpreted as ''[[Adolf Hitler]]'') is used for the district of Borken. It is derived from [[Ahaus]] that had an own district until 1974.

In Brandenburg no new plates that are related to Hitler, the Hitler salute, other [[Nazi symbolism|Nazi symbols]], etc. can be issued, especially plates that have digits 1888, 8818, 8888 or ending in 88, 888, 188. The combinations AH 18 and HH 18 cannot also be issued to new owners.<ref>{{cite news|title=Verschärfte Regeln gegen Nazi-Autokennzeichen|trans-title=Stricter rules against Nazi plates|url=http://www.rp-online.de/panorama/deutschland/verschaerfte-regeln-gegen-nazi-autokennzeichen-aid-1.2003785|work=Rheinische Post|date=18 September 2010|language=German}}</ref>

Other combinations affected are [[Burglengenfeld|BUL]]-LE,<ref>{{cite news|title=Autokennzeichen "BUL-LE" aus dem Verkehr gezogen|trans-title=Car plate sign "BUL-LE" withdrawn from circulation|url=http://www.welt.de/regionales/muenchen/article118973436/Autokennzeichen-BUL-LE-aus-dem-Verkehr-gezogen.html|work=Die Welt|date=13 August 2013|language=German}}</ref> [[Moers|MO]]-RD<ref>{{cite news|title=30 Moerser wollten Kennzeichen MO-RD|trans-title=30 Moers people wanted plate "MO-RD"|url=http://www.rp-online.de/nrw/staedte/moers/30-moerser-wollten-kennzeichen-mo-rd-aid-1.3066626|work=Rheinische Post|date=13 November 2012|language=German}}</ref> and [[Siegburg|SU]]-FF.<ref>{{cite web|title=Wunschkennzeichen Rhein-Sieg-Kreis|url=https://195.243.129.188/igv/servlet/Internetgeschaeftsvorfaelle?AUFRUF=WKZ_RSK|language=German}}</ref>

===History===
The first German licence plates that had a lettering plan were issued from 1906 onwards. Berlin for example was using I A (I for Prussia), Munich II A (II for Bavaria), Stuttgart III A (III for [[Free People's State of Württemberg|Württemberg]]). Other German states used further Roman numbers such as IV ([[Republic of Baden|Baden]]), V ([[People's State of Hesse|Hesse]]), and VI ([[Alsace-Lorraine]]; now France). Many states used prefixes derived from the state names, such as B ([[Free State of Brunswick|Brunswick]]), HB (Bremen), HH (Hamburg), and HL ([[Free City of Lübeck|Lübeck]]), the latter three used again for the same entities since 1956. Other bigger cities: IV B Baden (Heidelberg, Mannheim, Karlsruhe, Freiburg, Lake Constance), II N cities of [[Nuremberg]] and [[Fürth]]. The Prussian provinces had the following prefixes: I E [[Province of Brandenburg]] (to a minor part now Poland), I C [[Province of East Prussia]] (now divided between Lithuania, Poland and Russia), I S [[Province of Hannover]], I T [[Province of Hesse-Nassau]] (Today Frankfurt, State of Hessen and neighboring counties), I L [[Province of Hohenzollern]], I Z [[Rhine Province]] (Cologne, Düsseldorf and other large cities in the Ruhr Area), I H [[Province of Pomerania (1815–1945)|Province of Pomerania]] (now prevailingly Poland), I Y [[Province of Posen]] (now Poland), I B Province of [[Posen-West Prussia]] (now Poland), I M [[Province of Saxony]], I P [[Province of Schleswig-Holstein]], I K [[Province of Silesia]] (now mostly Poland), I X [[Province of Westphalia]], and finally I D [[Province of West Prussia]] (now Poland).

During World War I the German Army was assigned the combination MK for "Militärkraftwagen des Deutschen Heeres", military vehicles of the German Army. After WWI, during the Weimar Republic, the German Army used RW for "Reichswehr".

During the Nazi regime (1933–1945) new combinations were issued: DR, [[Deutsche Reichsbahn]] (German state railway); OT, [[Organisation Todt]] (civil and military engineering); POL, Deutsche Polizei (police); RAD, [[Reichsarbeitsdienst]] (state labour service); RK, [[German Red Cross|Deutsches Rotes Kreuz]] (Red Cross); SS, [[Schutzstaffel]] ("protection squadron"); WH, [[Wehrmacht]] Heer (army); WL, Wehrmacht Luftwaffe (air force); WM, Wehrmacht Kriegsmarine (navy); WT, Wehrmacht Straßentransportdienst (army transport service).

From 1945 to 1956 there were lettering combinations assigned by the allied forces. Examples:
BY [[Bavaria|Bavaria (Bayern)]] 1946–1947, AB Bavaria (American Zone, Bavaria) 1948–1956, B Bavaria 1950–1956.
HE [[Hesse]] 1946–1947, AH Hesse (American Zone, Hesse) 1948–1956, H Hesse, 1950–1956.
AW Württemberg-Baden 1948–1956, W Württemberg-Baden, 1950–1956, WB Württemberg-Baden 1950–1956.
БM (=BM, for motor bikes) 1945–1946, ГФ (=GF; cars, lorries, and busses) Berlin 1945–1946, БГ (=BG; cars, lorries, and busses) Berlin 1945–1947, ГM (=GM, for motor bikes) Berlin 1945–1947, KB Berlin 1947–1948, GB East-Berlin 1948–1953, KB West-Berlin 1948-1956.
MGH Hamburg 1945, H Hamburg 1945–1947, HG Hamburg 1947, BH Hamburg 1948–1956.
BD Baden 1945–1949, FB Baden 1949–1956.
WT Württemberg-Hohenzollern 1945–1949, FW Württemberg-Hohenzollern 1949–1956.

In July 1956 the current system was introduced in then West Germany, replacing the post-war system which was based on [[Allied Occupation Zones in Germany|occupation zones]].

As West German districts were extensively rearranged in the early 1970s, many prefix codes expired and new ones were created at that time. However, number plates issued before these rearrangements remain valid, providing the vehicle is still in use and has not been reregistered since. So it was still possible, if rare, to see a [[classic car]] with registration codes of administrative units that have not existed for over 30 years (e.g. EIN = [[Einbeck]]). Since November 2012 some districts allow reissuing on request of these expired prefix codes, e.g. instead of WES- in the district of Wesel, MO- as used for the former district of Moers and DIN- as used for the former district of Dinslaken.

When originally planned, the system included codes for districts in Eastern Germany which were to be reserved until [[German reunification|reunification]]. That included the territory of the [[German Democratic Republic|GDR]] as well as the territories [[Oder-Neisse line|annexed]] to [[Poland]] and the [[Soviet Union]] after [[World War II]], which West Germany's government still claimed in that era until about 1970. When reunification came in 1990, the reserved codes (e.g. P for [[Potsdam]]) were indeed issued to East German districts in January 1991 as originally planned and as they existed at that time. However, districts in East Germany were rearranged again in the mid-1990s, thus many of these codes have expired, but can likewise still be seen on older vehicles.

One example of a reserved code being reused before reunification was the letter L which was originally planned for [[Leipzig]], but was given to the newly formed [[Hesse|Hessian]] city of [[Lahn, Hesse|Lahn]] and the district [[Lahn-Dill-Kreis]] in 1977 as hopes for reunification faded away. After the rather unexpected reunification the L was returned to the city of Leipzig and the Lahn-Dill-Kreis was issued with LDK instead.

Another reserved code was G for [[Gera]]. In the 1980s the West German TV series "Der Fahnder"[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088517/] G was an imaginary large city in the [[Ruhrgebiet]] area.

===Typeface===
Modern German plates use a typeface called [[FE-Schrift]] ("fälschungserschwerende Schrift", tamper-hindering script). It is designed so that the ''O'' cannot be painted to look like a ''Q'', and vice versa; nor can the ''P'' be painted to resemble an ''R'', among other changes. This typeface can also more easily be read by [[optical character recognition]] software for [[automatic number plate recognition]] than the old [[DIN 1451]] script.

===Special codes===
Certain types of vehicle bear special codes:
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für historische Fahrzeuge (H-Kennzeichen).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Plate for vintage cars]]
* '''[[Classic car]]s''' (known in German by the [[pseudo-English]] expression ''Oldtimer'') can get an H (''historisch'', [[Antique vehicle registration|historic]]) at the end of the plate, such as ''[[Cologne|K]]-AA 100H'' in order to preserve the so-called "vehicle of cultural value" ("kraftfahrtechnisches Kulturgut"). It also includes a flat tax of appr. [[euro|€]]190 per year. It is popular to choose the digits so that they indicate the car's year of manufacture. The requirements for a vehicle for an H-Plate are:
**The first documented registration lies at least 30 years in the past.
**The car must be in mostly original and preservation worthy condition. Preservation worthy means a grade C by popular car grading standards. The older the car, the more signs of usage it can show. This purely concerns the car's appearance, the road worthiness is established by separate mandatory safety inspections. Universally accepted modifications include changes that benefit safety, such as seat belts and disc brakes, and environmental friendliness, such as catalytic converters and LPG conversions (if invisible from the outside). Further modifications that are generally accepted are those contemporary of the car's first registration (plus and minus 10 years, burden of proof lies with the owner through historic material such as photographs) and new paintjobs of any color, including two tone paint if originally offered and historic company logos, but no murals or custom patterns.
[[File:GERMANY, DACHAU motorcycle license plate seasonal - Flickr - woody1778a.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Seasonal number plate, registration valid from 1st March to 31st October of each year]]
* Cars (or more often, motorbikes) with '''seasonal number plates''' have two numbers at the end of the plate indicating the months between which they are registered to drive, with the licence being valid from the start of the upper month until the end of the lower month. This results in lower car taxes, as well lower insurance premiums.
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für Behördenfahrzeuge (Nummernbereich 3).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Official registered vehicle (here: fire brigade)]]
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für Behördenfahrzeuge (Nummernbereich 8).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Official registered vehicle for disaster relief]]
* Until the legal reforms of 2006, '''Official cars''' such as police, fire fighting and municipality vehicles did not carry a letter after the sticker, such as ''M-1234''. These included:
** vehicles of the district government: 1-199, 1000-1999, 10000-19999
** vehicles of the local government (for example: fire brigade): 200-299, 2000-2999, 20000-29999, 300-399
** police: 3000-3999, 7000-7999, 30000-39999, 70000-79999
** disaster relief (mostly changed "THW", see below): 8000-8999, 80000-89999

This style of plate is no longer issued, but many official vehicles which were registered before 2006 still carry this type of plate.

A similar style of issue is used by some municipalities to '''consular or diplomatic vehicles''' in the form Aaa-9NNn (example: D-921). Unlike the other style of diplomatic/consular plates issued in Berlin and Bonn, this plate does not indicate the nationality of the mission.

[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für steuerbefreite Fahrzeuge (grüne Schrift).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Plate for tax-exempt vehicles]]
* Vehicles which are '''exempt from vehicle taxes''' (for example [[ambulance]]s, [[tractor]]s, agricultural trailers, trailers for boats or trailers for gliders) have green print on a white background plate. Regular trailers for lorries can be exempted from tax if the owner agrees to pay an increased tax on the vehicle which tows the trailer. There is also a tax exemption for trailers for which the owner agrees to hand over his trailer without payment to the armed forces (if Germany is in a state of emergency or defence).
[[File:Deutsches Kurzzeit-KFZ-Kennzeichen.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Special temporary plate for vehicles in Germany (Kurzzeit-Kennzeichen)]]
* Vehicles which have '''not been registered''' (because they are for transfer within Germany) have to carry short-term plates valid only for five days. The code starts with the numbers ''04'', e.g. ''DD-04000'', and the plate has a yellow strip on the right showing when they are valid. The date is listed numerically, on three lines, reading day, month, year, with two digits each. The vehicle need not have a valid technical inspection, however it must be technically fit to be operated in public. Insurance premiums are quite high, appr. [[euro|€]]100 for the above-mentioned 5 days. Most insurance companies credit this premium if the car is registered as a normal car with the same insurance company after these 5 days.
[[File:Rotes DIN-Kennzeichen 06.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Special plate (red colour, old DIN-style) for dealer's cars for test drives. (Registration office: Würzburg)]]
* '''[[Car dealership|Car dealer]]s'''' plates are in red print on a white background, and the code begins with ''06''. Red plates may be attached to cars which are changing hands, such as the test run of unregistered cars, and the [[liability insurance]] is connected to the plate, not a specific car.
* '''Car collectors''': Red plates starting with the number 07 are reserved for collectors of vintage cars. Originally, vintage cars had a required minimum age of 20 years from first registering. Since April 2007 onwards the required minimum age has been 30 years. Plates issued under the old 20 years rule remained valid after this date. The collectors must get an official certificate of approval (such as no criminal records). They are allowed to use one set of plates on any of their cars under the condition that they keep a strict record of use. No day-to-day use of the cars is allowed. A valid official technical inspection is not mandatory but the cars have to be technical fit for use on public roads.
[[File:Deutsche Ausfuhr-Kfz-Kennzeichen (Export).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Special plate for vehicles to be exported (Ausfuhrkennzeichen)]]
[[File:License plate of Germany for export vehicles.png|thumb|200px|right|Former special plate for vehicles to be exported (Zollkennzeichen) - no longer in use. It was replaced by the Ausfuhrkennzeichen in the 1980s]]
*'''Export plates''' (also known as "Ausfuhrkennzeichen", customs plates) are used for exporting vehicles abroad. The plates are the only ones which do not have the blue Euro strip on the left and the owner does not have to be a German resident to register the car. The date on the red strip on the right hand side does not show the expiration date of the plate; instead it shows the expiration date of the vehicle insurance. After this date the vehicle must have left Germany.
[[File:Deutsches Diplomatenkennzeichen (Indonesien).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Diplomatic plate (Indonesian embassy in Berlin)]]
[[File:Licenseplate of limousine.png|thumb|200px|Plate of the German Chancellor]]
* '''Diplomatic plates''': plates of cars covered by [[diplomatic immunity]] have the digit ''0'' (Zero) on the left instead of the registration location code.
*'''Highest state offices:''' The [[President of Germany|President]] uses the license plate 0-1, the [[Chancellor of Germany (Federal Republic)|Chancellor]] uses 0-2, the [[Minister for Foreign Affairs (Germany)|Foreign Minister]] uses 0-3 and the ''First [[Secretary of State#Germany|State Secretary]] of the [[Foreign Office (Germany)|Foreign Office]]'' (i.e. the Foreign Minister's deputy) uses 0-4. The [[President of the Bundestag|President of the Parliament]] uses 1-1. This reflects the fact that the Parliament's President is not part of the executive branch but still ranks higher in (symbolic) importance than the Chancellor. These vehicles are tax-exempt and need not to be insured since the German government acts as insurer.
[[File:Deutsches Bundeswehr-Kfz-Kennzeichen.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Bundeswehr (armed forces)]]
* '''[[Bundeswehr|The military]]''' uses old style non-reflecting plates with a dash between the two circles. The German flag is shown, instead of the blue EU strip. Military plates use the letter ''Y'', rather than a city indicator (no German city name starts with a Y). After the ''Y'' comes a six-digit number (or five digits for motorcycles), for example ''Y-123456''. These vehicles are tax-exempt and need not to be insured since the German government acts as insurer. There is also no mandatory technical inspection required but the Armed Forces carry out a regular internal inspection on these vehicles similar to the official inspection.
* Military vehicles which are used by the '''[[Nato]] headquarters''' in Germany use the same design as the Y-plates except they carry the letter ''X'' followed by a four-digit number, for example ''X-1234''
[[File:Kfz-Kennzeichen THW.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Official registered vehicle for [[Technisches Hilfswerk]] (German Federal Agency for Technical Relief)]]
* Some branches of the '''federal government''' and '''[[States of Germany|federal state]] governments''' use the abbreviations of their names instead of a city code. Example: the [[Technisches Hilfswerk]] (German Federal Agency for Technical Relief) uses its abbreviation ''THW'', so the plates read ''THW-80000'', for example. All numbers on THW plates start either with the digit 8 or 9. Before the [[Deutsche Bundesbahn]] (''German National Railways'') and the [[Deutsche Bundespost|Deutsche '''B'''undes'''p'''ost]] (''Federal Post Office'') were privatised, they used the abbreviations ''DB'' and ''BP'' (e.g. ''DB-12345'', ''BP-12345''). The Wasser- und Schifffahrtsverwaltung des Bundes (''Federal Water and Ship Transport Authority'') uses '''BW''' followed by a digit identifying the region of the office (from 1=north to 7=south).
[[File:Deutsches Bundes-Kennzeichen BW6-602.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Wasser- und Schifffahrtsverwaltung des Bundes, here South Office in [[Würzburg]]]]
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für Bundespolizei.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Bundespolizei (Federal Police), code in use since 2005]]
* The '''[[German Federal Police|federal police]]''' uses the code ''BP'' instead of the local code. Before 2006 they used the code ''BG'' (former name: ''[[Bundesgrenzschutz|'''B'''undes'''g'''renzschutz]]'') (BG-#####), this old code remains still valid, only new vehicles will get the new "BP"-code.
* The '''[[North Rhine-Westphalia Police|Police]] of [[North Rhine-Westphalia]]''' uses ''NRW 4'', ''NRW 5'' and, for motorbikes, ''NRW 6'' as the local code. This is followed by a four-digit number (e.g. NRW 4-1960). ''4'', ''5'' and ''6'' stand for the State Ministry of the Interior.
*'''Light motorised vehicles''' such as mopeds and motorised wheelchairs are required to have a registration plate, see next section.

==Insurance plates==
[[File:Versicherungskennzeichen.jpg|thumb|Insurance plates; the colour of the letters is changed every year.]]
The ''{{lang|de|Versicherungskennzeichen}}'' ("insurance plate" ) used for mopeds and other small, low-power vehicles (such as vehicles for the physically handicapped, with a maximum speed of {{convert|50|km/h|disp=comma|abbr=on}}). The system is three digits on the top and three letters beneath. The number and the letters are chosen randomly so personalizing the plates is not possible. Plates are much smaller than the plates for normal cars and are only valid for one year from 1 March till the end of February the following year. Those plates are sold by insurance companies, so the fee included both the registration, and the cost of one year's insurance for the vehicle. There are four colours used: black, blue, green for normal plates, and red for temporary use, such as testing (very rare). The first three colours are changed every year in order to make it easy to see whether the vehicle has the correct plate and insurance.

:{| class="wikitable"
|+ Colours of the insurance plates from 1 March onwards of each year
! colspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | Colour
! colspan="9" style="text-align: center;" | Year
|-
| style="background-color: #0a0a0d;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 9005]] (''{{lang|de|Tiefschwarz}}'', Jet black)
| 1990
| 1993
| 1996
| 1999
| 2002
| 2005
| 2008
| 2011
| 2014
|-
| style="background-color: #3481b8;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 5012]] (''{{lang|de|Lichtblau}}'', Light blue)
| 1991
| 1994
| 1997
| 2000
| 2003
| 2006
| 2009
| 2012
| 2015
|-
| style="background-color: #3E753B;"| {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 6010]] (''{{lang|de|Grasgrün}}'', Grass green)
| 1992
| 1995
| 1998
| 2001
| 2004
| 2007
| 2010
| 2013
| '''2016'''
|}

==Emission, safety test and registration sticker==

Emission test (front plate) and vehicle safety test (rear plate) stickers were also attached to the plate before 2010, in which year the emission sticker became obsolete as the emission test was incorporated into the safety test and was not performed separately anymore. The expiration date can be figured out as follows: The year is in the centre of the sticker, and the stickers are attached with the month of expiration pointing upwards. The black marking on the side (near the 12) thus makes it easy for the police to see the expiration month from a distance. Like a clock, the marking shows the same position of a number on the face of a clock. For example, the black marking is on the left side, so it is the ninth month (or 9 o'clock) and hence the expiry date is 30 September. The six possible colors code for the year when the next safety test is due and repeat once a six-year period has passed.

The lower sticker is the official seal of registration. It always carries the seal of the respective German ''{{lang|de|[[States of Germany|Bundesland]]}}'' with the city or district of issuance being added in print. Some seals carry the German ''{{lang|de|[[Coat of arms of Germany|Bundesadler]]}}'' instead of a Bundesland's seal, such as numberplates used on [[Federal Police (Germany)|Bundespolizei]] vehicles.

All these stickers are specially treated to be easily transferred onto the licence plates, but hard to be removed without damaging the plate itself, making them relatively counterfeit-proof.

Cars found in a public place where the owner did not pay insurance for more than three months (as reported to the police by the insurance company) may get '''''{{lang|de|entstempelt}}''''', that means, '''unstamped''': The police will remove the state's official seal using a scratching tool (mostly a screwdriver), leaving the plate without a valid seal, and it will be illegal to even leave that car parked on public ground, unless insurance is paid and plates are fitted with a new official seal.

Once a plate is invalid, the seal of registration is defaced by a qualified officer. After that, the plates are often sold to collectors on online shopping sites, such as [[eBay]].

When owners choose to deregister their vehicle the officer at the local authority will want to see the license plates with defaced seals on them as proof that no legal plate with this identifier can be found in public anymore. For this purpose special machines are available for use at the office. Once defaced the plates may only be used legally on public roads for the one ride back to the owner's place.
This is the recommended procedure for selling a car. Alternatively the seller may hand out their car with valid license plates and papers still in their name to the new owner thus giving them the responsibility to register the car in their name shortly. In a scenario without a proper sales contract the seller may become liable when the buyer commits criminal acts related to the car or plates and thus it is generally not recommended to sell used cars with license plates.

Motorcycles carry only the rear plate.

<gallery>
File:Plakette Abgassonderuntersuchung.png | Emission test sticker (before 2010)
File:Plakette Hauptuntersuchung.svg | Safety test sticker
File:Zulassungsplakette Coburg.png | Registration seal ([[Coburg]], Bavaria)
File:Kfz-Kennzeichen Deutschland - Toepfchensiegel.jpg | Safety test and registration seal ([[Fürth]], Bavaria)
</gallery>

[[File:Defacedgermanplate.JPG|thumb|200px|right|Example of a defaced plate — notice how the bottom seal is completely gone, due to scraping. From [[Kronach]].]]
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Colours of the emission test (before 2010) and vehicle safety test stickers
! colspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | Colour
! colspan="8" style="text-align: center;" | Year
|-
| style="background-color: #dd7907;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 2000]] (''{{lang|de|Gelborange}}'', Yellow-orange)
| —
| 1979
| 1983
| 1989
| 1995
| 2001
| 2007
| 2013
|-
| style="background-color: #2874b2;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 5015]] (''{{lang|de|Himmelblau}}'', Sky blue)
| —
| 1978
| 1984
| 1990
| 1996
| 2002
| 2008
| 2014
|-
| style="background-color: #d9c022;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 1012]] (''{{lang|de|Zitronengelb}}'', Lemon yellow)
| —
| 1977
| 1985
| 1991
| 1997
| 2003
| 2009
| 2015
|-
| style="background-color: #8f4e35;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 8004]] (''{{lang|de|Kupferbraun}}'', Copper brown)
| 1974
| 1980
| 1986
| 1992
| 1998
| 2004
| 2010
| '''2016'''
|-
| style="background-color: #e1a6ad;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 3015]] (''{{lang|de|Hellrosa}}'', Light pink)
| 1975
| 1981
| 1987
| 1993
| 1999
| 2005
| 2011
| 2017
|-
| style="background-color: #48a43f;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 6018]] (''{{lang|de|Gelbgrün}}'', Yellow-green)
| 1976
| 1982
| 1988
| 1994
| 2000
| 2006
| 2012
| 2018
|}

==See also==
* [[Vehicle registration plates of the German Democratic Republic]]
* [[Vehicle registration plates of the United States Army in Germany]]
* ''[[:de:Liste aller Kfz-Kennzeichen der Bundesrepublik Deutschland|Liste aller Kfz-Kennzeichen der Bundesrepublik Deutschland]]'' {{de icon}} List of all registration codes issued under the current registration system
* ''[[:de:Liste der deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen, die nicht mehr ausgegeben werden|Liste der deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen, die nicht mehr ausgegeben werden]]'' {{de icon}} List of no longer issued registration codes
* ''[[:de:Liste der deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen (historisch)|Liste der deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen (historisch)]]'' {{de icon}} List of repealed registration codes
* ''[[:de:Liste der Kfz-Kennzeichen in Deutschland|Liste der Kfz-Kennzeichen in Deutschland]]'' {{de icon}} List of currently issued registration codes

==References==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|License plates of Germany}}
*[http://web.archive.org/web/20111221131141/http://www.theplateman.com/ German Number Plates], Also shows how they are made (saved 2011-12-21)
*[http://www.kennzeichengeschichte.de History of German license plates]
*[http://www.hegis.de/fed__rep__of_germany.htm More information about German car number plates and their history]
*[http://www.europeanplates.com/german-city-codes German City Codes, Complete City Code List]
*[http://www.license-plates.appspot.com Application to find which region/place in Germany the vehicle originates]
*[http://www.platesmania.com/de/ Photos of license plates of Germany]

{{Vehicle registration plates of Europe}}

[[Category:Vehicle registration plates by country|Germany]]
[[Category:Road transport in Germany]]

Vehicle registration plates of Germany

2016-01-03T23:54:00Z

Harry8: /* History */ DIN added

{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2014}}
'''German vehicle registration plates''' (''Kraftfahrzeug-Kennzeichen'' or, more colloquially, ''Nummernschilder'') indicate the place where the vehicle bearing them was once registered. Whenever German owners of a motor vehicle change their main place of residence within [[Germany]] or buy a car from a person living in a different city or [[Districts of Germany|county]] they have to have the vehicle documentation changed accordingly. In the process owners may opt for new license plates that reflect their place of residence or simply retain the old identifier and plates. The states of [[Hesse]], [[Schleswig-Holstein]], [[Brandenburg]], [[Saxony]], [[Thuringia]] and [[North Rhine-Westphalia]] were the first ones to create laws so that owners were not obliged anymore to change license plates if they were changing residence within the respective state. A nationwide law has since been passed by the federal government and it comes into effect on January 1, 2015.<ref>
{{cite web |url=http://www.vz-nrw.de/energie-und-verkehr#kfzkennzeichenhhauchfuerfrankfurter |title=Kfz-Kennzeichen: HH auch für Frankfurter |accessdate=2014-12-09 |author=Verbraucherzentrale Nordrhein-Westfalen e.V. |date=2014-12-02 }}
</ref> From this time on, it is generally not possible anymore to tell the owner's place of residence just from looking at the plates.

The option to be assigned temporary plates allows owners a financial saving in the case they have vehicles (e.g. motorcycles) which they intend to drive only during one particular part of the year. While temporary plates can only be used for the time printed on them and new ones have to be assigned and bought if the vehicle is supposed to be on public roads later on there is no need to renew regular plates periodically. German motor vehicle tax is paid independently of the license plates by annual direct debit from a bank account.

As of 2007, new number plates normally cost around €30, while the cost of de-registering a vehicle and re-registering it with new plates is between €10 and €40. The license plates themselves are not made by the registration office but by independent for-profit stores that are usually located in the same building as the registration office or close by. Upon successful registration the applicant is merely given a slip of paper with the assigned number that can be presented at any store that makes plates. Sometimes there are several stores in the vicinity of the registration office with prices for plates dropping the further the store is away from the registration office. Once the plates are made, which is a matter of minutes, the owner must return to the registration office with them, pay the costs for registration and then the required registration seal and safety test stickers are applied to the plates making them legal for use in traffic.

If ownership of a vehicle is permanently transferred to a new owner who lives in the same city/region then the registration number may remain unchanged. Administration fees are, however, still payable in respect of the necessary changes to the vehicle's official documentation. Many people however will change the license plates even if it is not necessary in order to personalize them.

==Format==
[[File:KFZmod.png|thumb|200px|right|The post-1994 German number plate format (FE-style)]]
[[File:Plate-KA-RR232.JPG|thumb|200px|right|The pre-1994 German number plate format (DIN-style), no longer issued but still in use.]]
[[File:Kfz-Kennzeichen in Deutschland.svg|thumb|300 px|Map of German districts and their license plate codes]]
The present German number plate format has been in use since 1994. As with many plates for countries within the [[European Union]], a blue strip on the left shows a shortened [[List of international vehicle registration codes|country code]] in white text ('''D''' for ''Deutschland'' = Germany) and the [[Flag of Europe]] (12 golden stars forming a circle on a blue background).

The rest of the license plate uses black print on a white background. Just after the country code strip is a one, two or three letter abbreviation, which represents the city or region where the car was registered, such as B for [[Berlin]]. These letters formerly coincide with the [[Districts of Germany|German districts]]. Since 2013 the letters were extended to former districts ([http://www.kfz.de/autokennzeichen/autokennzeichen_deutschland/ complete list]). In some cases an [[Urban districts of Germany|urban district]] and the surrounding non-urban district share the same letter code. Where this happens, the number of the following letters and digits is usually different. For example, the urban district of [[Straubing]] (SR) has one letter after the code (SR - A 123). The surrounding district [[Straubing-Bogen]] has two letters (SR - AB 123) after the code. However, these different systems are being used in fewer cases, as many cities that share their code with the surrounding rural districts have started using all codes for both districts without any distinction; the city of [[Regensburg]], for example, and the surrounding [[Regensburg (district)|rural district Regensburg]] used different systems only until 2007.

The number of letters in the city/region prefix code mostly reflects the size of the district. The basic idea was to even out the number of digits on all license plates, because the largest districts would have more digits after the prefix for more cars. The largest German cities generally only have one letter codes (B=[[Berlin]], M=[[Munich]], K=[[Cologne]] (''Köln''), F=[[Frankfurt]], L=[[Leipzig]], S=[[Stuttgart]]), most other districts in Germany have two or three letter codes. Therefore, cities or districts with fewer letters are generally assumed to be bigger and more important. Reflecting that, most districts tried to get a combination with fewer letters for their prefix code. {{cn|date=November 2015}}

Districts in eastern Germany usually have more letters, for two reasons: {{cn|date=November 2015}}
* Fewer people live in eastern German districts, so the number of cars registered is smaller and hence the use of three letter codes.
* With the introduction of the current system on 1 July 1956 in then West Germany including [[West Berlin|Berlin (West)]], letters had been reserved for all east German districts of that time. However, a lot of those districts were changed over the years, and in 1990 after [[German reunification]], many of the possible shorter combinations had already been used up in western Germany.

There are a number of exceptions e.g. Germany's second largest city [[Hamburg]] (HH, Hansestadt Hamburg, because of its historical membership in the [[Hanseatic League]], reflected already in its prefix used between 1906 and 1945). Similar is the case of the cities of [[Bremen]] and [[Bremerhaven]], forming the state [[Bremen (state)|Free Hanseatic City of Bremen]], sharing the common prefix HB (1906–1947, and again since 1956), differentiated by the number of letters and digits added. {{cn|date=November 2015}}

In 1956 also [[Lübeck]] received its former prefix HL, already used between 1906 and 1937, when its statehood was abolished. In analogy to these three northwestern cities, but without historical examples of formerly issued prefixes, four northeastern Hanseatic cities, [[Greifswald]], [[Rostock]], [[Stralsund]] and [[Wismar]], chose the prefixes HGW, HRO, HST and HWI, since the shorter HG ([[Hochtaunuskreis]], capital: Bad Homburg vor der Höhe), HR ([[Schwalm-Eder-Kreis]], capital: [[Homberg (Efze)]]), HS ([[Kreis Heinsberg]]) and HW (Kreis Halle in Westphalia) were already taken by west German districts.

More west German districts have prefixes derived from the names of their capitals: [[Ammerland]] (WST, after Westerstede), [[Dithmarschen]] (HEI, after Heide in Dithmarschen), [[Harburg (district)|Harburg]] (WL, after Winsen upon Luhe), [[Herzogtum Lauenburg]] (RZ, after Ratzeburg) etc.

The letter "G" was reserved for the east German city of [[Gera]], although it is much smaller than the west German [[Gelsenkirchen]] ("GE"). The letter "L" had been reserved for Leipzig, but in 1977 it was assigned to the newly formed city of [[Lahn, Hesse|Lahn]], and the rural district [[Lahn-Dill-Kreis]]. This casts some light on how unlikely a reunification was regarded at that time. In 1990, Leipzig claimed back the letter "L", and it was reassigned, and Lahn-Dill-Kreis had to change to LDK.

The reason for this scheme is however not to display size or location, but simply to have enough combinations available within the maximum length of eight characters per plate.

After the location name there are the round vehicle safety test and registration seal stickers (see below) placed on top of each other. The registration sticker is the bottom one. For vehicles that are required to bear a front and rear plate the front plate nowadays only features the registration seal sticker. Before 2010, in which year the emission test became a part of the vehicle safety test, the hexagonal emission test sticker was placed above it. The stickers are followed by one or two usually random letters and one to four usually random numbers. The total quantity of letters and numbers on the plate is never higher than eight. Identifiers consisting of one letter with low numbers are normally reserved for motorcycle use since there is less space for plates on these vehicles.

A problem with this scheme is that the space between geographic identifier and random letters is a significant character and must be considered when writing down a number. For example, B MW 555 is not the same number as BM W 555. The confusion can be avoided by writing a hyphen after the city code, as in the old number plates, like B-MW 555. For this reason, the police will always radio the location name and spell out the next letters using the German [[German phonetic alphabet|telephone alphabet]], which varies somewhat from the English one. Thus, B MW 555 would be radioed as "[[Berlin]], Martha, Wilhelm, fünf-fünf-fünf" and BM W 555 as "[[Rhein-Erft-Kreis|Bergheim]], Wilhelm, fünf-fünf-fünf".

[[File:Toyota Celica Gr.A 002.JPG|thumb|The Köln-based Toyota Team Europe prepared Celica GT-Four rally car with Köln (Cologne) license plate. Note the plate starts with "K".]]

For an extra charge of €10.20 car owners can also register a personalized identifier. Car owners can only choose the numbers or letters instead of the random ones at the end, provided of course they are not yet taken and not a prohibited combination. For example, people living in the town of Pirna might choose ''PIR-AT 77'', "Pirat" being the [[German language|German]] for "pirate". [[Kiel]] is one of few places (others are Brake (capital of the district of [[Wesermarsch]]), Cham, Daun, Emden, Halle, Hamm, Heide, Herne, Hof, Kleve, Kusel, Lauf, Lünen, Pirna, Plön, Regen, Rehau, Selb, Ulm, Unna and Wesel) where the number plate can be the city name: 'KI-EL'. In most cases of personalized plates people choose their initials and a number reflecting their birthdate. In this fashion fictional Mrs. Ulrike Mustermann, born May 2, 1965 and living in Essen would choose 'E UM 2565' for her car. Note that dates are given in the format DDMMYY in Germany.

Germany includes diacritical marks in the letters of some codes, that is the letters Ö and Ü. Such a thing is rarely done in other European countries, but also appears on regular [[Vehicle registration plates of Bosnia and Herzegovina|Bosnian]], [[Vehicle registration plates of Croatia|Croatian]] and [[Vehicle registration plates of Serbia|Serbian]](letters Č, Š and Ž), [[Vehicle registration plates of Finland|Åland registration plates]] (letter Å), as well as on [[Vehicle registration plates of Sweden#Personal plates|Swedish]] (letters Å, Ä and Ö) and [[Vehicle registration plates of Denmark|Danish]] (letters Å, Æ and Ø) personal registration plates. In Germany there are no two codes where the only difference is that one letter O and Q, the only pair of codes with the letters I and J is IL for Landkreis Ilmenau and JL for Landkreis Jerichower Land.

[[BMW]], owner of [[Mini (marque)|Mini]], registers all Mini press/marketing cars in the city of [[Minden]], which holds the code ''MI'', to get "MI-NI" number plates for the cars. BMW itself is based in Munich, yet "M-INI" plates are not possible to issue, as three letters after the district code are not permitted.

===Prohibited combinations===
Various combinations that could be considered politically unacceptable — mainly due to implications relating to [[Nazi Germany]] — are disallowed or otherwise avoided.<ref>[http://www.sueddeutsche.de/muenchen/behoerdenfehler-m-ah-ist-durchgerutscht-1.2683534 M-AH 8888 ist durchgerutscht] {{de icon}} ''[[Sueddeutsche Zeitung]]'', published: 9 October 2015, accessed: 9 October 2015</ref> The district [[Sächsische Schweiz]] used the name of its main town, Pirna, in its code ''PIR'', to avoid the use of ''[[Schutzstaffel|SS]]'', the name of the paramilitary organization; similarly ''[[Sturmabteilung|SA]]'' is also unused. Although between 1945 and 1949 the French occupation force used the combination SA followed by the double-digit numbers 01 to 08 for the then seven rural districts in the [[Saar (protectorate)|Saar Protectorate]] and its capital [[Saarbrücken]]. In 2004 in [[Nuremberg]], a car owner was refused a number plate beginning N-PD because of the connection to the political party the [[National Democratic Party of Germany|NPD]].{{Citation needed|date=January 2010}} The combinations [[Starnberg (district)|STA]]-SI, [[Dithmarschen|HEI]]-L, [[Steinburg|IZ]]-AN and [[Warendorf|WAF]]-FE are also avoided, to avoid association with [[Stasi]], the [[Nazi salute]], NAZI backwards and the [[Luftwaffe]] respectively..

[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen mit Erkennungsnummer NS.jpg||thumb|200px|right|Example of banned combination (NS) which was issued accidentally.]]
Banned combinations also include the Nazi abbreviations HJ (''Hitlerjugend'', [[Hitler Youth]]), NS (''Nationalsozialismus'', [[Nazism|National Socialism]]), SA (''[[Sturmabteilung]]''), SS (''[[Schutzstaffel]]''), KZ (''Konzentrationslager'', [[Internment|concentration camp]]) and often SD (''[[Sicherheitsdienst]]''). Some registration offices have overlooked this rule by mistake, however, and there are a few cars registered carrying prohibited codes, such as ''B-SS 12''. Some counties also allow these combinations if they are the initials of the owner (e.g., '''N'''orbert '''S'''chmidt might be able to get XX-NS 1234), but in this case, if the car is sold and re-registered in the same county by the new owner, the number can be changed (otherwise the number stays with the car until it registered in a different area). However, the combination ''HH'' (which could be interpreted as ''[[Nazi salute|Heil Hitler]]'') is used for the city of [[Hamburg]], first introduced in 1906. It stands for the city's title ''Hansestadt Hamburg'' ([[Hanseatic League|Hanseatic]] City of Hamburg). The combination ''AH'' (which could be interpreted as ''[[Adolf Hitler]]'') is used for the district of Borken. It is derived from [[Ahaus]] that had an own district until 1974.

In Brandenburg no new plates that are related to Hitler, the Hitler salute, other [[Nazi symbolism|Nazi symbols]], etc. can be issued, especially plates that have digits 1888, 8818, 8888 or ending in 88, 888, 188. The combinations AH 18 and HH 18 cannot also be issued to new owners.<ref>{{cite news|title=Verschärfte Regeln gegen Nazi-Autokennzeichen|trans-title=Stricter rules against Nazi plates|url=http://www.rp-online.de/panorama/deutschland/verschaerfte-regeln-gegen-nazi-autokennzeichen-aid-1.2003785|work=Rheinische Post|date=18 September 2010|language=German}}</ref>

Other combinations affected are [[Burglengenfeld|BUL]]-LE,<ref>{{cite news|title=Autokennzeichen "BUL-LE" aus dem Verkehr gezogen|trans-title=Car plate sign "BUL-LE" withdrawn from circulation|url=http://www.welt.de/regionales/muenchen/article118973436/Autokennzeichen-BUL-LE-aus-dem-Verkehr-gezogen.html|work=Die Welt|date=13 August 2013|language=German}}</ref> [[Moers|MO]]-RD<ref>{{cite news|title=30 Moerser wollten Kennzeichen MO-RD|trans-title=30 Moers people wanted plate "MO-RD"|url=http://www.rp-online.de/nrw/staedte/moers/30-moerser-wollten-kennzeichen-mo-rd-aid-1.3066626|work=Rheinische Post|date=13 November 2012|language=German}}</ref> and [[Siegburg|SU]]-FF.<ref>{{cite web|title=Wunschkennzeichen Rhein-Sieg-Kreis|url=https://195.243.129.188/igv/servlet/Internetgeschaeftsvorfaelle?AUFRUF=WKZ_RSK|language=German}}</ref>

===History===
The first German licence plates that had a lettering plan were issued from 1906 onwards. Berlin for example was using I A (I for Prussia), Munich II A (II for Bavaria), Stuttgart III A (III for [[Free People's State of Württemberg|Württemberg]]). Other German states used further Roman numbers such as IV ([[Republic of Baden|Baden]]), V ([[People's State of Hesse|Hesse]]), and VI ([[Alsace-Lorraine]]; now France). Many states used prefixes derived from the state names, such as B ([[Free State of Brunswick|Brunswick]]), HB (Bremen), HH (Hamburg), and HL ([[Free City of Lübeck|Lübeck]]), the latter three used again for the same entities since 1956. Other bigger cities: IV B Baden (Heidelberg, Mannheim, Karlsruhe, Freiburg, Lake Constance), II N cities of [[Nuremberg]] and [[Fürth]]. The Prussian provinces had the following prefixes: I E [[Province of Brandenburg]] (to a minor part now Poland), I C [[Province of East Prussia]] (now divided between Lithuania, Poland and Russia), I S [[Province of Hannover]], I T [[Province of Hesse-Nassau]] (Today Frankfurt, State of Hessen and neighboring counties), I L [[Province of Hohenzollern]], I Z [[Rhine Province]] (Cologne, Düsseldorf and other large cities in the Ruhr Area), I H [[Province of Pomerania (1815–1945)|Province of Pomerania]] (now prevailingly Poland), I Y [[Province of Posen]] (now Poland), I B Province of [[Posen-West Prussia]] (now Poland), I M [[Province of Saxony]], I P [[Province of Schleswig-Holstein]], I K [[Province of Silesia]] (now mostly Poland), I X [[Province of Westphalia]], and finally I D [[Province of West Prussia]] (now Poland).

During World War I the German Army was assigned the combination MK for "Militärkraftwagen des Deutschen Heeres", military vehicles of the German Army. After WWI, during the Weimar Republic, the German Army used RW for "Reichswehr".

During the Nazi regime (1933–1945) new combinations were issued: DR, [[Deutsche Reichsbahn]] (German state railway); OT, [[Organisation Todt]] (civil and military engineering); POL, Deutsche Polizei (police); RAD, [[Reichsarbeitsdienst]] (state labour service); RK, [[German Red Cross|Deutsches Rotes Kreuz]] (Red Cross); SS, [[Schutzstaffel]] ("protection squadron"); WH, [[Wehrmacht]] Heer (army); WL, Wehrmacht Luftwaffe (air force); WM, Wehrmacht Kriegsmarine (navy); WT, Wehrmacht Straßentransportdienst (army transport service).

From 1945 to 1956 there were lettering combinations assigned by the allied forces. Examples:
BY [[Bavaria|Bavaria (Bayern)]] 1946–1947, AB Bavaria (American Zone, Bavaria) 1948–1956, B Bavaria 1950–1956.
HE [[Hesse]] 1946–1947, AH Hesse (American Zone, Hesse) 1948–1956, H Hesse, 1950–1956.
AW Württemberg-Baden 1948–1956, W Württemberg-Baden, 1950–1956, WB Württemberg-Baden 1950–1956.
БM (=BM, for motor bikes) 1945–1946, ГФ (=GF; cars, lorries, and busses) Berlin 1945–1946, БГ (=BG; cars, lorries, and busses) Berlin 1945–1947, ГM (=GM, for motor bikes) Berlin 1945–1947, KB Berlin 1947–1948, GB East-Berlin 1948–1953, KB West-Berlin 1948-1956.
MGH Hamburg 1945, H Hamburg 1945–1947, HG Hamburg 1947, BH Hamburg 1948–1956.
BD Baden 1945–1949, FB Baden 1949–1956.
WT Württemberg-Hohenzollern 1945–1949, FW Württemberg-Hohenzollern 1949–1956.

In July 1956 the current system was introduced in then West Germany, replacing the post-war system which was based on [[Allied Occupation Zones in Germany|occupation zones]].

As West German districts were extensively rearranged in the early 1970s, many prefix codes expired and new ones were created at that time. However, number plates issued before these rearrangements remain valid, providing the vehicle is still in use and has not been reregistered since. So it was still possible, if rare, to see a [[classic car]] with registration codes of administrative units that have not existed for over 30 years (e.g. EIN = [[Einbeck]]). Since November 2012 some districts allow reissuing on request of these expired prefix codes, e.g. instead of WES- in the district of Wesel, MO- as used for the former district of Moers and DIN- as used for the former district of Dinslaken.

When originally planned, the system included codes for districts in Eastern Germany which were to be reserved until [[German reunification|reunification]]. That included the territory of the [[German Democratic Republic|GDR]] as well as the territories [[Oder-Neisse line|annexed]] to [[Poland]] and the [[Soviet Union]] after [[World War II]], which West Germany's government still claimed in that era until about 1970. When reunification came in 1990, the reserved codes (e.g. P for [[Potsdam]]) were indeed issued to East German districts as originally planned and as they existed at that time. However, districts in East Germany were rearranged again in the mid-1990s, thus many of these codes have expired, but can likewise still be seen on older vehicles.

One example of a reserved code being reused before reunification was the letter L which was originally planned for [[Leipzig]], but was given to the newly formed [[Hesse|Hessian]] city of [[Lahn, Hesse|Lahn]] and the district [[Lahn-Dill-Kreis]] in 1977 as hopes for reunification faded away. After the rather unexpected reunification the L was returned to the city of Leipzig and the Lahn-Dill-Kreis was issued with LDK instead.

Another reserved code was G for [[Gera]]. In the 1980s the West German TV series "Der Fahnder"[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088517/] G was an imaginary large city in the [[Ruhrgebiet]] area.

===Typeface===
Modern German plates use a typeface called [[FE-Schrift]] ("fälschungserschwerende Schrift", tamper-hindering script). It is designed so that the ''O'' cannot be painted to look like a ''Q'', and vice versa; nor can the ''P'' be painted to resemble an ''R'', among other changes. This typeface can also more easily be read by [[optical character recognition]] software for [[automatic number plate recognition]] than the old [[DIN 1451]] script.

===Special codes===
Certain types of vehicle bear special codes:
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für historische Fahrzeuge (H-Kennzeichen).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Plate for vintage cars]]
* '''[[Classic car]]s''' (known in German by the [[pseudo-English]] expression ''Oldtimer'') can get an H (''historisch'', [[Antique vehicle registration|historic]]) at the end of the plate, such as ''[[Cologne|K]]-AA 100H'' in order to preserve the so-called "vehicle of cultural value" ("kraftfahrtechnisches Kulturgut"). It also includes a flat tax of appr. [[euro|€]]190 per year. It is popular to choose the digits so that they indicate the car's year of manufacture. The requirements for a vehicle for an H-Plate are:
**The first documented registration lies at least 30 years in the past.
**The car must be in mostly original and preservation worthy condition. Preservation worthy means a grade C by popular car grading standards. The older the car, the more signs of usage it can show. This purely concerns the car's appearance, the road worthiness is established by separate mandatory safety inspections. Universally accepted modifications include changes that benefit safety, such as seat belts and disc brakes, and environmental friendliness, such as catalytic converters and LPG conversions (if invisible from the outside). Further modifications that are generally accepted are those contemporary of the car's first registration (plus and minus 10 years, burden of proof lies with the owner through historic material such as photographs) and new paintjobs of any color, including two tone paint if originally offered and historic company logos, but no murals or custom patterns.
[[File:GERMANY, DACHAU motorcycle license plate seasonal - Flickr - woody1778a.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Seasonal number plate, registration valid from 1st March to 31st October of each year]]
* Cars (or more often, motorbikes) with '''seasonal number plates''' have two numbers at the end of the plate indicating the months between which they are registered to drive, with the licence being valid from the start of the upper month until the end of the lower month. This results in lower car taxes, as well lower insurance premiums.
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für Behördenfahrzeuge (Nummernbereich 3).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Official registered vehicle (here: fire brigade)]]
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für Behördenfahrzeuge (Nummernbereich 8).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Official registered vehicle for disaster relief]]
* Until the legal reforms of 2006, '''Official cars''' such as police, fire fighting and municipality vehicles did not carry a letter after the sticker, such as ''M-1234''. These included:
** vehicles of the district government: 1-199, 1000-1999, 10000-19999
** vehicles of the local government (for example: fire brigade): 200-299, 2000-2999, 20000-29999, 300-399
** police: 3000-3999, 7000-7999, 30000-39999, 70000-79999
** disaster relief (mostly changed "THW", see below): 8000-8999, 80000-89999

This style of plate is no longer issued, but many official vehicles which were registered before 2006 still carry this type of plate.

A similar style of issue is used by some municipalities to '''consular or diplomatic vehicles''' in the form Aaa-9NNn (example: D-921). Unlike the other style of diplomatic/consular plates issued in Berlin and Bonn, this plate does not indicate the nationality of the mission.

[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für steuerbefreite Fahrzeuge (grüne Schrift).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Plate for tax-exempt vehicles]]
* Vehicles which are '''exempt from vehicle taxes''' (for example [[ambulance]]s, [[tractor]]s, agricultural trailers, trailers for boats or trailers for gliders) have green print on a white background plate. Regular trailers for lorries can be exempted from tax if the owner agrees to pay an increased tax on the vehicle which tows the trailer. There is also a tax exemption for trailers for which the owner agrees to hand over his trailer without payment to the armed forces (if Germany is in a state of emergency or defence).
[[File:Deutsches Kurzzeit-KFZ-Kennzeichen.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Special temporary plate for vehicles in Germany (Kurzzeit-Kennzeichen)]]
* Vehicles which have '''not been registered''' (because they are for transfer within Germany) have to carry short-term plates valid only for five days. The code starts with the numbers ''04'', e.g. ''DD-04000'', and the plate has a yellow strip on the right showing when they are valid. The date is listed numerically, on three lines, reading day, month, year, with two digits each. The vehicle need not have a valid technical inspection, however it must be technically fit to be operated in public. Insurance premiums are quite high, appr. [[euro|€]]100 for the above-mentioned 5 days. Most insurance companies credit this premium if the car is registered as a normal car with the same insurance company after these 5 days.
[[File:Rotes DIN-Kennzeichen 06.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Special plate (red colour, old DIN-style) for dealer's cars for test drives. (Registration office: Würzburg)]]
* '''[[Car dealership|Car dealer]]s'''' plates are in red print on a white background, and the code begins with ''06''. Red plates may be attached to cars which are changing hands, such as the test run of unregistered cars, and the [[liability insurance]] is connected to the plate, not a specific car.
* '''Car collectors''': Red plates starting with the number 07 are reserved for collectors of vintage cars. Originally, vintage cars had a required minimum age of 20 years from first registering. Since April 2007 onwards the required minimum age has been 30 years. Plates issued under the old 20 years rule remained valid after this date. The collectors must get an official certificate of approval (such as no criminal records). They are allowed to use one set of plates on any of their cars under the condition that they keep a strict record of use. No day-to-day use of the cars is allowed. A valid official technical inspection is not mandatory but the cars have to be technical fit for use on public roads.
[[File:Deutsche Ausfuhr-Kfz-Kennzeichen (Export).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Special plate for vehicles to be exported (Ausfuhrkennzeichen)]]
[[File:License plate of Germany for export vehicles.png|thumb|200px|right|Former special plate for vehicles to be exported (Zollkennzeichen) - no longer in use. It was replaced by the Ausfuhrkennzeichen in the 1980s]]
*'''Export plates''' (also known as "Ausfuhrkennzeichen", customs plates) are used for exporting vehicles abroad. The plates are the only ones which do not have the blue Euro strip on the left and the owner does not have to be a German resident to register the car. The date on the red strip on the right hand side does not show the expiration date of the plate; instead it shows the expiration date of the vehicle insurance. After this date the vehicle must have left Germany.
[[File:Deutsches Diplomatenkennzeichen (Indonesien).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Diplomatic plate (Indonesian embassy in Berlin)]]
[[File:Licenseplate of limousine.png|thumb|200px|Plate of the German Chancellor]]
* '''Diplomatic plates''': plates of cars covered by [[diplomatic immunity]] have the digit ''0'' (Zero) on the left instead of the registration location code.
*'''Highest state offices:''' The [[President of Germany|President]] uses the license plate 0-1, the [[Chancellor of Germany (Federal Republic)|Chancellor]] uses 0-2, the [[Minister for Foreign Affairs (Germany)|Foreign Minister]] uses 0-3 and the ''First [[Secretary of State#Germany|State Secretary]] of the [[Foreign Office (Germany)|Foreign Office]]'' (i.e. the Foreign Minister's deputy) uses 0-4. The [[President of the Bundestag|President of the Parliament]] uses 1-1. This reflects the fact that the Parliament's President is not part of the executive branch but still ranks higher in (symbolic) importance than the Chancellor. These vehicles are tax-exempt and need not to be insured since the German government acts as insurer.
[[File:Deutsches Bundeswehr-Kfz-Kennzeichen.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Bundeswehr (armed forces)]]
* '''[[Bundeswehr|The military]]''' uses old style non-reflecting plates with a dash between the two circles. The German flag is shown, instead of the blue EU strip. Military plates use the letter ''Y'', rather than a city indicator (no German city name starts with a Y). After the ''Y'' comes a six-digit number (or five digits for motorcycles), for example ''Y-123456''. These vehicles are tax-exempt and need not to be insured since the German government acts as insurer. There is also no mandatory technical inspection required but the Armed Forces carry out a regular internal inspection on these vehicles similar to the official inspection.
* Military vehicles which are used by the '''[[Nato]] headquarters''' in Germany use the same design as the Y-plates except they carry the letter ''X'' followed by a four-digit number, for example ''X-1234''
[[File:Kfz-Kennzeichen THW.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Official registered vehicle for [[Technisches Hilfswerk]] (German Federal Agency for Technical Relief)]]
* Some branches of the '''federal government''' and '''[[States of Germany|federal state]] governments''' use the abbreviations of their names instead of a city code. Example: the [[Technisches Hilfswerk]] (German Federal Agency for Technical Relief) uses its abbreviation ''THW'', so the plates read ''THW-80000'', for example. All numbers on THW plates start either with the digit 8 or 9. Before the [[Deutsche Bundesbahn]] (''German National Railways'') and the [[Deutsche Bundespost|Deutsche '''B'''undes'''p'''ost]] (''Federal Post Office'') were privatised, they used the abbreviations ''DB'' and ''BP'' (e.g. ''DB-12345'', ''BP-12345''). The Wasser- und Schifffahrtsverwaltung des Bundes (''Federal Water and Ship Transport Authority'') uses '''BW''' followed by a digit identifying the region of the office (from 1=north to 7=south).
[[File:Deutsches Bundes-Kennzeichen BW6-602.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Wasser- und Schifffahrtsverwaltung des Bundes, here South Office in [[Würzburg]]]]
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für Bundespolizei.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Bundespolizei (Federal Police), code in use since 2005]]
* The '''[[German Federal Police|federal police]]''' uses the code ''BP'' instead of the local code. Before 2006 they used the code ''BG'' (former name: ''[[Bundesgrenzschutz|'''B'''undes'''g'''renzschutz]]'') (BG-#####), this old code remains still valid, only new vehicles will get the new "BP"-code.
* The '''[[North Rhine-Westphalia Police|Police]] of [[North Rhine-Westphalia]]''' uses ''NRW 4'', ''NRW 5'' and, for motorbikes, ''NRW 6'' as the local code. This is followed by a four-digit number (e.g. NRW 4-1960). ''4'', ''5'' and ''6'' stand for the State Ministry of the Interior.
*'''Light motorised vehicles''' such as mopeds and motorised wheelchairs are required to have a registration plate, see next section.

==Insurance plates==
[[File:Versicherungskennzeichen.jpg|thumb|Insurance plates; the colour of the letters is changed every year.]]
The ''{{lang|de|Versicherungskennzeichen}}'' ("insurance plate" ) used for mopeds and other small, low-power vehicles (such as vehicles for the physically handicapped, with a maximum speed of {{convert|50|km/h|disp=comma|abbr=on}}). The system is three digits on the top and three letters beneath. The number and the letters are chosen randomly so personalizing the plates is not possible. Plates are much smaller than the plates for normal cars and are only valid for one year from 1 March till the end of February the following year. Those plates are sold by insurance companies, so the fee included both the registration, and the cost of one year's insurance for the vehicle. There are four colours used: black, blue, green for normal plates, and red for temporary use, such as testing (very rare). The first three colours are changed every year in order to make it easy to see whether the vehicle has the correct plate and insurance.

:{| class="wikitable"
|+ Colours of the insurance plates from 1 March onwards of each year
! colspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | Colour
! colspan="9" style="text-align: center;" | Year
|-
| style="background-color: #0a0a0d;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 9005]] (''{{lang|de|Tiefschwarz}}'', Jet black)
| 1990
| 1993
| 1996
| 1999
| 2002
| 2005
| 2008
| 2011
| 2014
|-
| style="background-color: #3481b8;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 5012]] (''{{lang|de|Lichtblau}}'', Light blue)
| 1991
| 1994
| 1997
| 2000
| 2003
| 2006
| 2009
| 2012
| 2015
|-
| style="background-color: #3E753B;"| {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 6010]] (''{{lang|de|Grasgrün}}'', Grass green)
| 1992
| 1995
| 1998
| 2001
| 2004
| 2007
| 2010
| 2013
| '''2016'''
|}

==Emission, safety test and registration sticker==

Emission test (front plate) and vehicle safety test (rear plate) stickers were also attached to the plate before 2010, in which year the emission sticker became obsolete as the emission test was incorporated into the safety test and was not performed separately anymore. The expiration date can be figured out as follows: The year is in the centre of the sticker, and the stickers are attached with the month of expiration pointing upwards. The black marking on the side (near the 12) thus makes it easy for the police to see the expiration month from a distance. Like a clock, the marking shows the same position of a number on the face of a clock. For example, the black marking is on the left side, so it is the ninth month (or 9 o'clock) and hence the expiry date is 30 September. The six possible colors code for the year when the next safety test is due and repeat once a six-year period has passed.

The lower sticker is the official seal of registration. It always carries the seal of the respective German ''{{lang|de|[[States of Germany|Bundesland]]}}'' with the city or district of issuance being added in print. Some seals carry the German ''{{lang|de|[[Coat of arms of Germany|Bundesadler]]}}'' instead of a Bundesland's seal, such as numberplates used on [[Federal Police (Germany)|Bundespolizei]] vehicles.

All these stickers are specially treated to be easily transferred onto the licence plates, but hard to be removed without damaging the plate itself, making them relatively counterfeit-proof.

Cars found in a public place where the owner did not pay insurance for more than three months (as reported to the police by the insurance company) may get '''''{{lang|de|entstempelt}}''''', that means, '''unstamped''': The police will remove the state's official seal using a scratching tool (mostly a screwdriver), leaving the plate without a valid seal, and it will be illegal to even leave that car parked on public ground, unless insurance is paid and plates are fitted with a new official seal.

Once a plate is invalid, the seal of registration is defaced by a qualified officer. After that, the plates are often sold to collectors on online shopping sites, such as [[eBay]].

When owners choose to deregister their vehicle the officer at the local authority will want to see the license plates with defaced seals on them as proof that no legal plate with this identifier can be found in public anymore. For this purpose special machines are available for use at the office. Once defaced the plates may only be used legally on public roads for the one ride back to the owner's place.
This is the recommended procedure for selling a car. Alternatively the seller may hand out their car with valid license plates and papers still in their name to the new owner thus giving them the responsibility to register the car in their name shortly. In a scenario without a proper sales contract the seller may become liable when the buyer commits criminal acts related to the car or plates and thus it is generally not recommended to sell used cars with license plates.

Motorcycles carry only the rear plate.

<gallery>
File:Plakette Abgassonderuntersuchung.png | Emission test sticker (before 2010)
File:Plakette Hauptuntersuchung.svg | Safety test sticker
File:Zulassungsplakette Coburg.png | Registration seal ([[Coburg]], Bavaria)
File:Kfz-Kennzeichen Deutschland - Toepfchensiegel.jpg | Safety test and registration seal ([[Fürth]], Bavaria)
</gallery>

[[File:Defacedgermanplate.JPG|thumb|200px|right|Example of a defaced plate — notice how the bottom seal is completely gone, due to scraping. From [[Kronach]].]]
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Colours of the emission test (before 2010) and vehicle safety test stickers
! colspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | Colour
! colspan="8" style="text-align: center;" | Year
|-
| style="background-color: #dd7907;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 2000]] (''{{lang|de|Gelborange}}'', Yellow-orange)
| —
| 1979
| 1983
| 1989
| 1995
| 2001
| 2007
| 2013
|-
| style="background-color: #2874b2;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 5015]] (''{{lang|de|Himmelblau}}'', Sky blue)
| —
| 1978
| 1984
| 1990
| 1996
| 2002
| 2008
| 2014
|-
| style="background-color: #d9c022;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 1012]] (''{{lang|de|Zitronengelb}}'', Lemon yellow)
| —
| 1977
| 1985
| 1991
| 1997
| 2003
| 2009
| 2015
|-
| style="background-color: #8f4e35;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 8004]] (''{{lang|de|Kupferbraun}}'', Copper brown)
| 1974
| 1980
| 1986
| 1992
| 1998
| 2004
| 2010
| '''2016'''
|-
| style="background-color: #e1a6ad;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 3015]] (''{{lang|de|Hellrosa}}'', Light pink)
| 1975
| 1981
| 1987
| 1993
| 1999
| 2005
| 2011
| 2017
|-
| style="background-color: #48a43f;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 6018]] (''{{lang|de|Gelbgrün}}'', Yellow-green)
| 1976
| 1982
| 1988
| 1994
| 2000
| 2006
| 2012
| 2018
|}

==See also==
* [[Vehicle registration plates of the German Democratic Republic]]
* [[Vehicle registration plates of the United States Army in Germany]]
* ''[[:de:Liste aller Kfz-Kennzeichen der Bundesrepublik Deutschland|Liste aller Kfz-Kennzeichen der Bundesrepublik Deutschland]]'' {{de icon}} List of all registration codes issued under the current registration system
* ''[[:de:Liste der deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen, die nicht mehr ausgegeben werden|Liste der deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen, die nicht mehr ausgegeben werden]]'' {{de icon}} List of no longer issued registration codes
* ''[[:de:Liste der deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen (historisch)|Liste der deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen (historisch)]]'' {{de icon}} List of repealed registration codes
* ''[[:de:Liste der Kfz-Kennzeichen in Deutschland|Liste der Kfz-Kennzeichen in Deutschland]]'' {{de icon}} List of currently issued registration codes

==References==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|License plates of Germany}}
*[http://web.archive.org/web/20111221131141/http://www.theplateman.com/ German Number Plates], Also shows how they are made (saved 2011-12-21)
*[http://www.kennzeichengeschichte.de History of German license plates]
*[http://www.hegis.de/fed__rep__of_germany.htm More information about German car number plates and their history]
*[http://www.europeanplates.com/german-city-codes German City Codes, Complete City Code List]
*[http://www.license-plates.appspot.com Application to find which region/place in Germany the vehicle originates]
*[http://www.platesmania.com/de/ Photos of license plates of Germany]

{{Vehicle registration plates of Europe}}

[[Category:Vehicle registration plates by country|Germany]]
[[Category:Road transport in Germany]]

Vehicle registration plates of Germany

2016-01-03T23:52:08Z

Harry8: /* History */ July 1956

{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2014}}
'''German vehicle registration plates''' (''Kraftfahrzeug-Kennzeichen'' or, more colloquially, ''Nummernschilder'') indicate the place where the vehicle bearing them was once registered. Whenever German owners of a motor vehicle change their main place of residence within [[Germany]] or buy a car from a person living in a different city or [[Districts of Germany|county]] they have to have the vehicle documentation changed accordingly. In the process owners may opt for new license plates that reflect their place of residence or simply retain the old identifier and plates. The states of [[Hesse]], [[Schleswig-Holstein]], [[Brandenburg]], [[Saxony]], [[Thuringia]] and [[North Rhine-Westphalia]] were the first ones to create laws so that owners were not obliged anymore to change license plates if they were changing residence within the respective state. A nationwide law has since been passed by the federal government and it comes into effect on January 1, 2015.<ref>
{{cite web |url=http://www.vz-nrw.de/energie-und-verkehr#kfzkennzeichenhhauchfuerfrankfurter |title=Kfz-Kennzeichen: HH auch für Frankfurter |accessdate=2014-12-09 |author=Verbraucherzentrale Nordrhein-Westfalen e.V. |date=2014-12-02 }}
</ref> From this time on, it is generally not possible anymore to tell the owner's place of residence just from looking at the plates.

The option to be assigned temporary plates allows owners a financial saving in the case they have vehicles (e.g. motorcycles) which they intend to drive only during one particular part of the year. While temporary plates can only be used for the time printed on them and new ones have to be assigned and bought if the vehicle is supposed to be on public roads later on there is no need to renew regular plates periodically. German motor vehicle tax is paid independently of the license plates by annual direct debit from a bank account.

As of 2007, new number plates normally cost around €30, while the cost of de-registering a vehicle and re-registering it with new plates is between €10 and €40. The license plates themselves are not made by the registration office but by independent for-profit stores that are usually located in the same building as the registration office or close by. Upon successful registration the applicant is merely given a slip of paper with the assigned number that can be presented at any store that makes plates. Sometimes there are several stores in the vicinity of the registration office with prices for plates dropping the further the store is away from the registration office. Once the plates are made, which is a matter of minutes, the owner must return to the registration office with them, pay the costs for registration and then the required registration seal and safety test stickers are applied to the plates making them legal for use in traffic.

If ownership of a vehicle is permanently transferred to a new owner who lives in the same city/region then the registration number may remain unchanged. Administration fees are, however, still payable in respect of the necessary changes to the vehicle's official documentation. Many people however will change the license plates even if it is not necessary in order to personalize them.

==Format==
[[File:KFZmod.png|thumb|200px|right|The post-1994 German number plate format (FE-style)]]
[[File:Plate-KA-RR232.JPG|thumb|200px|right|The pre-1994 German number plate format (DIN-style), no longer issued but still in use.]]
[[File:Kfz-Kennzeichen in Deutschland.svg|thumb|300 px|Map of German districts and their license plate codes]]
The present German number plate format has been in use since 1994. As with many plates for countries within the [[European Union]], a blue strip on the left shows a shortened [[List of international vehicle registration codes|country code]] in white text ('''D''' for ''Deutschland'' = Germany) and the [[Flag of Europe]] (12 golden stars forming a circle on a blue background).

The rest of the license plate uses black print on a white background. Just after the country code strip is a one, two or three letter abbreviation, which represents the city or region where the car was registered, such as B for [[Berlin]]. These letters formerly coincide with the [[Districts of Germany|German districts]]. Since 2013 the letters were extended to former districts ([http://www.kfz.de/autokennzeichen/autokennzeichen_deutschland/ complete list]). In some cases an [[Urban districts of Germany|urban district]] and the surrounding non-urban district share the same letter code. Where this happens, the number of the following letters and digits is usually different. For example, the urban district of [[Straubing]] (SR) has one letter after the code (SR - A 123). The surrounding district [[Straubing-Bogen]] has two letters (SR - AB 123) after the code. However, these different systems are being used in fewer cases, as many cities that share their code with the surrounding rural districts have started using all codes for both districts without any distinction; the city of [[Regensburg]], for example, and the surrounding [[Regensburg (district)|rural district Regensburg]] used different systems only until 2007.

The number of letters in the city/region prefix code mostly reflects the size of the district. The basic idea was to even out the number of digits on all license plates, because the largest districts would have more digits after the prefix for more cars. The largest German cities generally only have one letter codes (B=[[Berlin]], M=[[Munich]], K=[[Cologne]] (''Köln''), F=[[Frankfurt]], L=[[Leipzig]], S=[[Stuttgart]]), most other districts in Germany have two or three letter codes. Therefore, cities or districts with fewer letters are generally assumed to be bigger and more important. Reflecting that, most districts tried to get a combination with fewer letters for their prefix code. {{cn|date=November 2015}}

Districts in eastern Germany usually have more letters, for two reasons: {{cn|date=November 2015}}
* Fewer people live in eastern German districts, so the number of cars registered is smaller and hence the use of three letter codes.
* With the introduction of the current system on 1 July 1956 in then West Germany including [[West Berlin|Berlin (West)]], letters had been reserved for all east German districts of that time. However, a lot of those districts were changed over the years, and in 1990 after [[German reunification]], many of the possible shorter combinations had already been used up in western Germany.

There are a number of exceptions e.g. Germany's second largest city [[Hamburg]] (HH, Hansestadt Hamburg, because of its historical membership in the [[Hanseatic League]], reflected already in its prefix used between 1906 and 1945). Similar is the case of the cities of [[Bremen]] and [[Bremerhaven]], forming the state [[Bremen (state)|Free Hanseatic City of Bremen]], sharing the common prefix HB (1906–1947, and again since 1956), differentiated by the number of letters and digits added. {{cn|date=November 2015}}

In 1956 also [[Lübeck]] received its former prefix HL, already used between 1906 and 1937, when its statehood was abolished. In analogy to these three northwestern cities, but without historical examples of formerly issued prefixes, four northeastern Hanseatic cities, [[Greifswald]], [[Rostock]], [[Stralsund]] and [[Wismar]], chose the prefixes HGW, HRO, HST and HWI, since the shorter HG ([[Hochtaunuskreis]], capital: Bad Homburg vor der Höhe), HR ([[Schwalm-Eder-Kreis]], capital: [[Homberg (Efze)]]), HS ([[Kreis Heinsberg]]) and HW (Kreis Halle in Westphalia) were already taken by west German districts.

More west German districts have prefixes derived from the names of their capitals: [[Ammerland]] (WST, after Westerstede), [[Dithmarschen]] (HEI, after Heide in Dithmarschen), [[Harburg (district)|Harburg]] (WL, after Winsen upon Luhe), [[Herzogtum Lauenburg]] (RZ, after Ratzeburg) etc.

The letter "G" was reserved for the east German city of [[Gera]], although it is much smaller than the west German [[Gelsenkirchen]] ("GE"). The letter "L" had been reserved for Leipzig, but in 1977 it was assigned to the newly formed city of [[Lahn, Hesse|Lahn]], and the rural district [[Lahn-Dill-Kreis]]. This casts some light on how unlikely a reunification was regarded at that time. In 1990, Leipzig claimed back the letter "L", and it was reassigned, and Lahn-Dill-Kreis had to change to LDK.

The reason for this scheme is however not to display size or location, but simply to have enough combinations available within the maximum length of eight characters per plate.

After the location name there are the round vehicle safety test and registration seal stickers (see below) placed on top of each other. The registration sticker is the bottom one. For vehicles that are required to bear a front and rear plate the front plate nowadays only features the registration seal sticker. Before 2010, in which year the emission test became a part of the vehicle safety test, the hexagonal emission test sticker was placed above it. The stickers are followed by one or two usually random letters and one to four usually random numbers. The total quantity of letters and numbers on the plate is never higher than eight. Identifiers consisting of one letter with low numbers are normally reserved for motorcycle use since there is less space for plates on these vehicles.

A problem with this scheme is that the space between geographic identifier and random letters is a significant character and must be considered when writing down a number. For example, B MW 555 is not the same number as BM W 555. The confusion can be avoided by writing a hyphen after the city code, as in the old number plates, like B-MW 555. For this reason, the police will always radio the location name and spell out the next letters using the German [[German phonetic alphabet|telephone alphabet]], which varies somewhat from the English one. Thus, B MW 555 would be radioed as "[[Berlin]], Martha, Wilhelm, fünf-fünf-fünf" and BM W 555 as "[[Rhein-Erft-Kreis|Bergheim]], Wilhelm, fünf-fünf-fünf".

[[File:Toyota Celica Gr.A 002.JPG|thumb|The Köln-based Toyota Team Europe prepared Celica GT-Four rally car with Köln (Cologne) license plate. Note the plate starts with "K".]]

For an extra charge of €10.20 car owners can also register a personalized identifier. Car owners can only choose the numbers or letters instead of the random ones at the end, provided of course they are not yet taken and not a prohibited combination. For example, people living in the town of Pirna might choose ''PIR-AT 77'', "Pirat" being the [[German language|German]] for "pirate". [[Kiel]] is one of few places (others are Brake (capital of the district of [[Wesermarsch]]), Cham, Daun, Emden, Halle, Hamm, Heide, Herne, Hof, Kleve, Kusel, Lauf, Lünen, Pirna, Plön, Regen, Rehau, Selb, Ulm, Unna and Wesel) where the number plate can be the city name: 'KI-EL'. In most cases of personalized plates people choose their initials and a number reflecting their birthdate. In this fashion fictional Mrs. Ulrike Mustermann, born May 2, 1965 and living in Essen would choose 'E UM 2565' for her car. Note that dates are given in the format DDMMYY in Germany.

Germany includes diacritical marks in the letters of some codes, that is the letters Ö and Ü. Such a thing is rarely done in other European countries, but also appears on regular [[Vehicle registration plates of Bosnia and Herzegovina|Bosnian]], [[Vehicle registration plates of Croatia|Croatian]] and [[Vehicle registration plates of Serbia|Serbian]](letters Č, Š and Ž), [[Vehicle registration plates of Finland|Åland registration plates]] (letter Å), as well as on [[Vehicle registration plates of Sweden#Personal plates|Swedish]] (letters Å, Ä and Ö) and [[Vehicle registration plates of Denmark|Danish]] (letters Å, Æ and Ø) personal registration plates. In Germany there are no two codes where the only difference is that one letter O and Q, the only pair of codes with the letters I and J is IL for Landkreis Ilmenau and JL for Landkreis Jerichower Land.

[[BMW]], owner of [[Mini (marque)|Mini]], registers all Mini press/marketing cars in the city of [[Minden]], which holds the code ''MI'', to get "MI-NI" number plates for the cars. BMW itself is based in Munich, yet "M-INI" plates are not possible to issue, as three letters after the district code are not permitted.

===Prohibited combinations===
Various combinations that could be considered politically unacceptable — mainly due to implications relating to [[Nazi Germany]] — are disallowed or otherwise avoided.<ref>[http://www.sueddeutsche.de/muenchen/behoerdenfehler-m-ah-ist-durchgerutscht-1.2683534 M-AH 8888 ist durchgerutscht] {{de icon}} ''[[Sueddeutsche Zeitung]]'', published: 9 October 2015, accessed: 9 October 2015</ref> The district [[Sächsische Schweiz]] used the name of its main town, Pirna, in its code ''PIR'', to avoid the use of ''[[Schutzstaffel|SS]]'', the name of the paramilitary organization; similarly ''[[Sturmabteilung|SA]]'' is also unused. Although between 1945 and 1949 the French occupation force used the combination SA followed by the double-digit numbers 01 to 08 for the then seven rural districts in the [[Saar (protectorate)|Saar Protectorate]] and its capital [[Saarbrücken]]. In 2004 in [[Nuremberg]], a car owner was refused a number plate beginning N-PD because of the connection to the political party the [[National Democratic Party of Germany|NPD]].{{Citation needed|date=January 2010}} The combinations [[Starnberg (district)|STA]]-SI, [[Dithmarschen|HEI]]-L, [[Steinburg|IZ]]-AN and [[Warendorf|WAF]]-FE are also avoided, to avoid association with [[Stasi]], the [[Nazi salute]], NAZI backwards and the [[Luftwaffe]] respectively..

[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen mit Erkennungsnummer NS.jpg||thumb|200px|right|Example of banned combination (NS) which was issued accidentally.]]
Banned combinations also include the Nazi abbreviations HJ (''Hitlerjugend'', [[Hitler Youth]]), NS (''Nationalsozialismus'', [[Nazism|National Socialism]]), SA (''[[Sturmabteilung]]''), SS (''[[Schutzstaffel]]''), KZ (''Konzentrationslager'', [[Internment|concentration camp]]) and often SD (''[[Sicherheitsdienst]]''). Some registration offices have overlooked this rule by mistake, however, and there are a few cars registered carrying prohibited codes, such as ''B-SS 12''. Some counties also allow these combinations if they are the initials of the owner (e.g., '''N'''orbert '''S'''chmidt might be able to get XX-NS 1234), but in this case, if the car is sold and re-registered in the same county by the new owner, the number can be changed (otherwise the number stays with the car until it registered in a different area). However, the combination ''HH'' (which could be interpreted as ''[[Nazi salute|Heil Hitler]]'') is used for the city of [[Hamburg]], first introduced in 1906. It stands for the city's title ''Hansestadt Hamburg'' ([[Hanseatic League|Hanseatic]] City of Hamburg). The combination ''AH'' (which could be interpreted as ''[[Adolf Hitler]]'') is used for the district of Borken. It is derived from [[Ahaus]] that had an own district until 1974.

In Brandenburg no new plates that are related to Hitler, the Hitler salute, other [[Nazi symbolism|Nazi symbols]], etc. can be issued, especially plates that have digits 1888, 8818, 8888 or ending in 88, 888, 188. The combinations AH 18 and HH 18 cannot also be issued to new owners.<ref>{{cite news|title=Verschärfte Regeln gegen Nazi-Autokennzeichen|trans-title=Stricter rules against Nazi plates|url=http://www.rp-online.de/panorama/deutschland/verschaerfte-regeln-gegen-nazi-autokennzeichen-aid-1.2003785|work=Rheinische Post|date=18 September 2010|language=German}}</ref>

Other combinations affected are [[Burglengenfeld|BUL]]-LE,<ref>{{cite news|title=Autokennzeichen "BUL-LE" aus dem Verkehr gezogen|trans-title=Car plate sign "BUL-LE" withdrawn from circulation|url=http://www.welt.de/regionales/muenchen/article118973436/Autokennzeichen-BUL-LE-aus-dem-Verkehr-gezogen.html|work=Die Welt|date=13 August 2013|language=German}}</ref> [[Moers|MO]]-RD<ref>{{cite news|title=30 Moerser wollten Kennzeichen MO-RD|trans-title=30 Moers people wanted plate "MO-RD"|url=http://www.rp-online.de/nrw/staedte/moers/30-moerser-wollten-kennzeichen-mo-rd-aid-1.3066626|work=Rheinische Post|date=13 November 2012|language=German}}</ref> and [[Siegburg|SU]]-FF.<ref>{{cite web|title=Wunschkennzeichen Rhein-Sieg-Kreis|url=https://195.243.129.188/igv/servlet/Internetgeschaeftsvorfaelle?AUFRUF=WKZ_RSK|language=German}}</ref>

===History===
The first German licence plates that had a lettering plan were issued from 1906 onwards. Berlin for example was using I A (I for Prussia), Munich II A (II for Bavaria), Stuttgart III A (III for [[Free People's State of Württemberg|Württemberg]]). Other German states used further Roman numbers such as IV ([[Republic of Baden|Baden]]), V ([[People's State of Hesse|Hesse]]), and VI ([[Alsace-Lorraine]]; now France). Many states used prefixes derived from the state names, such as B ([[Free State of Brunswick|Brunswick]]), HB (Bremen), HH (Hamburg), and HL ([[Free City of Lübeck|Lübeck]]), the latter three used again for the same entities since 1956. Other bigger cities: IV B Baden (Heidelberg, Mannheim, Karlsruhe, Freiburg, Lake Constance), II N cities of [[Nuremberg]] and [[Fürth]]. The Prussian provinces had the following prefixes: I E [[Province of Brandenburg]] (to a minor part now Poland), I C [[Province of East Prussia]] (now divided between Lithuania, Poland and Russia), I S [[Province of Hannover]], I T [[Province of Hesse-Nassau]] (Today Frankfurt, State of Hessen and neighboring counties), I L [[Province of Hohenzollern]], I Z [[Rhine Province]] (Cologne, Düsseldorf and other large cities in the Ruhr Area), I H [[Province of Pomerania (1815–1945)|Province of Pomerania]] (now prevailingly Poland), I Y [[Province of Posen]] (now Poland), I B Province of [[Posen-West Prussia]] (now Poland), I M [[Province of Saxony]], I P [[Province of Schleswig-Holstein]], I K [[Province of Silesia]] (now mostly Poland), I X [[Province of Westphalia]], and finally I D [[Province of West Prussia]] (now Poland).

During World War I the German Army was assigned the combination MK for "Militärkraftwagen des Deutschen Heeres", military vehicles of the German Army. After WWI, during the Weimar Republic, the German Army used RW for "Reichswehr".

During the Nazi regime (1933–1945) new combinations were issued: DR, [[Deutsche Reichsbahn]] (German state railway); OT, [[Organisation Todt]] (civil and military engineering); POL, Deutsche Polizei (police); RAD, [[Reichsarbeitsdienst]] (state labour service); RK, [[German Red Cross|Deutsches Rotes Kreuz]] (Red Cross); SS, [[Schutzstaffel]] ("protection squadron"); WH, [[Wehrmacht]] Heer (army); WL, Wehrmacht Luftwaffe (air force); WM, Wehrmacht Kriegsmarine (navy); WT, Wehrmacht Straßentransportdienst (army transport service).

From 1945 to 1956 there were lettering combinations assigned by the allied forces. Examples:
BY [[Bavaria|Bavaria (Bayern)]] 1946–1947, AB Bavaria (American Zone, Bavaria) 1948–1956, B Bavaria 1950–1956.
HE [[Hesse]] 1946–1947, AH Hesse (American Zone, Hesse) 1948–1956, H Hesse, 1950–1956.
AW Württemberg-Baden 1948–1956, W Württemberg-Baden, 1950–1956, WB Württemberg-Baden 1950–1956.
БM (=BM, for motor bikes) 1945–1946, ГФ (=GF; cars, lorries, and busses) Berlin 1945–1946, БГ (=BG; cars, lorries, and busses) Berlin 1945–1947, ГM (=GM, for motor bikes) Berlin 1945–1947, KB Berlin 1947–1948, GB East-Berlin 1948–1953, KB West-Berlin 1948-1956.
MGH Hamburg 1945, H Hamburg 1945–1947, HG Hamburg 1947, BH Hamburg 1948–1956.
BD Baden 1945–1949, FB Baden 1949–1956.
WT Württemberg-Hohenzollern 1945–1949, FW Württemberg-Hohenzollern 1949–1956.

In July 1956 the current system was introduced in then West Germany, replacing the post-war system which was based on [[Allied Occupation Zones in Germany|occupation zones]].

As West German districts were extensively rearranged in the early 1970s, many prefix codes expired and new ones were created at that time. However, number plates issued before these rearrangements remain valid, providing the vehicle is still in use and has not been reregistered since. So it was still possible, if rare, to see a [[classic car]] with registration codes of administrative units that have not existed for over 30 years (e.g. EIN = [[Einbeck]]). Since November 2012 some districts allow reissuing on request of these expired prefix codes, e.g. instead of WES- in the district of Wesel, MO- as used for the former district of Moers.

When originally planned, the system included codes for districts in Eastern Germany which were to be reserved until [[German reunification|reunification]]. That included the territory of the [[German Democratic Republic|GDR]] as well as the territories [[Oder-Neisse line|annexed]] to [[Poland]] and the [[Soviet Union]] after [[World War II]], which West Germany's government still claimed in that era until about 1970. When reunification came in 1990, the reserved codes (e.g. P for [[Potsdam]]) were indeed issued to East German districts as originally planned and as they existed at that time. However, districts in East Germany were rearranged again in the mid-1990s, thus many of these codes have expired, but can likewise still be seen on older vehicles.

One example of a reserved code being reused before reunification was the letter L which was originally planned for [[Leipzig]], but was given to the newly formed [[Hesse|Hessian]] city of [[Lahn, Hesse|Lahn]] and the district [[Lahn-Dill-Kreis]] in 1977 as hopes for reunification faded away. After the rather unexpected reunification the L was returned to the city of Leipzig and the Lahn-Dill-Kreis was issued with LDK instead.

Another reserved code was G for [[Gera]]. In the 1980s the West German TV series "Der Fahnder"[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088517/] G was an imaginary large city in the [[Ruhrgebiet]] area.

===Typeface===
Modern German plates use a typeface called [[FE-Schrift]] ("fälschungserschwerende Schrift", tamper-hindering script). It is designed so that the ''O'' cannot be painted to look like a ''Q'', and vice versa; nor can the ''P'' be painted to resemble an ''R'', among other changes. This typeface can also more easily be read by [[optical character recognition]] software for [[automatic number plate recognition]] than the old [[DIN 1451]] script.

===Special codes===
Certain types of vehicle bear special codes:
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für historische Fahrzeuge (H-Kennzeichen).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Plate for vintage cars]]
* '''[[Classic car]]s''' (known in German by the [[pseudo-English]] expression ''Oldtimer'') can get an H (''historisch'', [[Antique vehicle registration|historic]]) at the end of the plate, such as ''[[Cologne|K]]-AA 100H'' in order to preserve the so-called "vehicle of cultural value" ("kraftfahrtechnisches Kulturgut"). It also includes a flat tax of appr. [[euro|€]]190 per year. It is popular to choose the digits so that they indicate the car's year of manufacture. The requirements for a vehicle for an H-Plate are:
**The first documented registration lies at least 30 years in the past.
**The car must be in mostly original and preservation worthy condition. Preservation worthy means a grade C by popular car grading standards. The older the car, the more signs of usage it can show. This purely concerns the car's appearance, the road worthiness is established by separate mandatory safety inspections. Universally accepted modifications include changes that benefit safety, such as seat belts and disc brakes, and environmental friendliness, such as catalytic converters and LPG conversions (if invisible from the outside). Further modifications that are generally accepted are those contemporary of the car's first registration (plus and minus 10 years, burden of proof lies with the owner through historic material such as photographs) and new paintjobs of any color, including two tone paint if originally offered and historic company logos, but no murals or custom patterns.
[[File:GERMANY, DACHAU motorcycle license plate seasonal - Flickr - woody1778a.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Seasonal number plate, registration valid from 1st March to 31st October of each year]]
* Cars (or more often, motorbikes) with '''seasonal number plates''' have two numbers at the end of the plate indicating the months between which they are registered to drive, with the licence being valid from the start of the upper month until the end of the lower month. This results in lower car taxes, as well lower insurance premiums.
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für Behördenfahrzeuge (Nummernbereich 3).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Official registered vehicle (here: fire brigade)]]
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für Behördenfahrzeuge (Nummernbereich 8).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Official registered vehicle for disaster relief]]
* Until the legal reforms of 2006, '''Official cars''' such as police, fire fighting and municipality vehicles did not carry a letter after the sticker, such as ''M-1234''. These included:
** vehicles of the district government: 1-199, 1000-1999, 10000-19999
** vehicles of the local government (for example: fire brigade): 200-299, 2000-2999, 20000-29999, 300-399
** police: 3000-3999, 7000-7999, 30000-39999, 70000-79999
** disaster relief (mostly changed "THW", see below): 8000-8999, 80000-89999

This style of plate is no longer issued, but many official vehicles which were registered before 2006 still carry this type of plate.

A similar style of issue is used by some municipalities to '''consular or diplomatic vehicles''' in the form Aaa-9NNn (example: D-921). Unlike the other style of diplomatic/consular plates issued in Berlin and Bonn, this plate does not indicate the nationality of the mission.

[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für steuerbefreite Fahrzeuge (grüne Schrift).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Plate for tax-exempt vehicles]]
* Vehicles which are '''exempt from vehicle taxes''' (for example [[ambulance]]s, [[tractor]]s, agricultural trailers, trailers for boats or trailers for gliders) have green print on a white background plate. Regular trailers for lorries can be exempted from tax if the owner agrees to pay an increased tax on the vehicle which tows the trailer. There is also a tax exemption for trailers for which the owner agrees to hand over his trailer without payment to the armed forces (if Germany is in a state of emergency or defence).
[[File:Deutsches Kurzzeit-KFZ-Kennzeichen.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Special temporary plate for vehicles in Germany (Kurzzeit-Kennzeichen)]]
* Vehicles which have '''not been registered''' (because they are for transfer within Germany) have to carry short-term plates valid only for five days. The code starts with the numbers ''04'', e.g. ''DD-04000'', and the plate has a yellow strip on the right showing when they are valid. The date is listed numerically, on three lines, reading day, month, year, with two digits each. The vehicle need not have a valid technical inspection, however it must be technically fit to be operated in public. Insurance premiums are quite high, appr. [[euro|€]]100 for the above-mentioned 5 days. Most insurance companies credit this premium if the car is registered as a normal car with the same insurance company after these 5 days.
[[File:Rotes DIN-Kennzeichen 06.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Special plate (red colour, old DIN-style) for dealer's cars for test drives. (Registration office: Würzburg)]]
* '''[[Car dealership|Car dealer]]s'''' plates are in red print on a white background, and the code begins with ''06''. Red plates may be attached to cars which are changing hands, such as the test run of unregistered cars, and the [[liability insurance]] is connected to the plate, not a specific car.
* '''Car collectors''': Red plates starting with the number 07 are reserved for collectors of vintage cars. Originally, vintage cars had a required minimum age of 20 years from first registering. Since April 2007 onwards the required minimum age has been 30 years. Plates issued under the old 20 years rule remained valid after this date. The collectors must get an official certificate of approval (such as no criminal records). They are allowed to use one set of plates on any of their cars under the condition that they keep a strict record of use. No day-to-day use of the cars is allowed. A valid official technical inspection is not mandatory but the cars have to be technical fit for use on public roads.
[[File:Deutsche Ausfuhr-Kfz-Kennzeichen (Export).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Special plate for vehicles to be exported (Ausfuhrkennzeichen)]]
[[File:License plate of Germany for export vehicles.png|thumb|200px|right|Former special plate for vehicles to be exported (Zollkennzeichen) - no longer in use. It was replaced by the Ausfuhrkennzeichen in the 1980s]]
*'''Export plates''' (also known as "Ausfuhrkennzeichen", customs plates) are used for exporting vehicles abroad. The plates are the only ones which do not have the blue Euro strip on the left and the owner does not have to be a German resident to register the car. The date on the red strip on the right hand side does not show the expiration date of the plate; instead it shows the expiration date of the vehicle insurance. After this date the vehicle must have left Germany.
[[File:Deutsches Diplomatenkennzeichen (Indonesien).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Diplomatic plate (Indonesian embassy in Berlin)]]
[[File:Licenseplate of limousine.png|thumb|200px|Plate of the German Chancellor]]
* '''Diplomatic plates''': plates of cars covered by [[diplomatic immunity]] have the digit ''0'' (Zero) on the left instead of the registration location code.
*'''Highest state offices:''' The [[President of Germany|President]] uses the license plate 0-1, the [[Chancellor of Germany (Federal Republic)|Chancellor]] uses 0-2, the [[Minister for Foreign Affairs (Germany)|Foreign Minister]] uses 0-3 and the ''First [[Secretary of State#Germany|State Secretary]] of the [[Foreign Office (Germany)|Foreign Office]]'' (i.e. the Foreign Minister's deputy) uses 0-4. The [[President of the Bundestag|President of the Parliament]] uses 1-1. This reflects the fact that the Parliament's President is not part of the executive branch but still ranks higher in (symbolic) importance than the Chancellor. These vehicles are tax-exempt and need not to be insured since the German government acts as insurer.
[[File:Deutsches Bundeswehr-Kfz-Kennzeichen.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Bundeswehr (armed forces)]]
* '''[[Bundeswehr|The military]]''' uses old style non-reflecting plates with a dash between the two circles. The German flag is shown, instead of the blue EU strip. Military plates use the letter ''Y'', rather than a city indicator (no German city name starts with a Y). After the ''Y'' comes a six-digit number (or five digits for motorcycles), for example ''Y-123456''. These vehicles are tax-exempt and need not to be insured since the German government acts as insurer. There is also no mandatory technical inspection required but the Armed Forces carry out a regular internal inspection on these vehicles similar to the official inspection.
* Military vehicles which are used by the '''[[Nato]] headquarters''' in Germany use the same design as the Y-plates except they carry the letter ''X'' followed by a four-digit number, for example ''X-1234''
[[File:Kfz-Kennzeichen THW.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Official registered vehicle for [[Technisches Hilfswerk]] (German Federal Agency for Technical Relief)]]
* Some branches of the '''federal government''' and '''[[States of Germany|federal state]] governments''' use the abbreviations of their names instead of a city code. Example: the [[Technisches Hilfswerk]] (German Federal Agency for Technical Relief) uses its abbreviation ''THW'', so the plates read ''THW-80000'', for example. All numbers on THW plates start either with the digit 8 or 9. Before the [[Deutsche Bundesbahn]] (''German National Railways'') and the [[Deutsche Bundespost|Deutsche '''B'''undes'''p'''ost]] (''Federal Post Office'') were privatised, they used the abbreviations ''DB'' and ''BP'' (e.g. ''DB-12345'', ''BP-12345''). The Wasser- und Schifffahrtsverwaltung des Bundes (''Federal Water and Ship Transport Authority'') uses '''BW''' followed by a digit identifying the region of the office (from 1=north to 7=south).
[[File:Deutsches Bundes-Kennzeichen BW6-602.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Wasser- und Schifffahrtsverwaltung des Bundes, here South Office in [[Würzburg]]]]
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für Bundespolizei.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Bundespolizei (Federal Police), code in use since 2005]]
* The '''[[German Federal Police|federal police]]''' uses the code ''BP'' instead of the local code. Before 2006 they used the code ''BG'' (former name: ''[[Bundesgrenzschutz|'''B'''undes'''g'''renzschutz]]'') (BG-#####), this old code remains still valid, only new vehicles will get the new "BP"-code.
* The '''[[North Rhine-Westphalia Police|Police]] of [[North Rhine-Westphalia]]''' uses ''NRW 4'', ''NRW 5'' and, for motorbikes, ''NRW 6'' as the local code. This is followed by a four-digit number (e.g. NRW 4-1960). ''4'', ''5'' and ''6'' stand for the State Ministry of the Interior.
*'''Light motorised vehicles''' such as mopeds and motorised wheelchairs are required to have a registration plate, see next section.

==Insurance plates==
[[File:Versicherungskennzeichen.jpg|thumb|Insurance plates; the colour of the letters is changed every year.]]
The ''{{lang|de|Versicherungskennzeichen}}'' ("insurance plate" ) used for mopeds and other small, low-power vehicles (such as vehicles for the physically handicapped, with a maximum speed of {{convert|50|km/h|disp=comma|abbr=on}}). The system is three digits on the top and three letters beneath. The number and the letters are chosen randomly so personalizing the plates is not possible. Plates are much smaller than the plates for normal cars and are only valid for one year from 1 March till the end of February the following year. Those plates are sold by insurance companies, so the fee included both the registration, and the cost of one year's insurance for the vehicle. There are four colours used: black, blue, green for normal plates, and red for temporary use, such as testing (very rare). The first three colours are changed every year in order to make it easy to see whether the vehicle has the correct plate and insurance.

:{| class="wikitable"
|+ Colours of the insurance plates from 1 March onwards of each year
! colspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | Colour
! colspan="9" style="text-align: center;" | Year
|-
| style="background-color: #0a0a0d;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 9005]] (''{{lang|de|Tiefschwarz}}'', Jet black)
| 1990
| 1993
| 1996
| 1999
| 2002
| 2005
| 2008
| 2011
| 2014
|-
| style="background-color: #3481b8;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 5012]] (''{{lang|de|Lichtblau}}'', Light blue)
| 1991
| 1994
| 1997
| 2000
| 2003
| 2006
| 2009
| 2012
| 2015
|-
| style="background-color: #3E753B;"| {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 6010]] (''{{lang|de|Grasgrün}}'', Grass green)
| 1992
| 1995
| 1998
| 2001
| 2004
| 2007
| 2010
| 2013
| '''2016'''
|}

==Emission, safety test and registration sticker==

Emission test (front plate) and vehicle safety test (rear plate) stickers were also attached to the plate before 2010, in which year the emission sticker became obsolete as the emission test was incorporated into the safety test and was not performed separately anymore. The expiration date can be figured out as follows: The year is in the centre of the sticker, and the stickers are attached with the month of expiration pointing upwards. The black marking on the side (near the 12) thus makes it easy for the police to see the expiration month from a distance. Like a clock, the marking shows the same position of a number on the face of a clock. For example, the black marking is on the left side, so it is the ninth month (or 9 o'clock) and hence the expiry date is 30 September. The six possible colors code for the year when the next safety test is due and repeat once a six-year period has passed.

The lower sticker is the official seal of registration. It always carries the seal of the respective German ''{{lang|de|[[States of Germany|Bundesland]]}}'' with the city or district of issuance being added in print. Some seals carry the German ''{{lang|de|[[Coat of arms of Germany|Bundesadler]]}}'' instead of a Bundesland's seal, such as numberplates used on [[Federal Police (Germany)|Bundespolizei]] vehicles.

All these stickers are specially treated to be easily transferred onto the licence plates, but hard to be removed without damaging the plate itself, making them relatively counterfeit-proof.

Cars found in a public place where the owner did not pay insurance for more than three months (as reported to the police by the insurance company) may get '''''{{lang|de|entstempelt}}''''', that means, '''unstamped''': The police will remove the state's official seal using a scratching tool (mostly a screwdriver), leaving the plate without a valid seal, and it will be illegal to even leave that car parked on public ground, unless insurance is paid and plates are fitted with a new official seal.

Once a plate is invalid, the seal of registration is defaced by a qualified officer. After that, the plates are often sold to collectors on online shopping sites, such as [[eBay]].

When owners choose to deregister their vehicle the officer at the local authority will want to see the license plates with defaced seals on them as proof that no legal plate with this identifier can be found in public anymore. For this purpose special machines are available for use at the office. Once defaced the plates may only be used legally on public roads for the one ride back to the owner's place.
This is the recommended procedure for selling a car. Alternatively the seller may hand out their car with valid license plates and papers still in their name to the new owner thus giving them the responsibility to register the car in their name shortly. In a scenario without a proper sales contract the seller may become liable when the buyer commits criminal acts related to the car or plates and thus it is generally not recommended to sell used cars with license plates.

Motorcycles carry only the rear plate.

<gallery>
File:Plakette Abgassonderuntersuchung.png | Emission test sticker (before 2010)
File:Plakette Hauptuntersuchung.svg | Safety test sticker
File:Zulassungsplakette Coburg.png | Registration seal ([[Coburg]], Bavaria)
File:Kfz-Kennzeichen Deutschland - Toepfchensiegel.jpg | Safety test and registration seal ([[Fürth]], Bavaria)
</gallery>

[[File:Defacedgermanplate.JPG|thumb|200px|right|Example of a defaced plate — notice how the bottom seal is completely gone, due to scraping. From [[Kronach]].]]
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Colours of the emission test (before 2010) and vehicle safety test stickers
! colspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | Colour
! colspan="8" style="text-align: center;" | Year
|-
| style="background-color: #dd7907;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 2000]] (''{{lang|de|Gelborange}}'', Yellow-orange)
| —
| 1979
| 1983
| 1989
| 1995
| 2001
| 2007
| 2013
|-
| style="background-color: #2874b2;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 5015]] (''{{lang|de|Himmelblau}}'', Sky blue)
| —
| 1978
| 1984
| 1990
| 1996
| 2002
| 2008
| 2014
|-
| style="background-color: #d9c022;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 1012]] (''{{lang|de|Zitronengelb}}'', Lemon yellow)
| —
| 1977
| 1985
| 1991
| 1997
| 2003
| 2009
| 2015
|-
| style="background-color: #8f4e35;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 8004]] (''{{lang|de|Kupferbraun}}'', Copper brown)
| 1974
| 1980
| 1986
| 1992
| 1998
| 2004
| 2010
| '''2016'''
|-
| style="background-color: #e1a6ad;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 3015]] (''{{lang|de|Hellrosa}}'', Light pink)
| 1975
| 1981
| 1987
| 1993
| 1999
| 2005
| 2011
| 2017
|-
| style="background-color: #48a43f;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 6018]] (''{{lang|de|Gelbgrün}}'', Yellow-green)
| 1976
| 1982
| 1988
| 1994
| 2000
| 2006
| 2012
| 2018
|}

==See also==
* [[Vehicle registration plates of the German Democratic Republic]]
* [[Vehicle registration plates of the United States Army in Germany]]
* ''[[:de:Liste aller Kfz-Kennzeichen der Bundesrepublik Deutschland|Liste aller Kfz-Kennzeichen der Bundesrepublik Deutschland]]'' {{de icon}} List of all registration codes issued under the current registration system
* ''[[:de:Liste der deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen, die nicht mehr ausgegeben werden|Liste der deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen, die nicht mehr ausgegeben werden]]'' {{de icon}} List of no longer issued registration codes
* ''[[:de:Liste der deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen (historisch)|Liste der deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen (historisch)]]'' {{de icon}} List of repealed registration codes
* ''[[:de:Liste der Kfz-Kennzeichen in Deutschland|Liste der Kfz-Kennzeichen in Deutschland]]'' {{de icon}} List of currently issued registration codes

==References==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|License plates of Germany}}
*[http://web.archive.org/web/20111221131141/http://www.theplateman.com/ German Number Plates], Also shows how they are made (saved 2011-12-21)
*[http://www.kennzeichengeschichte.de History of German license plates]
*[http://www.hegis.de/fed__rep__of_germany.htm More information about German car number plates and their history]
*[http://www.europeanplates.com/german-city-codes German City Codes, Complete City Code List]
*[http://www.license-plates.appspot.com Application to find which region/place in Germany the vehicle originates]
*[http://www.platesmania.com/de/ Photos of license plates of Germany]

{{Vehicle registration plates of Europe}}

[[Category:Vehicle registration plates by country|Germany]]
[[Category:Road transport in Germany]]

Vehicle registration plates of Germany

2016-01-03T23:51:36Z

Harry8: /* History */ November 2012

{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2014}}
'''German vehicle registration plates''' (''Kraftfahrzeug-Kennzeichen'' or, more colloquially, ''Nummernschilder'') indicate the place where the vehicle bearing them was once registered. Whenever German owners of a motor vehicle change their main place of residence within [[Germany]] or buy a car from a person living in a different city or [[Districts of Germany|county]] they have to have the vehicle documentation changed accordingly. In the process owners may opt for new license plates that reflect their place of residence or simply retain the old identifier and plates. The states of [[Hesse]], [[Schleswig-Holstein]], [[Brandenburg]], [[Saxony]], [[Thuringia]] and [[North Rhine-Westphalia]] were the first ones to create laws so that owners were not obliged anymore to change license plates if they were changing residence within the respective state. A nationwide law has since been passed by the federal government and it comes into effect on January 1, 2015.<ref>
{{cite web |url=http://www.vz-nrw.de/energie-und-verkehr#kfzkennzeichenhhauchfuerfrankfurter |title=Kfz-Kennzeichen: HH auch für Frankfurter |accessdate=2014-12-09 |author=Verbraucherzentrale Nordrhein-Westfalen e.V. |date=2014-12-02 }}
</ref> From this time on, it is generally not possible anymore to tell the owner's place of residence just from looking at the plates.

The option to be assigned temporary plates allows owners a financial saving in the case they have vehicles (e.g. motorcycles) which they intend to drive only during one particular part of the year. While temporary plates can only be used for the time printed on them and new ones have to be assigned and bought if the vehicle is supposed to be on public roads later on there is no need to renew regular plates periodically. German motor vehicle tax is paid independently of the license plates by annual direct debit from a bank account.

As of 2007, new number plates normally cost around €30, while the cost of de-registering a vehicle and re-registering it with new plates is between €10 and €40. The license plates themselves are not made by the registration office but by independent for-profit stores that are usually located in the same building as the registration office or close by. Upon successful registration the applicant is merely given a slip of paper with the assigned number that can be presented at any store that makes plates. Sometimes there are several stores in the vicinity of the registration office with prices for plates dropping the further the store is away from the registration office. Once the plates are made, which is a matter of minutes, the owner must return to the registration office with them, pay the costs for registration and then the required registration seal and safety test stickers are applied to the plates making them legal for use in traffic.

If ownership of a vehicle is permanently transferred to a new owner who lives in the same city/region then the registration number may remain unchanged. Administration fees are, however, still payable in respect of the necessary changes to the vehicle's official documentation. Many people however will change the license plates even if it is not necessary in order to personalize them.

==Format==
[[File:KFZmod.png|thumb|200px|right|The post-1994 German number plate format (FE-style)]]
[[File:Plate-KA-RR232.JPG|thumb|200px|right|The pre-1994 German number plate format (DIN-style), no longer issued but still in use.]]
[[File:Kfz-Kennzeichen in Deutschland.svg|thumb|300 px|Map of German districts and their license plate codes]]
The present German number plate format has been in use since 1994. As with many plates for countries within the [[European Union]], a blue strip on the left shows a shortened [[List of international vehicle registration codes|country code]] in white text ('''D''' for ''Deutschland'' = Germany) and the [[Flag of Europe]] (12 golden stars forming a circle on a blue background).

The rest of the license plate uses black print on a white background. Just after the country code strip is a one, two or three letter abbreviation, which represents the city or region where the car was registered, such as B for [[Berlin]]. These letters formerly coincide with the [[Districts of Germany|German districts]]. Since 2013 the letters were extended to former districts ([http://www.kfz.de/autokennzeichen/autokennzeichen_deutschland/ complete list]). In some cases an [[Urban districts of Germany|urban district]] and the surrounding non-urban district share the same letter code. Where this happens, the number of the following letters and digits is usually different. For example, the urban district of [[Straubing]] (SR) has one letter after the code (SR - A 123). The surrounding district [[Straubing-Bogen]] has two letters (SR - AB 123) after the code. However, these different systems are being used in fewer cases, as many cities that share their code with the surrounding rural districts have started using all codes for both districts without any distinction; the city of [[Regensburg]], for example, and the surrounding [[Regensburg (district)|rural district Regensburg]] used different systems only until 2007.

The number of letters in the city/region prefix code mostly reflects the size of the district. The basic idea was to even out the number of digits on all license plates, because the largest districts would have more digits after the prefix for more cars. The largest German cities generally only have one letter codes (B=[[Berlin]], M=[[Munich]], K=[[Cologne]] (''Köln''), F=[[Frankfurt]], L=[[Leipzig]], S=[[Stuttgart]]), most other districts in Germany have two or three letter codes. Therefore, cities or districts with fewer letters are generally assumed to be bigger and more important. Reflecting that, most districts tried to get a combination with fewer letters for their prefix code. {{cn|date=November 2015}}

Districts in eastern Germany usually have more letters, for two reasons: {{cn|date=November 2015}}
* Fewer people live in eastern German districts, so the number of cars registered is smaller and hence the use of three letter codes.
* With the introduction of the current system on 1 July 1956 in then West Germany including [[West Berlin|Berlin (West)]], letters had been reserved for all east German districts of that time. However, a lot of those districts were changed over the years, and in 1990 after [[German reunification]], many of the possible shorter combinations had already been used up in western Germany.

There are a number of exceptions e.g. Germany's second largest city [[Hamburg]] (HH, Hansestadt Hamburg, because of its historical membership in the [[Hanseatic League]], reflected already in its prefix used between 1906 and 1945). Similar is the case of the cities of [[Bremen]] and [[Bremerhaven]], forming the state [[Bremen (state)|Free Hanseatic City of Bremen]], sharing the common prefix HB (1906–1947, and again since 1956), differentiated by the number of letters and digits added. {{cn|date=November 2015}}

In 1956 also [[Lübeck]] received its former prefix HL, already used between 1906 and 1937, when its statehood was abolished. In analogy to these three northwestern cities, but without historical examples of formerly issued prefixes, four northeastern Hanseatic cities, [[Greifswald]], [[Rostock]], [[Stralsund]] and [[Wismar]], chose the prefixes HGW, HRO, HST and HWI, since the shorter HG ([[Hochtaunuskreis]], capital: Bad Homburg vor der Höhe), HR ([[Schwalm-Eder-Kreis]], capital: [[Homberg (Efze)]]), HS ([[Kreis Heinsberg]]) and HW (Kreis Halle in Westphalia) were already taken by west German districts.

More west German districts have prefixes derived from the names of their capitals: [[Ammerland]] (WST, after Westerstede), [[Dithmarschen]] (HEI, after Heide in Dithmarschen), [[Harburg (district)|Harburg]] (WL, after Winsen upon Luhe), [[Herzogtum Lauenburg]] (RZ, after Ratzeburg) etc.

The letter "G" was reserved for the east German city of [[Gera]], although it is much smaller than the west German [[Gelsenkirchen]] ("GE"). The letter "L" had been reserved for Leipzig, but in 1977 it was assigned to the newly formed city of [[Lahn, Hesse|Lahn]], and the rural district [[Lahn-Dill-Kreis]]. This casts some light on how unlikely a reunification was regarded at that time. In 1990, Leipzig claimed back the letter "L", and it was reassigned, and Lahn-Dill-Kreis had to change to LDK.

The reason for this scheme is however not to display size or location, but simply to have enough combinations available within the maximum length of eight characters per plate.

After the location name there are the round vehicle safety test and registration seal stickers (see below) placed on top of each other. The registration sticker is the bottom one. For vehicles that are required to bear a front and rear plate the front plate nowadays only features the registration seal sticker. Before 2010, in which year the emission test became a part of the vehicle safety test, the hexagonal emission test sticker was placed above it. The stickers are followed by one or two usually random letters and one to four usually random numbers. The total quantity of letters and numbers on the plate is never higher than eight. Identifiers consisting of one letter with low numbers are normally reserved for motorcycle use since there is less space for plates on these vehicles.

A problem with this scheme is that the space between geographic identifier and random letters is a significant character and must be considered when writing down a number. For example, B MW 555 is not the same number as BM W 555. The confusion can be avoided by writing a hyphen after the city code, as in the old number plates, like B-MW 555. For this reason, the police will always radio the location name and spell out the next letters using the German [[German phonetic alphabet|telephone alphabet]], which varies somewhat from the English one. Thus, B MW 555 would be radioed as "[[Berlin]], Martha, Wilhelm, fünf-fünf-fünf" and BM W 555 as "[[Rhein-Erft-Kreis|Bergheim]], Wilhelm, fünf-fünf-fünf".

[[File:Toyota Celica Gr.A 002.JPG|thumb|The Köln-based Toyota Team Europe prepared Celica GT-Four rally car with Köln (Cologne) license plate. Note the plate starts with "K".]]

For an extra charge of €10.20 car owners can also register a personalized identifier. Car owners can only choose the numbers or letters instead of the random ones at the end, provided of course they are not yet taken and not a prohibited combination. For example, people living in the town of Pirna might choose ''PIR-AT 77'', "Pirat" being the [[German language|German]] for "pirate". [[Kiel]] is one of few places (others are Brake (capital of the district of [[Wesermarsch]]), Cham, Daun, Emden, Halle, Hamm, Heide, Herne, Hof, Kleve, Kusel, Lauf, Lünen, Pirna, Plön, Regen, Rehau, Selb, Ulm, Unna and Wesel) where the number plate can be the city name: 'KI-EL'. In most cases of personalized plates people choose their initials and a number reflecting their birthdate. In this fashion fictional Mrs. Ulrike Mustermann, born May 2, 1965 and living in Essen would choose 'E UM 2565' for her car. Note that dates are given in the format DDMMYY in Germany.

Germany includes diacritical marks in the letters of some codes, that is the letters Ö and Ü. Such a thing is rarely done in other European countries, but also appears on regular [[Vehicle registration plates of Bosnia and Herzegovina|Bosnian]], [[Vehicle registration plates of Croatia|Croatian]] and [[Vehicle registration plates of Serbia|Serbian]](letters Č, Š and Ž), [[Vehicle registration plates of Finland|Åland registration plates]] (letter Å), as well as on [[Vehicle registration plates of Sweden#Personal plates|Swedish]] (letters Å, Ä and Ö) and [[Vehicle registration plates of Denmark|Danish]] (letters Å, Æ and Ø) personal registration plates. In Germany there are no two codes where the only difference is that one letter O and Q, the only pair of codes with the letters I and J is IL for Landkreis Ilmenau and JL for Landkreis Jerichower Land.

[[BMW]], owner of [[Mini (marque)|Mini]], registers all Mini press/marketing cars in the city of [[Minden]], which holds the code ''MI'', to get "MI-NI" number plates for the cars. BMW itself is based in Munich, yet "M-INI" plates are not possible to issue, as three letters after the district code are not permitted.

===Prohibited combinations===
Various combinations that could be considered politically unacceptable — mainly due to implications relating to [[Nazi Germany]] — are disallowed or otherwise avoided.<ref>[http://www.sueddeutsche.de/muenchen/behoerdenfehler-m-ah-ist-durchgerutscht-1.2683534 M-AH 8888 ist durchgerutscht] {{de icon}} ''[[Sueddeutsche Zeitung]]'', published: 9 October 2015, accessed: 9 October 2015</ref> The district [[Sächsische Schweiz]] used the name of its main town, Pirna, in its code ''PIR'', to avoid the use of ''[[Schutzstaffel|SS]]'', the name of the paramilitary organization; similarly ''[[Sturmabteilung|SA]]'' is also unused. Although between 1945 and 1949 the French occupation force used the combination SA followed by the double-digit numbers 01 to 08 for the then seven rural districts in the [[Saar (protectorate)|Saar Protectorate]] and its capital [[Saarbrücken]]. In 2004 in [[Nuremberg]], a car owner was refused a number plate beginning N-PD because of the connection to the political party the [[National Democratic Party of Germany|NPD]].{{Citation needed|date=January 2010}} The combinations [[Starnberg (district)|STA]]-SI, [[Dithmarschen|HEI]]-L, [[Steinburg|IZ]]-AN and [[Warendorf|WAF]]-FE are also avoided, to avoid association with [[Stasi]], the [[Nazi salute]], NAZI backwards and the [[Luftwaffe]] respectively..

[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen mit Erkennungsnummer NS.jpg||thumb|200px|right|Example of banned combination (NS) which was issued accidentally.]]
Banned combinations also include the Nazi abbreviations HJ (''Hitlerjugend'', [[Hitler Youth]]), NS (''Nationalsozialismus'', [[Nazism|National Socialism]]), SA (''[[Sturmabteilung]]''), SS (''[[Schutzstaffel]]''), KZ (''Konzentrationslager'', [[Internment|concentration camp]]) and often SD (''[[Sicherheitsdienst]]''). Some registration offices have overlooked this rule by mistake, however, and there are a few cars registered carrying prohibited codes, such as ''B-SS 12''. Some counties also allow these combinations if they are the initials of the owner (e.g., '''N'''orbert '''S'''chmidt might be able to get XX-NS 1234), but in this case, if the car is sold and re-registered in the same county by the new owner, the number can be changed (otherwise the number stays with the car until it registered in a different area). However, the combination ''HH'' (which could be interpreted as ''[[Nazi salute|Heil Hitler]]'') is used for the city of [[Hamburg]], first introduced in 1906. It stands for the city's title ''Hansestadt Hamburg'' ([[Hanseatic League|Hanseatic]] City of Hamburg). The combination ''AH'' (which could be interpreted as ''[[Adolf Hitler]]'') is used for the district of Borken. It is derived from [[Ahaus]] that had an own district until 1974.

In Brandenburg no new plates that are related to Hitler, the Hitler salute, other [[Nazi symbolism|Nazi symbols]], etc. can be issued, especially plates that have digits 1888, 8818, 8888 or ending in 88, 888, 188. The combinations AH 18 and HH 18 cannot also be issued to new owners.<ref>{{cite news|title=Verschärfte Regeln gegen Nazi-Autokennzeichen|trans-title=Stricter rules against Nazi plates|url=http://www.rp-online.de/panorama/deutschland/verschaerfte-regeln-gegen-nazi-autokennzeichen-aid-1.2003785|work=Rheinische Post|date=18 September 2010|language=German}}</ref>

Other combinations affected are [[Burglengenfeld|BUL]]-LE,<ref>{{cite news|title=Autokennzeichen "BUL-LE" aus dem Verkehr gezogen|trans-title=Car plate sign "BUL-LE" withdrawn from circulation|url=http://www.welt.de/regionales/muenchen/article118973436/Autokennzeichen-BUL-LE-aus-dem-Verkehr-gezogen.html|work=Die Welt|date=13 August 2013|language=German}}</ref> [[Moers|MO]]-RD<ref>{{cite news|title=30 Moerser wollten Kennzeichen MO-RD|trans-title=30 Moers people wanted plate "MO-RD"|url=http://www.rp-online.de/nrw/staedte/moers/30-moerser-wollten-kennzeichen-mo-rd-aid-1.3066626|work=Rheinische Post|date=13 November 2012|language=German}}</ref> and [[Siegburg|SU]]-FF.<ref>{{cite web|title=Wunschkennzeichen Rhein-Sieg-Kreis|url=https://195.243.129.188/igv/servlet/Internetgeschaeftsvorfaelle?AUFRUF=WKZ_RSK|language=German}}</ref>

===History===
The first German licence plates that had a lettering plan were issued from 1906 onwards. Berlin for example was using I A (I for Prussia), Munich II A (II for Bavaria), Stuttgart III A (III for [[Free People's State of Württemberg|Württemberg]]). Other German states used further Roman numbers such as IV ([[Republic of Baden|Baden]]), V ([[People's State of Hesse|Hesse]]), and VI ([[Alsace-Lorraine]]; now France). Many states used prefixes derived from the state names, such as B ([[Free State of Brunswick|Brunswick]]), HB (Bremen), HH (Hamburg), and HL ([[Free City of Lübeck|Lübeck]]), the latter three used again for the same entities since 1956. Other bigger cities: IV B Baden (Heidelberg, Mannheim, Karlsruhe, Freiburg, Lake Constance), II N cities of [[Nuremberg]] and [[Fürth]]. The Prussian provinces had the following prefixes: I E [[Province of Brandenburg]] (to a minor part now Poland), I C [[Province of East Prussia]] (now divided between Lithuania, Poland and Russia), I S [[Province of Hannover]], I T [[Province of Hesse-Nassau]] (Today Frankfurt, State of Hessen and neighboring counties), I L [[Province of Hohenzollern]], I Z [[Rhine Province]] (Cologne, Düsseldorf and other large cities in the Ruhr Area), I H [[Province of Pomerania (1815–1945)|Province of Pomerania]] (now prevailingly Poland), I Y [[Province of Posen]] (now Poland), I B Province of [[Posen-West Prussia]] (now Poland), I M [[Province of Saxony]], I P [[Province of Schleswig-Holstein]], I K [[Province of Silesia]] (now mostly Poland), I X [[Province of Westphalia]], and finally I D [[Province of West Prussia]] (now Poland).

During World War I the German Army was assigned the combination MK for "Militärkraftwagen des Deutschen Heeres", military vehicles of the German Army. After WWI, during the Weimar Republic, the German Army used RW for "Reichswehr".

During the Nazi regime (1933–1945) new combinations were issued: DR, [[Deutsche Reichsbahn]] (German state railway); OT, [[Organisation Todt]] (civil and military engineering); POL, Deutsche Polizei (police); RAD, [[Reichsarbeitsdienst]] (state labour service); RK, [[German Red Cross|Deutsches Rotes Kreuz]] (Red Cross); SS, [[Schutzstaffel]] ("protection squadron"); WH, [[Wehrmacht]] Heer (army); WL, Wehrmacht Luftwaffe (air force); WM, Wehrmacht Kriegsmarine (navy); WT, Wehrmacht Straßentransportdienst (army transport service).

From 1945 to 1956 there were lettering combinations assigned by the allied forces. Examples:
BY [[Bavaria|Bavaria (Bayern)]] 1946–1947, AB Bavaria (American Zone, Bavaria) 1948–1956, B Bavaria 1950–1956.
HE [[Hesse]] 1946–1947, AH Hesse (American Zone, Hesse) 1948–1956, H Hesse, 1950–1956.
AW Württemberg-Baden 1948–1956, W Württemberg-Baden, 1950–1956, WB Württemberg-Baden 1950–1956.
БM (=BM, for motor bikes) 1945–1946, ГФ (=GF; cars, lorries, and busses) Berlin 1945–1946, БГ (=BG; cars, lorries, and busses) Berlin 1945–1947, ГM (=GM, for motor bikes) Berlin 1945–1947, KB Berlin 1947–1948, GB East-Berlin 1948–1953, KB West-Berlin 1948-1956.
MGH Hamburg 1945, H Hamburg 1945–1947, HG Hamburg 1947, BH Hamburg 1948–1956.
BD Baden 1945–1949, FB Baden 1949–1956.
WT Württemberg-Hohenzollern 1945–1949, FW Württemberg-Hohenzollern 1949–1956.

In 1956 the current system was introduced in then West Germany, replacing the post-war system which was based on [[Allied Occupation Zones in Germany|occupation zones]].

As West German districts were extensively rearranged in the early 1970s, many prefix codes expired and new ones were created at that time. However, number plates issued before these rearrangements remain valid, providing the vehicle is still in use and has not been reregistered since. So it was still possible, if rare, to see a [[classic car]] with registration codes of administrative units that have not existed for over 30 years (e.g. EIN = [[Einbeck]]). Since November 2012 some districts allow reissuing on request of these expired prefix codes, e.g. instead of WES- in the district of Wesel, MO- as used for the former district of Moers.

When originally planned, the system included codes for districts in Eastern Germany which were to be reserved until [[German reunification|reunification]]. That included the territory of the [[German Democratic Republic|GDR]] as well as the territories [[Oder-Neisse line|annexed]] to [[Poland]] and the [[Soviet Union]] after [[World War II]], which West Germany's government still claimed in that era until about 1970. When reunification came in 1990, the reserved codes (e.g. P for [[Potsdam]]) were indeed issued to East German districts as originally planned and as they existed at that time. However, districts in East Germany were rearranged again in the mid-1990s, thus many of these codes have expired, but can likewise still be seen on older vehicles.

One example of a reserved code being reused before reunification was the letter L which was originally planned for [[Leipzig]], but was given to the newly formed [[Hesse|Hessian]] city of [[Lahn, Hesse|Lahn]] and the district [[Lahn-Dill-Kreis]] in 1977 as hopes for reunification faded away. After the rather unexpected reunification the L was returned to the city of Leipzig and the Lahn-Dill-Kreis was issued with LDK instead.

Another reserved code was G for [[Gera]]. In the 1980s the West German TV series "Der Fahnder"[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088517/] G was an imaginary large city in the [[Ruhrgebiet]] area.

===Typeface===
Modern German plates use a typeface called [[FE-Schrift]] ("fälschungserschwerende Schrift", tamper-hindering script). It is designed so that the ''O'' cannot be painted to look like a ''Q'', and vice versa; nor can the ''P'' be painted to resemble an ''R'', among other changes. This typeface can also more easily be read by [[optical character recognition]] software for [[automatic number plate recognition]] than the old [[DIN 1451]] script.

===Special codes===
Certain types of vehicle bear special codes:
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für historische Fahrzeuge (H-Kennzeichen).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Plate for vintage cars]]
* '''[[Classic car]]s''' (known in German by the [[pseudo-English]] expression ''Oldtimer'') can get an H (''historisch'', [[Antique vehicle registration|historic]]) at the end of the plate, such as ''[[Cologne|K]]-AA 100H'' in order to preserve the so-called "vehicle of cultural value" ("kraftfahrtechnisches Kulturgut"). It also includes a flat tax of appr. [[euro|€]]190 per year. It is popular to choose the digits so that they indicate the car's year of manufacture. The requirements for a vehicle for an H-Plate are:
**The first documented registration lies at least 30 years in the past.
**The car must be in mostly original and preservation worthy condition. Preservation worthy means a grade C by popular car grading standards. The older the car, the more signs of usage it can show. This purely concerns the car's appearance, the road worthiness is established by separate mandatory safety inspections. Universally accepted modifications include changes that benefit safety, such as seat belts and disc brakes, and environmental friendliness, such as catalytic converters and LPG conversions (if invisible from the outside). Further modifications that are generally accepted are those contemporary of the car's first registration (plus and minus 10 years, burden of proof lies with the owner through historic material such as photographs) and new paintjobs of any color, including two tone paint if originally offered and historic company logos, but no murals or custom patterns.
[[File:GERMANY, DACHAU motorcycle license plate seasonal - Flickr - woody1778a.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Seasonal number plate, registration valid from 1st March to 31st October of each year]]
* Cars (or more often, motorbikes) with '''seasonal number plates''' have two numbers at the end of the plate indicating the months between which they are registered to drive, with the licence being valid from the start of the upper month until the end of the lower month. This results in lower car taxes, as well lower insurance premiums.
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für Behördenfahrzeuge (Nummernbereich 3).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Official registered vehicle (here: fire brigade)]]
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für Behördenfahrzeuge (Nummernbereich 8).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Official registered vehicle for disaster relief]]
* Until the legal reforms of 2006, '''Official cars''' such as police, fire fighting and municipality vehicles did not carry a letter after the sticker, such as ''M-1234''. These included:
** vehicles of the district government: 1-199, 1000-1999, 10000-19999
** vehicles of the local government (for example: fire brigade): 200-299, 2000-2999, 20000-29999, 300-399
** police: 3000-3999, 7000-7999, 30000-39999, 70000-79999
** disaster relief (mostly changed "THW", see below): 8000-8999, 80000-89999

This style of plate is no longer issued, but many official vehicles which were registered before 2006 still carry this type of plate.

A similar style of issue is used by some municipalities to '''consular or diplomatic vehicles''' in the form Aaa-9NNn (example: D-921). Unlike the other style of diplomatic/consular plates issued in Berlin and Bonn, this plate does not indicate the nationality of the mission.

[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für steuerbefreite Fahrzeuge (grüne Schrift).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Plate for tax-exempt vehicles]]
* Vehicles which are '''exempt from vehicle taxes''' (for example [[ambulance]]s, [[tractor]]s, agricultural trailers, trailers for boats or trailers for gliders) have green print on a white background plate. Regular trailers for lorries can be exempted from tax if the owner agrees to pay an increased tax on the vehicle which tows the trailer. There is also a tax exemption for trailers for which the owner agrees to hand over his trailer without payment to the armed forces (if Germany is in a state of emergency or defence).
[[File:Deutsches Kurzzeit-KFZ-Kennzeichen.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Special temporary plate for vehicles in Germany (Kurzzeit-Kennzeichen)]]
* Vehicles which have '''not been registered''' (because they are for transfer within Germany) have to carry short-term plates valid only for five days. The code starts with the numbers ''04'', e.g. ''DD-04000'', and the plate has a yellow strip on the right showing when they are valid. The date is listed numerically, on three lines, reading day, month, year, with two digits each. The vehicle need not have a valid technical inspection, however it must be technically fit to be operated in public. Insurance premiums are quite high, appr. [[euro|€]]100 for the above-mentioned 5 days. Most insurance companies credit this premium if the car is registered as a normal car with the same insurance company after these 5 days.
[[File:Rotes DIN-Kennzeichen 06.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Special plate (red colour, old DIN-style) for dealer's cars for test drives. (Registration office: Würzburg)]]
* '''[[Car dealership|Car dealer]]s'''' plates are in red print on a white background, and the code begins with ''06''. Red plates may be attached to cars which are changing hands, such as the test run of unregistered cars, and the [[liability insurance]] is connected to the plate, not a specific car.
* '''Car collectors''': Red plates starting with the number 07 are reserved for collectors of vintage cars. Originally, vintage cars had a required minimum age of 20 years from first registering. Since April 2007 onwards the required minimum age has been 30 years. Plates issued under the old 20 years rule remained valid after this date. The collectors must get an official certificate of approval (such as no criminal records). They are allowed to use one set of plates on any of their cars under the condition that they keep a strict record of use. No day-to-day use of the cars is allowed. A valid official technical inspection is not mandatory but the cars have to be technical fit for use on public roads.
[[File:Deutsche Ausfuhr-Kfz-Kennzeichen (Export).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Special plate for vehicles to be exported (Ausfuhrkennzeichen)]]
[[File:License plate of Germany for export vehicles.png|thumb|200px|right|Former special plate for vehicles to be exported (Zollkennzeichen) - no longer in use. It was replaced by the Ausfuhrkennzeichen in the 1980s]]
*'''Export plates''' (also known as "Ausfuhrkennzeichen", customs plates) are used for exporting vehicles abroad. The plates are the only ones which do not have the blue Euro strip on the left and the owner does not have to be a German resident to register the car. The date on the red strip on the right hand side does not show the expiration date of the plate; instead it shows the expiration date of the vehicle insurance. After this date the vehicle must have left Germany.
[[File:Deutsches Diplomatenkennzeichen (Indonesien).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Diplomatic plate (Indonesian embassy in Berlin)]]
[[File:Licenseplate of limousine.png|thumb|200px|Plate of the German Chancellor]]
* '''Diplomatic plates''': plates of cars covered by [[diplomatic immunity]] have the digit ''0'' (Zero) on the left instead of the registration location code.
*'''Highest state offices:''' The [[President of Germany|President]] uses the license plate 0-1, the [[Chancellor of Germany (Federal Republic)|Chancellor]] uses 0-2, the [[Minister for Foreign Affairs (Germany)|Foreign Minister]] uses 0-3 and the ''First [[Secretary of State#Germany|State Secretary]] of the [[Foreign Office (Germany)|Foreign Office]]'' (i.e. the Foreign Minister's deputy) uses 0-4. The [[President of the Bundestag|President of the Parliament]] uses 1-1. This reflects the fact that the Parliament's President is not part of the executive branch but still ranks higher in (symbolic) importance than the Chancellor. These vehicles are tax-exempt and need not to be insured since the German government acts as insurer.
[[File:Deutsches Bundeswehr-Kfz-Kennzeichen.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Bundeswehr (armed forces)]]
* '''[[Bundeswehr|The military]]''' uses old style non-reflecting plates with a dash between the two circles. The German flag is shown, instead of the blue EU strip. Military plates use the letter ''Y'', rather than a city indicator (no German city name starts with a Y). After the ''Y'' comes a six-digit number (or five digits for motorcycles), for example ''Y-123456''. These vehicles are tax-exempt and need not to be insured since the German government acts as insurer. There is also no mandatory technical inspection required but the Armed Forces carry out a regular internal inspection on these vehicles similar to the official inspection.
* Military vehicles which are used by the '''[[Nato]] headquarters''' in Germany use the same design as the Y-plates except they carry the letter ''X'' followed by a four-digit number, for example ''X-1234''
[[File:Kfz-Kennzeichen THW.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Official registered vehicle for [[Technisches Hilfswerk]] (German Federal Agency for Technical Relief)]]
* Some branches of the '''federal government''' and '''[[States of Germany|federal state]] governments''' use the abbreviations of their names instead of a city code. Example: the [[Technisches Hilfswerk]] (German Federal Agency for Technical Relief) uses its abbreviation ''THW'', so the plates read ''THW-80000'', for example. All numbers on THW plates start either with the digit 8 or 9. Before the [[Deutsche Bundesbahn]] (''German National Railways'') and the [[Deutsche Bundespost|Deutsche '''B'''undes'''p'''ost]] (''Federal Post Office'') were privatised, they used the abbreviations ''DB'' and ''BP'' (e.g. ''DB-12345'', ''BP-12345''). The Wasser- und Schifffahrtsverwaltung des Bundes (''Federal Water and Ship Transport Authority'') uses '''BW''' followed by a digit identifying the region of the office (from 1=north to 7=south).
[[File:Deutsches Bundes-Kennzeichen BW6-602.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Wasser- und Schifffahrtsverwaltung des Bundes, here South Office in [[Würzburg]]]]
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für Bundespolizei.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Bundespolizei (Federal Police), code in use since 2005]]
* The '''[[German Federal Police|federal police]]''' uses the code ''BP'' instead of the local code. Before 2006 they used the code ''BG'' (former name: ''[[Bundesgrenzschutz|'''B'''undes'''g'''renzschutz]]'') (BG-#####), this old code remains still valid, only new vehicles will get the new "BP"-code.
* The '''[[North Rhine-Westphalia Police|Police]] of [[North Rhine-Westphalia]]''' uses ''NRW 4'', ''NRW 5'' and, for motorbikes, ''NRW 6'' as the local code. This is followed by a four-digit number (e.g. NRW 4-1960). ''4'', ''5'' and ''6'' stand for the State Ministry of the Interior.
*'''Light motorised vehicles''' such as mopeds and motorised wheelchairs are required to have a registration plate, see next section.

==Insurance plates==
[[File:Versicherungskennzeichen.jpg|thumb|Insurance plates; the colour of the letters is changed every year.]]
The ''{{lang|de|Versicherungskennzeichen}}'' ("insurance plate" ) used for mopeds and other small, low-power vehicles (such as vehicles for the physically handicapped, with a maximum speed of {{convert|50|km/h|disp=comma|abbr=on}}). The system is three digits on the top and three letters beneath. The number and the letters are chosen randomly so personalizing the plates is not possible. Plates are much smaller than the plates for normal cars and are only valid for one year from 1 March till the end of February the following year. Those plates are sold by insurance companies, so the fee included both the registration, and the cost of one year's insurance for the vehicle. There are four colours used: black, blue, green for normal plates, and red for temporary use, such as testing (very rare). The first three colours are changed every year in order to make it easy to see whether the vehicle has the correct plate and insurance.

:{| class="wikitable"
|+ Colours of the insurance plates from 1 March onwards of each year
! colspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | Colour
! colspan="9" style="text-align: center;" | Year
|-
| style="background-color: #0a0a0d;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 9005]] (''{{lang|de|Tiefschwarz}}'', Jet black)
| 1990
| 1993
| 1996
| 1999
| 2002
| 2005
| 2008
| 2011
| 2014
|-
| style="background-color: #3481b8;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 5012]] (''{{lang|de|Lichtblau}}'', Light blue)
| 1991
| 1994
| 1997
| 2000
| 2003
| 2006
| 2009
| 2012
| 2015
|-
| style="background-color: #3E753B;"| {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 6010]] (''{{lang|de|Grasgrün}}'', Grass green)
| 1992
| 1995
| 1998
| 2001
| 2004
| 2007
| 2010
| 2013
| '''2016'''
|}

==Emission, safety test and registration sticker==

Emission test (front plate) and vehicle safety test (rear plate) stickers were also attached to the plate before 2010, in which year the emission sticker became obsolete as the emission test was incorporated into the safety test and was not performed separately anymore. The expiration date can be figured out as follows: The year is in the centre of the sticker, and the stickers are attached with the month of expiration pointing upwards. The black marking on the side (near the 12) thus makes it easy for the police to see the expiration month from a distance. Like a clock, the marking shows the same position of a number on the face of a clock. For example, the black marking is on the left side, so it is the ninth month (or 9 o'clock) and hence the expiry date is 30 September. The six possible colors code for the year when the next safety test is due and repeat once a six-year period has passed.

The lower sticker is the official seal of registration. It always carries the seal of the respective German ''{{lang|de|[[States of Germany|Bundesland]]}}'' with the city or district of issuance being added in print. Some seals carry the German ''{{lang|de|[[Coat of arms of Germany|Bundesadler]]}}'' instead of a Bundesland's seal, such as numberplates used on [[Federal Police (Germany)|Bundespolizei]] vehicles.

All these stickers are specially treated to be easily transferred onto the licence plates, but hard to be removed without damaging the plate itself, making them relatively counterfeit-proof.

Cars found in a public place where the owner did not pay insurance for more than three months (as reported to the police by the insurance company) may get '''''{{lang|de|entstempelt}}''''', that means, '''unstamped''': The police will remove the state's official seal using a scratching tool (mostly a screwdriver), leaving the plate without a valid seal, and it will be illegal to even leave that car parked on public ground, unless insurance is paid and plates are fitted with a new official seal.

Once a plate is invalid, the seal of registration is defaced by a qualified officer. After that, the plates are often sold to collectors on online shopping sites, such as [[eBay]].

When owners choose to deregister their vehicle the officer at the local authority will want to see the license plates with defaced seals on them as proof that no legal plate with this identifier can be found in public anymore. For this purpose special machines are available for use at the office. Once defaced the plates may only be used legally on public roads for the one ride back to the owner's place.
This is the recommended procedure for selling a car. Alternatively the seller may hand out their car with valid license plates and papers still in their name to the new owner thus giving them the responsibility to register the car in their name shortly. In a scenario without a proper sales contract the seller may become liable when the buyer commits criminal acts related to the car or plates and thus it is generally not recommended to sell used cars with license plates.

Motorcycles carry only the rear plate.

<gallery>
File:Plakette Abgassonderuntersuchung.png | Emission test sticker (before 2010)
File:Plakette Hauptuntersuchung.svg | Safety test sticker
File:Zulassungsplakette Coburg.png | Registration seal ([[Coburg]], Bavaria)
File:Kfz-Kennzeichen Deutschland - Toepfchensiegel.jpg | Safety test and registration seal ([[Fürth]], Bavaria)
</gallery>

[[File:Defacedgermanplate.JPG|thumb|200px|right|Example of a defaced plate — notice how the bottom seal is completely gone, due to scraping. From [[Kronach]].]]
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Colours of the emission test (before 2010) and vehicle safety test stickers
! colspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | Colour
! colspan="8" style="text-align: center;" | Year
|-
| style="background-color: #dd7907;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 2000]] (''{{lang|de|Gelborange}}'', Yellow-orange)
| —
| 1979
| 1983
| 1989
| 1995
| 2001
| 2007
| 2013
|-
| style="background-color: #2874b2;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 5015]] (''{{lang|de|Himmelblau}}'', Sky blue)
| —
| 1978
| 1984
| 1990
| 1996
| 2002
| 2008
| 2014
|-
| style="background-color: #d9c022;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 1012]] (''{{lang|de|Zitronengelb}}'', Lemon yellow)
| —
| 1977
| 1985
| 1991
| 1997
| 2003
| 2009
| 2015
|-
| style="background-color: #8f4e35;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 8004]] (''{{lang|de|Kupferbraun}}'', Copper brown)
| 1974
| 1980
| 1986
| 1992
| 1998
| 2004
| 2010
| '''2016'''
|-
| style="background-color: #e1a6ad;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 3015]] (''{{lang|de|Hellrosa}}'', Light pink)
| 1975
| 1981
| 1987
| 1993
| 1999
| 2005
| 2011
| 2017
|-
| style="background-color: #48a43f;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 6018]] (''{{lang|de|Gelbgrün}}'', Yellow-green)
| 1976
| 1982
| 1988
| 1994
| 2000
| 2006
| 2012
| 2018
|}

==See also==
* [[Vehicle registration plates of the German Democratic Republic]]
* [[Vehicle registration plates of the United States Army in Germany]]
* ''[[:de:Liste aller Kfz-Kennzeichen der Bundesrepublik Deutschland|Liste aller Kfz-Kennzeichen der Bundesrepublik Deutschland]]'' {{de icon}} List of all registration codes issued under the current registration system
* ''[[:de:Liste der deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen, die nicht mehr ausgegeben werden|Liste der deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen, die nicht mehr ausgegeben werden]]'' {{de icon}} List of no longer issued registration codes
* ''[[:de:Liste der deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen (historisch)|Liste der deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen (historisch)]]'' {{de icon}} List of repealed registration codes
* ''[[:de:Liste der Kfz-Kennzeichen in Deutschland|Liste der Kfz-Kennzeichen in Deutschland]]'' {{de icon}} List of currently issued registration codes

==References==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|License plates of Germany}}
*[http://web.archive.org/web/20111221131141/http://www.theplateman.com/ German Number Plates], Also shows how they are made (saved 2011-12-21)
*[http://www.kennzeichengeschichte.de History of German license plates]
*[http://www.hegis.de/fed__rep__of_germany.htm More information about German car number plates and their history]
*[http://www.europeanplates.com/german-city-codes German City Codes, Complete City Code List]
*[http://www.license-plates.appspot.com Application to find which region/place in Germany the vehicle originates]
*[http://www.platesmania.com/de/ Photos of license plates of Germany]

{{Vehicle registration plates of Europe}}

[[Category:Vehicle registration plates by country|Germany]]
[[Category:Road transport in Germany]]

Intervals (band)

2015-12-18T10:14:23Z

Harry8: /* The Shape of Colour (2015–present) */ released

{{more footnotes|date=January 2014}}

{{Infobox musical artist 
| name = Intervals
| image =
| alt =
| caption =
| image_size =
| background = group_or_band
| alias =
| origin = [[Toronto, Ontario]], [[Canada]]
| genre = [[Progressive metal]], [[djent]], [[instrumental]] (early and later)
| years_active = 2011–present
| label = Unsigned
| associated_acts = The HAARP Machine, [[Raunchy (band)|Raunchy]], [[Skyharbor]], [[Jeff Loomis]], [[Marty Friedman]], Monuments, Destiny Potato
| website =
| current_members = Aaron Marshall
| past_members = Mike Semesky Lukas Guyader Anup Sastry Matt De Luca }}

'''Intervals''' are a [[progressive metal]] band hailing from [[Toronto, Ontario]], [[Canada]]. The band was purely [[instrumental]] until late 2013. Intervals has toured throughout [[Canada]] and the [[United States]] with bands such as [[Protest The Hero]], [[Between The Buried and Me]] and [[The Contortionist]]. Intervals have released two EPs, ''The Space Between'' (2011) and ''In Time'' (2012).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spirit-of-metal.com/groupe-groupe-Intervals-l-en.html |title=Intervals |publisher=Spirit-of-metal.com |accessdate=2013-10-16}}</ref> The band released their debut full-length album ''A Voice Within'' on March 4, 2014.

==History==

===Formation and ''The Space Between'' EP (2011–2012)===
Intervals was formed in [[Toronto, Ontario]], [[Canada]] in 2011, as a creative outlet for guitarist [[Aaron Marshall]].<ref name=prp>{{cite news|title=Intervals Drastically Revamp Lineup, Working On New Album With Darkest Hour & Protest The Hero Members|url=http://www.theprp.com/2015/06/23/news/intervals-drastically-revamp-lineup-working-on-new-album-with-darkest-hour-protest-the-hero-members/|accessdate=25 November 2015|work=The PRP|date=23 June 2015}}</ref> He recorded and programmed all the parts for ''The Space Between'' himself in his home studio; it was mixed and mastered by Adam "Nolly" Getgood of [[Periphery (band)|Periphery]] and released independently, on December 20, 2011. As well as this, Aaron made an attempt to form a full band (including a vocalist), with the intention of turning Intervals into a touring act; the band however did not find a suitable vocalist and so decided to remain as an instrumental band for the foreseeable future.

===''In Time'' EP (2012–2013)===
Fall 2012 saw the release of their 2nd EP ''In Time'' on October 30, 2012. The EP featured guest solos from Olly Steele (Monuments) and David Maxim Micic (Destiny Potato). This EP received a 4.0/Excellent rating via Sputnik Music and stated that the band were "a very talented instrumental progressive metal band."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/52919/Intervals-In-Time/ |title=Intervals - In Time |publisher=SputnikMusic.com |date=2013-10-23 |accessdate=2013-10-16}}</ref> The band released a music video for "Epiphany" on April 25, 2013 via [[Guitar World]] promotion and [[YouTube]].<ref name="GuitarWorld.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.guitarworld.com/exclusive-intervals-premiere-epiphany-music-video |title=Exclusive: Intervals Premiere "Epiphany" Music Video |publisher=GuitarWorld.com |date=2013-04-25 |accessdate=2013-10-16}}</ref> Following the success of ''In Time'', the band gained endorsement deals from Ernie Ball Music Man, Pearl Drums, Meinl Cymbals, Toontrack, InTune Guitar Picks, and Gruv Gear.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.guitarworld.com/guest-list-intervals-guitarist-aaron-marshall-picks-his-five-favorite-pieces-gear |title=Guest List: Intervals Guitarist Aaron Marshall Picks His Five Favorite Pieces of Gear |publisher=GuitarWorld.com |date=2012-12-20 |accessdate=2013-10-16}}</ref> Aaron Marshall also released playthroughs and lessons for certain songs from the EP.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.guitarworld.com/intervals-aaron-marshall-mata-hari-intro-riff-lesson |title=Intervals: Aaron Marshall "Mata Hari" Intro Riff Lesson |publisher=GuitarWorld.com |date=2012-11-29 |accessdate=2013-10-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.guitarworld.com/exclusive-play-through-video-intervals-alchemy |title=Exclusive Play-Through Video: Intervals — "Alchemy" |publisher=GuitarWorld.com |date=2013-03-27 |accessdate=2013-10-16}}</ref>

===''A Voice Within'' (2013–2015)===
On September 14, 2013, Intervals announced they would be entering the studio with Jordan Valeriote ([[Silverstein (band)|Silverstein]], Structures, Counterparts) on November 4, 2013 to begin tracking their upcoming release.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lambgoat.com/news/21130/Intervals-prepare-to-record-new-album |title=Intervals prepare to record new album |publisher=LambGoat.com |date=2013-09-15 |accessdate=2013-10-16}}</ref> Following the studio, Intervals were scheduled to tour Europe (January - February 2014) with [[Protest The Hero]], [[Tesseract (band)|TesseracT]], and The Safety Fire.<ref name="MetalUnderground.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=95642 |title=Intervals To Record New Album In November |publisher=MetalUnderground.com |date=2013-09-14 |accessdate=2013-10-16}}</ref> On December 30, 2013, it was announced that bassist Mike Semesky would be changing his role in the band and provide vocals on the new album: as a result, the album's bass tracks were handled equally by Aaron and Jordan. The band released Semesky's vocal debut in the form of new single ‘Ephemeral’ via RevolverMag.com, as well as revealing that the new album would be titled A Voice Within.<ref name=Ephemeraldebut>{{cite web|url=http://www.revolvermag.com/?p=56184 |title=Exclusive: Intervals Premiere New Song, "Ephemeral" |publisher=RevolverMag.com |date=2013-12-30 |accessdate=2013-12-30}}</ref> Due to the need for Semesky to focus entirely on his vocal performance live, the band hired Henry Selva (formerly of [[The Human Abstract (band)|The Human Abstract]]) as live bassist for their upcoming tours. Semesky provided comments on the announcement: {{quote|text="I'm extremely happy to announce that I am the singer of Intervals. I joined the band on bass in early 2013, but after writing and experimenting with vocals over demos of the band's new material, the four of us knew that that was the direction we were meant to go. I feel so blessed to be a part of such a talented group of musicians and I'm extremely proud of the album we all worked so hard on. We can't wait for you all to hear it!"<ref name=Ephemeraldebut/>}}
The band released a second song from the album, "The Escape", on January 23, 2014. They also announced that the album would be released on March 4, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=blabbermouth.net|title=INTERVALS: New Song "The Escape" Available For Streaming|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/intervals-new-song-the-escape-available-for-streaming/|date=2014-01-23|accessdate=2014-02-26}}</ref>
On 26 February, the band announced that they would be releasing one new song from the album per day until the day of the album's release; the first of these songs was "The Self Surrendered".<ref name=Theselfsurrenderedarticle>{{cite web|publisher=revolvermag.com|title=Exclusive: Intervals Premier New Song, "The Self Surrendered" It was announced on November 25, 2014 on their Facebook that Mike Semesky is parting ways with the band. |url=http://www.revolvermag.com/news/exclusive-intervals-premiere-new-song-the-self-surrendered.html|date=2014-02-26|accessdate=2014-02-26}}</ref>

On November 25, 2014, it was announced that Mike Semesky had left the band. An instrumental version of A Voice Within was released on Bandcamp on March 3, 2015.

===''The Shape of Colour'' (2015–present)===

On June 23, 2015, Lukas and Anup announced on Facebook that they are no longer a part of Intervals. This separation was caused by different expectations about the future of Intervals (instrumental music or not). Aaron is currently the only member of the band, but the next album will feature Cameron McLellan (Protest The Hero) on bass guitar, and Travis Orbin (Darkest Hour, Periphery, Sky Eats Airplane) on drums.<ref name=prp></ref> The upcoming album is entitled ''The Shape of Colour'' and has been released December 4, 2015.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Kennelty|first1=Greg|title=INTERVALS To Release All-Instrumental New Album The Shape Of Color This December|url=http://www.metalinjection.net/av/intervals-to-release-all-instrumental-new-album-the-shape-of-color-this-december|website=Metal Injection|accessdate=25 November 2015}}</ref>

== Tours  ==
*Participated in [[The Contortionist]]'s Canadian tour (October 2012)
*Participated in a headlining eastern Canadian tour (December 2012)
*Participated in support of [[Between The Buried and Me]] in Canada (February 2013)
*Participated in support of Structures, [[Texas In July]], and Northlane in Canada (April 2013)<ref name="GuitarWorld.com"/>
*Participated in support of [[Misery Signals]] in the [[United States]] and [[Canada]] (June 2013)
*Participated in support of [[Protest The Hero]], [[Tesseract (band)|TesseracT]], and [[The Safety Fire]] in Europe & the UK. (January - February 2014)<ref name="MetalUnderground.com"/>
*Participated in support of [[Protest The Hero]], [[Battlecross]] and [[The Safety Fire]] in America.<ref name=Theselfsurrenderedarticle/>
*Participated in support of [[Periphery (band)|Periphery]] and [[The Contortionist]]

==Band members==
;Current members
*[[Aaron Marshall]] - guitar (2011–present)

;Past members
*Matt De Luca - bass (2011–2012)
*Mike Semesky - vocals (2013-2014; live bass, 2013)
*[[Lukas Guyader]] - guitar (2011–2015)
*[[Anup Sastry]] - drums, percussion (2011–2015)
;Live members
*Henry Selva - bass (2014)

<ref>https://www.facebook.com/intervalsmusic/info?tab=page_info</ref>

==Timeline==
<timeline>
ImageSize =width:800 height:auto barincrement:25
PlotArea =left:100 bottom:60 top:0 right:0
Alignbars =justify
DateFormat =mm/dd/yyyy
Period =from:01/01/2011 till:12/12/2015
ScaleMajor = increment:2 start:2011
ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:2011
TimeAxis =orientation:horizontal format:yyyy
Legend =orientation:horizontal position:bottom

Colors=
id:vocals value:red legend:Vocals
id:guitar value:green legend:Guitar
id:bass value:blue legend:Bass
id:drums value:purple legend:Drums,_Percussion
id:touring value:yellow legend:Touring_Member
id:studio value:black legend:Studio_Albums
id:EPs value:gray(0.5) legend:EPs

LineData=
at:03/04/2014 color:black layer:back
at:12/04/2015 color:black layer:back

at:06/01/2011 color:eps layer:back
at:01/01/2012 color:eps layer:back

BarData=
bar:mike text:"Mike Semesky"
bar:aaron text:"Aaron Marshall"
bar:lukas text:"Lukas Guyader"
bar:matt text:"Matt De Luca"
bar:henry text:"Henry Selva"
bar:anup text:"Anup Sastry"

PlotData=
width:10 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(10,-4)
bar:mike from:01/01/2013 till:06/01/2014 color:vocals
bar:mike from:06/01/2013 till:01/01/2014 color:bass width:2.5
bar:aaron from:01/01/2011 till:end color:guitar
bar:lukas from:01/01/2011 till:06/23/2015 color:guitar
bar:matt from:01/01/2011 till:01/01/2012 color:bass
bar:henry from:01/01/2014 till:06/01/2014 color:bass
bar:henry from:01/01/2014 till:06/01/2014 color:touring width:2.5
bar:anup from:01/01/2011 till:06/23/2015 color:drums
</timeline>

==Discography==
;Studio albums
* [[A Voice Within (Intervals album)|A Voice Within]] (2014)
* The Shape of Colour (2015)

;EPs
* The Space Between (2011)
* In Time (2012)

;Singles
* Epiphany (2013)
* Ephemeral (2013)

== Music videos ==
* Epiphany (2013)
* Moment Marauder (2014)
* The Escape (2014)
* Siren Sound (2014)

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
*[http://intervalsmusic.bandcamp.com Bandcamp]
*[http://www.facebook.com/intervalsmusic Facebook]
*[http://myspace.com/intervals MySpace]

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:INTERVALS}}
[[Category:Canadian progressive metal musical groups]]
[[Category:Canadian instrumental musical groups]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 2011]]

Vehicle registration plates of Germany

2015-11-08T12:46:50Z

Harry8: /* History */ L

{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2014}}
'''German vehicle registration plates''' (''Kraftfahrzeug-Kennzeichen'' or, more colloquially, ''Nummernschilder'') indicate the place where the vehicle bearing them was once registered. Whenever German owners of a motor vehicle change their main place of residence within [[Germany]] or buy a car from a person living in a different city or [[Districts of Germany|county]] they have to have the vehicle documentation changed accordingly. In the process owners may opt for new license plates that reflect their place of residence or simply retain the old identifier and plates. The states of [[Hesse]], [[Schleswig-Holstein]], [[Brandenburg]], [[Saxony]], [[Thuringia]] and [[Northrhine-Westphalia]] were the first ones to create laws so that owners were not obliged anymore to change license plates if they were changing residence within the respective state. A nationwide law has since been passed by the federal government and it comes into effect on January 1, 2015.<ref>
{{cite web |url=http://www.vz-nrw.de/energie-und-verkehr#kfzkennzeichenhhauchfuerfrankfurter |title=Kfz-Kennzeichen: HH auch für Frankfurter |accessdate=2014-12-09 |author=Verbraucherzentrale Nordrhein-Westfalen e.V. |date=2014-12-02 }}
</ref> From this time on, it is generally not possible anymore to tell the owner's place of residence just from looking at the plates.

The option to be assigned temporary plates allows owners a financial saving in the case they have vehicles (e.g. motorcycles) which they intend to drive only during one particular part of the year. While temporary plates can only be used for the time printed on them and new ones have to be assigned and bought if the vehicle is supposed to be on public roads later on there is no need to renew regular plates periodically. German motor vehicle tax is paid independently of the license plates by annual direct debit from a bank account.

As of 2007, new number plates normally cost around €30, while the cost of de-registering a vehicle and re-registering it with new plates is between €10 and €40. The license plates themselves are not made by the registration office but by independent for-profit stores that are usually located in the same building as the registration office or close by. Upon successful registration the applicant is merely given a slip of paper with the assigned number that can be presented at any store that makes plates. Sometimes there are several stores in the vicinity of the registration office with prices for plates dropping the further the store is away from the registration office. Once the plates are made, which is a matter of minutes, the owner must return to the registration office with them, pay the costs for registration and then the required registration seal and safety test stickers are applied to the plates making them legal for use in traffic.

If ownership of a vehicle is permanently transferred to a new owner who lives in the same city/region then the registration number may remain unchanged. Administration fees are, however, still payable in respect of the necessary changes to the vehicle's official documentation. Many people however will change the license plates even if it is not necessary in order to personalize them.

==Format==
[[File:KFZmod.png|thumb|200px|right|The post-1994 German number plate format (FE-style)]]
[[File:Plate-KA-RR232.JPG|thumb|200px|right|The pre-1994 German number plate format (DIN-style), no longer issued but still in use.]]
[[File:Kfz-Kennzeichen in Deutschland.svg|thumb|300 px|Map of German districts and their license plate codes]]
The present German number plate format has been in use since 1994. As with many plates for countries within the [[European Union]], a blue strip on the left shows a shortened [[List of international vehicle registration codes|country code]] in white text ('''D''' for ''Deutschland'' = Germany) and the [[Flag of Europe]] (12 golden stars forming a circle on a blue background).

The rest of the license plate uses black print on a white background. Just after the country code strip is a one, two or three letter abbreviation, which represents the city or region where the car was registered, such as B for [[Berlin]]. These letters formerly coincide with the [[Districts of Germany|German districts]]. Since 2013 the letters were extended to former districts ([http://www.kfz.de/autokennzeichen/autokennzeichen_deutschland/ complete list]). In some cases an [[Urban districts of Germany|urban district]] and the surrounding non-urban district share the same letter code. Where this happens, the number of the following letters and digits is usually different. For example, the urban district of [[Straubing]] (SR) has one letter after the code (SR - A 123). The surrounding district [[Straubing-Bogen]] has two letters (SR - AB 123) after the code. However, these different systems are being used in fewer cases, as many cities that share their code with the surrounding rural districts have started using all codes for both districts without any distinction; the city of [[Regensburg]], for example, and the surrounding [[Regensburg (district)|rural district Regensburg]] used different systems only until 2007.

The number of letters in the city/region prefix code mostly reflects the size of the district. The basic idea was to even out the number of digits on all license plates, because the largest districts would have more digits after the prefix for more cars. The largest German cities generally only have one letter codes (B=[[Berlin]], M=[[Munich]], K=[[Cologne]] (''Köln''), F=[[Frankfurt]], L=[[Leipzig]], S=[[Stuttgart]]), most other districts in Germany have two or three letter codes. Therefore, cities or districts with fewer letters are generally assumed to be bigger and more important. Reflecting that, most districts tried to get a combination with fewer letters for their prefix code.

Districts in eastern Germany usually have more letters, for two reasons:
* Fewer people live in eastern German districts, so the number of cars registered is smaller and hence the use of three letter codes.
* With the introduction of the current system on 1 July 1956 in then West Germany including [[West Berlin|Berlin (West)]], letters had been reserved for all east German districts of that time. However, a lot of those districts were changed over the years, and in 1990 after [[German reunification]], many of the possible shorter combinations had already been used up in western Germany.

There are a number of exceptions e.g. Germany's second largest city [[Hamburg]] (HH, Hansestadt Hamburg, because of its historical membership in the [[Hanseatic League]], reflected already in its prefix used between 1906 and 1945). Similar is the case of the cities of [[Bremen]] and [[Bremerhaven]], forming the state [[Bremen (state)|Free Hanseatic City of Bremen]], sharing the common prefix HB (1906–1947, and again since 1956), differentiated by the number of letters and digits added.

In 1956 also [[Lübeck]] received its former prefix HL, already used between 1906 and 1937, when its statehood was abolished. In analogy to these three northwestern cities, but without historical examples of formerly issued prefixes, four northeastern Hanseatic cities, [[Greifswald]], [[Rostock]], [[Stralsund]] and [[Wismar]], chose the prefixes HGW, HRO, HST and HWI, since the shorter HG ([[Hochtaunuskreis]], capital: Bad Homburg vor der Höhe), HR ([[Schwalm-Eder-Kreis]], capital: [[Homberg (Efze)]]), HS ([[Kreis Heinsberg]]) and HW (Kreis Halle in Westphalia) were already taken by west German districts.

More west German districts have prefixes derived from the names of their capitals: [[Ammerland]] (WST, after Westerstede), [[Dithmarschen]] (HEI, after Heide in Dithmarschen), [[Harburg (district)|Harburg]] (WL, after Winsen upon Luhe), [[Herzogtum Lauenburg]] (RZ, after Ratzeburg) etc.

The letter "G" was reserved for the east German city of [[Gera]], although it is much smaller than the west German [[Gelsenkirchen]] ("GE"). The letter "L" had been reserved for Leipzig, but in 1977 it was assigned to the newly formed city of [[Lahn, Hesse|Lahn]], and the rural district [[Lahn-Dill-Kreis]]. This casts some light on how unlikely a reunification was regarded at that time. In 1990, Leipzig claimed back the letter "L", and it was reassigned, and Lahn-Dill-Kreis had to change to LDK.

The reason for this scheme is however not to display size or location, but simply to have enough combinations available within the maximum length of eight characters per plate.

After the location name there are the round vehicle safety test and registration seal stickers (see below) placed on top of each other. The registration sticker is the bottom one. For vehicles that are required to bear a front and rear plate the front plate nowadays only features the registration seal sticker. Before 2010, in which year the emission test became a part of the vehicle safety test, the hexagonal emission test sticker was placed above it. The stickers are followed by one or two usually random letters and one to four usually random numbers. The total quantity of letters and numbers on the plate is never higher than eight. Identifiers consisting of one letter with low numbers are normally reserved for motorcycle use since there is less space for plates on these vehicles.

A problem with this scheme is that the space between geographic identifier and random letters is a significant character and must be considered when writing down a number. For example, B MW 555 is not the same number as BM W 555. The confusion can be avoided by writing a hyphen after the city code, as in the old number plates, like B-MW 555. For this reason, the police will always radio the location name and spell out the next letters using the German [[German phonetic alphabet|telephone alphabet]], which varies somewhat from the English one. Thus, B MW 555 would be radioed as "[[Berlin]], Martha, Wilhelm, fünf-fünf-fünf" and BM W 555 as "[[Rhein-Erft-Kreis|Bergheim]], Wilhelm, fünf-fünf-fünf".

[[File:Toyota Celica Gr.A 002.JPG|thumb|The Köln-based Toyota Team Europe prepared Celica GT-Four rally car with Köln (Cologne) license plate. Note the plate starts with "K".]]

For an extra charge of €10.20 car owners can also register a personalized identifier. Car owners can only choose the numbers or letters instead of the random ones at the end, provided of course they are not yet taken and not a prohibited combination. For example, people living in the town of Pirna might choose ''PIR-AT 77'', "Pirat" being the [[German language|German]] for "pirate". [[Kiel]] is one of few places (others are Brake (capital of the district of [[Wesermarsch]]), Cham, Daun, Emden, Halle, Hamm, Heide, Herne, Hof, Kleve, Kusel, Lauf, Lünen, Pirna, Plön, Regen, Rehau, Selb, Ulm, Unna and Wesel) where the number plate can be the city name: 'KI-EL'. In most cases of personalized plates people choose their initials and a number reflecting their birthdate. In this fashion fictional Mrs. Ulrike Mustermann, born May 2, 1965 and living in Essen would choose 'E UM 2565' for her car. Note that dates are given in the format DDMMYY in Germany.

Germany includes diacritical marks in the letters of some codes, that is the letters Ö and Ü. Such a thing is rarely done in other European countries, but also appears on regular [[Vehicle registration plates of Bosnia and Herzegovina|Bosnian]], [[Vehicle registration plates of Croatia|Croatian]] and [[Vehicle registration plates of Serbia|Serbian]](letters Č, Š and Ž), [[Vehicle registration plates of Finland|Åland registration plates]] (letter Å), as well as on [[Vehicle registration plates of Sweden#Personal plates|Swedish]] (letters Å, Ä and Ö) and [[Vehicle registration plates of Denmark|Danish]] (letters Å, Æ and Ø) personal registration plates. In Germany there are no two codes where the only difference is that one letter O and Q, the only pair of codes with the letters I and J is IL for Landkreis Ilmenau and JL for Landkreis Jerichower Land.

[[BMW]], owner of [[Mini (marque)|Mini]], registers all Mini press/marketing cars in the city of [[Minden]], which holds the code ''MI'', to get "MI-NI" number plates for the cars. BMW itself is based in Munich, yet "M-INI" plates are not possible to issue, as three letters after the district code are not permitted.

===Prohibited combinations===
Various combinations that could be considered politically unacceptable — mainly due to implications relating to [[Nazi Germany]] — are disallowed or otherwise avoided.<ref>[http://www.sueddeutsche.de/muenchen/behoerdenfehler-m-ah-ist-durchgerutscht-1.2683534 M-AH 8888 ist durchgerutscht] {{de icon}} ''[[Sueddeutsche Zeitung]]'', published: 9 October 2015, accessed: 9 October 2015</ref> The district [[Sächsische Schweiz]] used the name of its main town, Pirna, in its code ''PIR'', to avoid the use of ''[[Schutzstaffel|SS]]'', the name of the paramilitary organization; similarly ''[[Sturmabteilung|SA]]'' is also unused. Although between 1945 and 1949 the French occupation force used the combination SA followed by the double-digit numbers 01 to 08 for the then seven rural districts in the [[Saar (protectorate)|Saar Protectorate]] and its capital [[Saarbrücken]]. In 2004 in [[Nuremberg]], a car owner was refused a number plate beginning N-PD because of the connection to the political party the [[National Democratic Party of Germany|NPD]].{{Citation needed|date=January 2010}} The combinations [[Starnberg (district)|STA]]-SI, [[Dithmarschen|HEI]]-L and [[Steinburg|IZ]]-AN are also avoided, to avoid association with [[Stasi]], with the [[Nazi salute]] and with NAZI backwards.

[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen mit Erkennungsnummer NS.jpg||thumb|200px|right|Example of banned combination (NS) which was issued accidentally.]]
Banned combinations also include the Nazi abbreviations HJ (''Hitlerjugend'', [[Hitler Youth]]), NS (''Nationalsozialismus'', [[Nazism|National Socialism]]), SA (''[[Sturmabteilung]]''), SS (''[[Schutzstaffel]]''), KZ (''Konzentrationslager'', [[Internment|concentration camp]]) and often SD (''[[Sicherheitsdienst]]''). Some registration offices have overlooked this rule by mistake, however, and there are a few cars registered carrying prohibited codes, such as ''B-SS 12''. Some counties also allow these combinations if they are the initials of the owner (e.g., '''N'''orbert '''S'''chmidt might be able to get XX-NS 1234), but in this case, if the car is sold and re-registered in the same county by the new owner, the number can be changed (otherwise the number stays with the car until it registered in a different area). However, the combination ''HH'' (which could be interpreted as ''[[Nazi salute|Heil Hitler]]'') is used for the city of [[Hamburg]], first introduced in 1906. It stands for the city's title ''Hansestadt Hamburg'' ([[Hanseatic League|Hanseatic]] City of Hamburg). The combination ''AH'' (which could be interpreted as ''[[Adolf Hitler]]'') is used for the district of Borken. It is derived from [[Ahaus]] that had an own district until 1974.

===History===
The first German licence plates that had a lettering plan were issued from 1906 onwards. Berlin for example was using I A (I for Prussia), Munich II A (II for Bavaria), Stuttgart III A (III for [[Free People's State of Württemberg|Württemberg]]). Other German states used further Roman numbers such as IV ([[Republic of Baden|Baden]]), V ([[People's State of Hesse|Hesse]]), and VI ([[Alsace-Lorraine]]; now France). Many states used prefixes derived from the state names, such as B ([[Free State of Brunswick|Brunswick]]), HB (Bremen), HH (Hamburg), and HL ([[Free City of Lübeck|Lübeck]]), the latter three used again for the same entities since 1956. Other bigger cities: IV B Baden (Heidelberg, Mannheim, Karlsruhe, Freiburg, Lake Constance), II N cities of [[Nuremberg]] and [[Fürth]]. The Prussian provinces had the following prefixes: I E [[Province of Brandenburg]] (to a minor part now Poland), I C [[Province of East Prussia]] (now divided between Lithuania, Poland and Russia), I S [[Province of Hannover]], I T [[Province of Hesse-Nassau]] (Today Frankfurt, State of Hessen and neighboring counties), I L [[Province of Hohenzollern]], I Z [[Rhine Province]] (Cologne, Düsseldorf and other large cities in the Ruhr Area), I H [[Province of Pomerania (1815–1945)|Province of Pomerania]] (now prevailingly Poland), I Y [[Province of Posen]] (now Poland), I B Province of [[Posen-West Prussia]] (now Poland), I M [[Province of Saxony]], I P [[Province of Schleswig-Holstein]], I K [[Province of Silesia]] (now mostly Poland), I X [[Province of Westphalia]], and finally I D [[Province of West Prussia]] (now Poland).

During World War I the German Army was assigned the combination MK for "Militärkraftwagen des Deutschen Heeres", military vehicles of the German Army. After WWI, during the Weimar Republic, the German Army used RW for "Reichswehr".

During the Nazi regime (1933–1945) new combinations were issued: DR, [[Deutsche Reichsbahn]] (German state railway); OT, [[Organisation Todt]] (civil and military engineering); POL, Deutsche Polizei (police); RAD, [[Reichsarbeitsdienst]] (state labour service); RK, [[German Red Cross|Deutsches Rotes Kreuz]] (Red Cross); SS, [[Schutzstaffel]] ("protection squadron"); WH, [[Wehrmacht]] Heer (army); WL, Wehrmacht Luftwaffe (air force); WM, Wehrmacht Kriegsmarine (navy); WT, Wehrmacht Straßentransportdienst (army transport service).

From 1945 to 1956 there were lettering combinations assigned by the allied forces. Examples:
BY [[Bavaria|Bavaria (Bayern)]] 1946–1947, AB Bavaria (American Zone, Bavaria) 1948–1956, B Bavaria 1950–1956.
HE [[Hesse]] 1946–1947, AH Hesse (American Zone, Hesse) 1948–1956, H Hesse, 1950–1956.
AW Württemberg-Baden 1948–1956, W Württemberg-Baden, 1950–1956, WB Württemberg-Baden 1950–1956.
БM (=BM, for motor bikes) 1945–1946, ГФ (=GF; cars, lorries, and busses) Berlin 1945–1946, БГ (=BG; cars, lorries, and busses) Berlin 1945–1947, ГM (=GM, for motor bikes) Berlin 1945–1947, KB Berlin 1947–1948, GB East-Berlin 1948–1953, KB West-Berlin 1948-1956.
MGH Hamburg 1945, H Hamburg 1945–1947, HG Hamburg 1947, BH Hamburg 1948–1956.
BD Baden 1945–1949, FB Baden 1949–1956.
WT Württemberg-Hohenzollern 1945–1949, FW Württemberg-Hohenzollern 1949–1956.

In 1956 the current system was introduced in then West Germany, replacing the post-war system which was based on [[Allied Occupation Zones in Germany|occupation zones]].

As West German districts were extensively rearranged in the early 1970s, many prefix codes expired and new ones were created at that time. However, number plates issued before these rearrangements remain valid, providing the vehicle is still in use and has not been reregistered since. So it was still possible, if rare, to see a [[classic car]] with registration codes of administrative units that have not existed for over 30 years (e.g. EIN = [[Einbeck]]). Since late 2011 some districts allow reissuing on request of these expired prefix codes, e.g. instead of WES- in the district of Wesel, MO- as used for the former district of Moers.

When originally planned, the system included codes for districts in Eastern Germany which were to be reserved until [[German reunification|reunification]]. That included the territory of the [[German Democratic Republic|GDR]] as well as the territories [[Oder-Neisse line|annexed]] to [[Poland]] and the [[Soviet Union]] after [[World War II]], which West Germany's government still claimed in that era until about 1970. When reunification came in 1990, the reserved codes (e.g. P for [[Potsdam]]) were indeed issued to East German districts as originally planned and as they existed at that time. However, districts in East Germany were rearranged again in the mid-1990s, thus many of these codes have expired, but can likewise still be seen on older vehicles.

One example of a reserved code being reused before reunification was the letter L which was originally planned for [[Leipzig]], but was given to the newly formed [[Hesse|Hessian]] city of [[Lahn, Hesse|Lahn]] and the district [[Lahn-Dill-Kreis]] in 1977 as hopes for reunification faded away. After the rather unexpected reunification the L was returned to the city of Leipzig and the Lahn-Dill-Kreis was issued with LDK instead.

Another reserved code was G for [[Gera]]. In the 1980s the West German TV series "Der Fahnder"[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088517/] G was an imaginary large city in the [[Ruhrgebiet]] area.

===Typeface===
Modern German plates use a typeface called [[FE-Schrift]] ("fälschungserschwerende Schrift", tamper-hindering script). It is designed so that the ''O'' cannot be painted to look like a ''Q'', and vice versa; nor can the ''P'' be painted to resemble an ''R'', among other changes. This typeface can also more easily be read by [[optical character recognition]] software for [[automatic number plate recognition]] than the old [[DIN 1451]] script.

===Special codes===
Certain types of vehicle bear special codes:
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für historische Fahrzeuge (H-Kennzeichen).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Plate for vintage cars]]
* '''[[Classic car]]s''' (known in German by the [[pseudo-English]] expression ''Oldtimer'') can get an H (''historisch'', [[Antique vehicle registration|historic]]) at the end of the plate, such as ''[[Cologne|K]]-AA 100H'' in order to preserve the so-called "vehicle of cultural value" ("kraftfahrtechnisches Kulturgut"). It also includes a flat tax of appr. [[euro|€]]190 per year. It is popular to choose the digits so that they indicate the car's year of manufacture. The requirements for a vehicle for an H-Plate are:
**The first documented registration lies at least 30 years in the past.
**The car must be in mostly original and preservation worthy condition. Preservation worthy means a grade C by popular car grading standards. The older the car, the more signs of usage it can show. This purely concerns the car's appearance, the road worthiness is established by separate mandatory safety inspections. Universally accepted modifications include changes that benefit safety, such as seat belts and disc brakes, and environmental friendliness, such as catalytic converters and LPG conversions (if invisible from the outside). Further modifications that are generally accepted are those contemporary of the car's first registration (plus and minus 10 years, burden of proof lies with the owner through historic material such as photographs) and new paintjobs of any color, including two tone paint if originally offered and historic company logos, but no murals or custom patterns.
[[File:GERMANY, DACHAU motorcycle license plate seasonal - Flickr - woody1778a.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Seasonal number plate, registration valid from 1st March to 31st October of each year]]
* Cars (or more often, motorbikes) with '''seasonal number plates''' have two numbers at the end of the plate indicating the months between which they are registered to drive, with the licence being valid from the start of the upper month until the end of the lower month. This results in lower car taxes, as well lower insurance premiums.
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für Behördenfahrzeuge (Nummernbereich 3).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Official registered vehicle (here: fire brigade)]]
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für Behördenfahrzeuge (Nummernbereich 8).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Official registered vehicle for disaster relief]]
* Until the legal reforms of 2006, '''Official cars''' such as police, fire fighting and municipality vehicles did not carry a letter after the sticker, such as ''M-1234''. These included:
** vehicles of the district government: 1-199, 1000-1999, 10000-19999
** vehicles of the local government (for example: fire brigade): 200-299, 2000-2999, 20000-29999, 300-399
** police: 3000-3999, 7000-7999, 30000-39999, 70000-79999
** disaster relief (mostly changed "THW", see below): 8000-8999, 80000-89999

This style of plate is no longer issued, but many official vehicles which were registered before 2006 still carry this type of plate.

A similar style of issue is used by some municipalities to '''consular or diplomatic vehicles''' in the form Aaa-9NNn (example: D-921). Unlike the other style of diplomatic/consular plates issued in Berlin and Bonn, this plate does not indicate the nationality of the mission.

[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für steuerbefreite Fahrzeuge (grüne Schrift).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Plate for tax-exempt vehicles]]
* Vehicles which are '''exempt from vehicle taxes''' (for example [[ambulance]]s, [[tractor]]s, agricultural trailers, trailers for boats or trailers for gliders) have green print on a white background plate. Regular trailers for lorries can be exempted from tax if the owner agrees to pay an increased tax on the vehicle which tows the trailer. There is also a tax exemption for trailers for which the owner agrees to hand over his trailer without payment to the armed forces (if Germany is in a state of emergency or defence).
[[File:Deutsches Kurzzeit-KFZ-Kennzeichen.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Special temporary plate for vehicles in Germany (Kurzzeit-Kennzeichen)]]
* Vehicles which have '''not been registered''' (because they are for transfer within Germany) have to carry short-term plates valid only for five days. The code starts with the numbers ''04'', e.g. ''DD-04000'', and the plate has a yellow strip on the right showing when they are valid. The date is listed numerically, on three lines, reading day, month, year, with two digits each. The vehicle need not have a valid technical inspection, however it must be technically fit to be operated in public. Insurance premiums are quite high, appr. [[euro|€]]100 for the above-mentioned 5 days. Most insurance companies credit this premium if the car is registered as a normal car with the same insurance company after these 5 days.
[[File:Rotes DIN-Kennzeichen 06.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Special plate (red colour, old DIN-style) for dealer's cars for test drives. (Registration office: Würzburg)]]
* '''[[Car dealership|Car dealer]]s'''' plates are in red print on a white background, and the code begins with ''06''. Red plates may be attached to cars which are changing hands, such as the test run of unregistered cars, and the [[liability insurance]] is connected to the plate, not a specific car.
* '''Car collectors''': Red plates starting with the number 07 are reserved for collectors of vintage cars. Originally, vintage cars had a required minimum age of 20 years from first registering. Since April 2007 onwards the required minimum age has been 30 years. Plates issued under the old 20 years rule remained valid after this date. The collectors must get an official certificate of approval (such as no criminal records). They are allowed to use one set of plates on any of their cars under the condition that they keep a strict record of use. No day-to-day use of the cars is allowed. A valid official technical inspection is not mandatory but the cars have to be technical fit for use on public roads.
[[File:Deutsche Ausfuhr-Kfz-Kennzeichen (Export).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Special plate for vehicles to be exported (Ausfuhrkennzeichen)]]
[[File:License plate of Germany for export vehicles.png|thumb|200px|right|Former special plate for vehicles to be exported (Zollkennzeichen) - no longer in use. It was replaced by the Ausfuhrkennzeichen in the 1980s]]
*'''Export plates''' (also known as "Ausfuhrkennzeichen", customs plates) are used for exporting vehicles abroad. The plates are the only ones which do not have the blue Euro strip on the left and the owner does not have to be a German resident to register the car. The date on the red strip on the right hand side does not show the expiration date of the plate; instead it shows the expiration date of the vehicle insurance. After this date the vehicle must have left Germany.
[[File:Deutsches Diplomatenkennzeichen (Indonesien).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Diplomatic plate (Indonesian embassy in Berlin)]]
[[File:Licenseplate of limousine.png|thumb|200px|Plate of the German Chancellor]]
* '''Diplomatic plates''': plates of cars covered by [[diplomatic immunity]] have the digit ''0'' (Zero) on the left instead of the registration location code.
*'''Highest state offices:''' The [[President of Germany|President]] uses the license plate 0-1, the [[Chancellor of Germany (Federal Republic)|Chancellor]] uses 0-2, the [[Minister for Foreign Affairs (Germany)|Foreign Minister]] uses 0-3 and the ''First [[Secretary of State#Germany|State Secretary]] of the [[Foreign Office (Germany)|Foreign Office]]'' (i.e. the Foreign Minister's deputy) uses 0-4. The [[President of the Bundestag|President of the Parliament]] uses 1-1. This reflects the fact that the Parliament's President is not part of the executive branch but still ranks higher in (symbolic) importance than the Chancellor. These vehicles are tax-exempt and need not to be insured since the German government acts as insurer.
[[File:Deutsches Bundeswehr-Kfz-Kennzeichen.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Bundeswehr (armed forces)]]
* '''[[Bundeswehr|The military]]''' uses old style non-reflecting plates with a dash between the two circles. The German flag is shown, instead of the blue EU strip. Military plates use the letter ''Y'', rather than a city indicator (no German city name starts with a Y). After the ''Y'' comes a six-digit number (or five digits for motorcycles), for example ''Y-123456''. These vehicles are tax-exempt and need not to be insured since the German government acts as insurer. There is also no mandatory technical inspection required but the Armed Forces carry out a regular internal inspection on these vehicles similar to the official inspection.

* Military vehicles which are used by the '''[[Nato]] headquarters''' in Germany use the same design as the Y-plates except they carry the letter ''X'' followed by a four-digit number, for example ''X-1234''
[[File:Kfz-Kennzeichen THW.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Official registered vehicle for [[Technisches Hilfswerk]] (German Federal Agency for Technical Relief)]]
* Some branches of the '''federal government''' and '''[[States of Germany|federal state]] governments''' use the abbreviations of their names instead of a city code. Example: the [[Technisches Hilfswerk]] (German Federal Agency for Technical Relief) uses its abbreviation ''THW'', so the plates read ''THW-80000'', for example. All numbers on THW plates start either with the digit 8 or 9. Before the [[Deutsche Bundesbahn]] (''German National Railways'') and the [[Deutsche Bundespost|Deutsche '''B'''undes'''p'''ost]] (''Federal Post Office'') were privatised, they used the abbreviations ''DB'' and ''BP'' (e.g. ''DB-12345'', ''BP-12345''). The Wasser- und Schifffahrtsverwaltung des Bundes (''Federal Water and Ship Transport Authority'') uses '''BW''' followed by a digit identifying the region of the office (from 1=north to 7=south).
[[File:Deutsches Bundes-Kennzeichen BW6-602.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Wasser- und Schifffahrtsverwaltung des Bundes, here South Office in [[Würzburg]]]]
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für Bundespolizei.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Bundespolizei (Federal Police), code in use since 2005]]
* The '''[[German Federal Police|federal police]]''' uses the code ''BP'' instead of the local code. Before 2006 they used the code ''BG'' (former name: ''[[Bundesgrenzschutz|'''B'''undes'''g'''renzschutz]]'') (BG-#####), this old code remains still valid, only new vehicles will get the new "BP"-code.
* The '''[[North Rhine-Westphalia Police|Police]] of [[North Rhine-Westphalia]]''' uses ''NRW 4'', ''NRW 5'' and, for motorbikes, ''NRW 6'' as the local code. This is followed by a four-digit number (e.g. NRW 4-1960). ''4'', ''5'' and ''6'' stand for the State Ministry of the Interior.
*'''Light motorised vehicles''' such as mopeds and motorised wheelchairs are required to have a registration plate, see next section.

==Insurance plates==
[[File:Versicherungskennzeichen.jpg|thumb|Insurance plates; the colour of the letters is changed every year.]]
The ''{{lang|de|Versicherungskennzeichen}}'' ("insurance plate" ) used for mopeds and other small, low-power vehicles (such as vehicles for the physically handicapped, with a maximum speed of {{convert|50|km/h|disp=comma|abbr=on}}). The system is three digits on the top and three letters beneath. The number and the letters are chosen randomly so personalizing the plates is not possible. Plates are much smaller than the plates for normal cars and are only valid for one year from 1 March till the end of February the following year. Those plates are sold by insurance companies, so the fee included both the registration, and the cost of one year's insurance for the vehicle. There are four colours used: black, blue, green for normal plates, and red for temporary use, such as testing (very rare). The first three colours are changed every year in order to make it easy to see whether the vehicle has the correct plate and insurance.

:{| class="wikitable"
|+ Colours of the insurance plates from 1 March onwards of each year
! colspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | Colour
! colspan="9" style="text-align: center;" | Year
|-
| style="background-color: #0a0a0d;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 9005]] (''{{lang|de|Tiefschwarz}}'', Jet black)
| 1990
| 1993
| 1996
| 1999
| 2002
| 2005
| 2008
| 2011
| 2014
|-
| style="background-color: #3481b8;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 5012]] (''{{lang|de|Lichtblau}}'', Light blue)
| 1991
| 1994
| 1997
| 2000
| 2003
| 2006
| 2009
| 2012
| 2015
|-
| style="background-color: #3E753B;"| {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 6010]] (''{{lang|de|Grasgrün}}'', Grass green)
| 1992
| 1995
| 1998
| 2001
| 2004
| 2007
| 2010
| 2013
| 2016
|}

==Emission, safety test and registration sticker==

Emission test (front plate) and vehicle safety test (rear plate) stickers were also attached to the plate before 2010, in which year the emission sticker became obsolete as the emission test was incorporated into the safety test and was not performed separately anymore. The expiration date can be figured out as follows: The year is in the centre of the sticker, and the stickers are attached with the month of expiration pointing upwards. The black marking on the side (near the 12) thus makes it easy for the police to see the expiration month from a distance. Like a clock, the marking shows the same position of a number on the face of a clock. For example, the black marking is on the left side, so it is the ninth month (or 9 o'clock) and hence the expiry date is 30 September. The six possible colors code for the year when the next safety test is due and repeat once a six-year period has passed.

The lower sticker is the official seal of registration. It always carries the seal of the respective German ''{{lang|de|[[States of Germany|Bundesland]]}}'' with the city or district of issuance being added in print. Some seals carry the German ''{{lang|de|[[Coat of arms of Germany|Bundesadler]]}}'' instead of a Bundesland's seal, such as numberplates used on [[Federal Police (Germany)|Bundespolizei]] vehicles.

All these stickers are specially treated to be easily transferred onto the licence plates, but hard to be removed without damaging the plate itself, making them relatively counterfeit-proof.

Cars found in a public place where the owner did not pay insurance for more than three months (as reported to the police by the insurance company) may get '''''{{lang|de|entstempelt}}''''', that means, '''unstamped''': The police will remove the state's official seal using a scratching tool (mostly a screwdriver), leaving the plate without a valid seal, and it will be illegal to even leave that car parked on public ground, unless insurance is paid and plates are fitted with a new official seal.

Once a plate is invalid, the seal of registration is defaced by a qualified officer. After that, the plates are often sold to collectors on online shopping sites, such as [[eBay]].

When owners choose to deregister their vehicle the officer at the local authority will want to see the license plates with defaced seals on them as proof that no legal plate with this identifier can be found in public anymore. For this purpose special machines are available for use at the office. Once defaced the plates may only be used legally on public roads for the one ride back to the owner's place.
This is the recommended procedure for selling a car. Alternatively the seller may hand out their car with valid license plates and papers still in their name to the new owner thus giving them the responsibility to register the car in their name shortly. In a scenario without a proper sales contract the seller may become liable when the buyer commits criminal acts related to the car or plates and thus it is generally not recommended to sell used cars with license plates.

Motorcycles carry only the rear plate.

<gallery>
File:Plakette Abgassonderuntersuchung.png | Emission test sticker (before 2010)
File:Plakette Hauptuntersuchung.svg | Safety test sticker
File:Zulassungsplakette Coburg.png | Registration seal ([[Coburg]], Bavaria)
File:Kfz-Kennzeichen Deutschland - Toepfchensiegel.jpg | Safety test and registration seal ([[Fürth]], Bavaria)
</gallery>

[[File:Defacedgermanplate.JPG|thumb|200px|right|Example of a defaced plate — notice how the bottom seal is completely gone, due to scraping. From [[Kronach]].]]
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Colours of the emission test (before 2010) and vehicle safety test stickers
! colspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | Colour
! colspan="8" style="text-align: center;" | Year
|-
| style="background-color: #dd7907;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 2000]] (''{{lang|de|Gelborange}}'', Yellow-orange)
| —
| 1979
| 1983
| 1989
| 1995
| 2001
| 2007
| 2013
|-
| style="background-color: #2874b2;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 5015]] (''{{lang|de|Himmelblau}}'', Sky blue)
| —
| 1978
| 1984
| 1990
| 1996
| 2002
| 2008
| 2014
|-
| style="background-color: #d9c022;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 1012]] (''{{lang|de|Zitronengelb}}'', Lemon yellow)
| —
| 1977
| 1985
| 1991
| 1997
| 2003
| 2009
| 2015
|-
| style="background-color: #8f4e35;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 8004]] (''{{lang|de|Kupferbraun}}'', Copper brown)
| 1974
| 1980
| 1986
| 1992
| 1998
| 2004
| 2010
| 2016
|-
| style="background-color: #e1a6ad;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 3015]] (''{{lang|de|Hellrosa}}'', Light pink)
| 1975
| 1981
| 1987
| 1993
| 1999
| 2005
| 2011
| 2017
|-
| style="background-color: #48a43f;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 6018]] (''{{lang|de|Gelbgrün}}'', Yellow-green)
| 1976
| 1982
| 1988
| 1994
| 2000
| 2006
| 2012
| 2018
|}

==See also==
* [[Vehicle registration plates of the German Democratic Republic]]
* [[Vehicle registration plates of the United States Army in Germany]]

* ''[[:de:Liste aller Kfz-Kennzeichen der Bundesrepublik Deutschland|Liste aller Kfz-Kennzeichen der Bundesrepublik Deutschland]]'' {{de icon}} List of all registration codes issued under the current registration system
* ''[[:de:Liste der auslaufenden deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen|Liste der auslaufenden deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen]]'' {{de icon}} List of no longer issued registration codes
* ''[[:de:Liste der deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen (historisch)|Liste der deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen (historisch)]]'' {{de icon}} List of repealed registration codes
* ''[[:de:Liste der Kfz-Kennzeichen in Deutschland|Liste der Kfz-Kennzeichen in Deutschland]]'' {{de icon}} List of currently issued registration codes

==References==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|License plates of Germany}}
*[http://www.theplateman.com German Number Plates, Also shows how they are made]
*[http://www.kennzeichengeschichte.de History of German license plates]
*[http://www.hegis.de/fed__rep__of_germany.htm More information about German car number plates and their history]
*[http://www.europeanplates.com/german-city-codes German City Codes, Complete City Code List]
*[http://www.license-plates.appspot.com Application to find which region/place in Germany the vehicle originates]
*[http://www.platesmania.com/de/ Photos of license plates of Germany]

{{Vehicle registration plates of Europe}}

[[Category:Vehicle registration plates by country|Germany]]
[[Category:Road transport in Germany]]

Talk:Vehicle registration plates of Germany

2015-11-08T12:42:42Z

Harry8: /* I Y */ new section

{{WikiProjectBannerShell|1=
{{WikiProject European Union|class=Start|importance=Mid}}
{{WikiProject Germany|class=B|importance=High|unref=yes}}
{{WikiProject Automobiles}}
}}

== External links ==

I've just removed the external links section, as the site appears to have been subsumed into some other website and, thus, the links no longer work — they just go to the new site's homepage. The original links were:
* [http://www.autokennzeichen.info/ a searchable list of location codes, in German]
* <s>[http://www.kennzeichen.org/ a similar list with some additional information]</s>
* <s>[http://www.kennzeichen.org/schild2.htm#bund examples of special governmental plates]</s>
— [[User:OwenBlacker|OwenBlacker]] 21:13, Dec 4, 2004 (UTC)

:The latter two links above are no longer valid. -[[User:ThorstenS|ThorstenS]] 06:45, 5 May 2005 (UTC)

==on diacritics==

There is a line that says that Diacritics are used in car plates. I think this is kind of obvious/not needed information, because The German language is using the diacritics on letters as complete new letter(Umlaut) It would be weird if a place that is written with an umlaut, that the umlaut is not reflected in the car plate.[[Special:Contributions/82.83.107.251|82.83.107.251]] ([[User talk:82.83.107.251|talk]]) 16:43, 5 May 2010 (UTC)
:I take your point. On the other hand, it's not unknown in Germany for the letters Ä, Ö, and Ü to be written as AE, OE, UE on occasion (especially where older technology -- such as early information display equipment at airports, for example) did not allow the display of umlauted letters: e.g. KOELN for KÖLN, MUENCHEN for MÜNCHEN. I think the observation about diacritics is therefore one that was worth making in the article, and deserves to stay. --[[User:Picapica|Picapica]] ([[User talk:Picapica|talk]]) 15:52, 26 July 2012 (UTC)

==commercial external links==
Currently there is the link [http://www.germanplates.net/] which shows on its page only a copy of this wikipedia arcticle. This link is not worth to be published on this wikipedia article and I keep deleting it. Isn't it possible to block this Internet address for good since it appears again and again after deletion? -[[User:ThorstenS|Toshi]] 06:50, 2 October 2006 (UTC)

Same problem with [http://www.specialplates.com/german-license-plate-information]. Very little information and not worth to be listed in this article. But it is coming again and again after deletion. -[[User:ThorstenS|Toshi]] 15:02, 2 October 2006 (UTC)

Hey Thorsten , I'll also keep an eye open to keep on deleting it--[[User:IsarSteve|IsarSteve]] 15:17, 2 October 2006 (UTC)

I'd dispute that our link at [http://www.specialplates.com/german-license-plate-information] contains 'very little information'. It contains further additional information and is not a simple copy of the wikipedia page as some are.

:If it's your own site, then I don't know that you're in a position to be judging it's usefulness; there's a potential conflict of intrest. More importantly, you shouldn't be adding links to your own site to Wikipedia articles, especially if it's a commercial link (and based on the credit-card logos at the bottom of the site, I'd say that your site is a commercial site). See [[Wikipedia:External links#Links normally to be avoided]] at point 3. If it's a useful site, be assured that someone else will find it and add it. Finally, I can see from the history of this article that links to your "special plates" site has been deleted several different times by several different people. I think this sends a pretty clear message.
:If there is information on your site that would be useful to Wikipedia readers (who come here looking for encyclopediac information), why not just add that information to the article? You'd probably save yourself a lot of trouble and frustration. [[Wikipedia:New contributors' help page]] may also help you out. Good luck --[[User:Badger151|Badger151]] 02:06, 4 October 2006 (UTC)
:Oops: "you shouldn't be adding links to your own site to Wikipedia articles" isn't necessarily clear, is it? I mean that you shouldn't add links to Wikipedia if those links point to your own site. Sorry for any confusion. --[[User:Badger151|Badger151]] 05:22, 4 October 2006 (UTC)

Yes it is our own site, but useful all the same - check it out, there is different and more information than is on the wikipedia page, providing further information on the subject. The link was deleted previously several times by our commercial competitor who has chosen to simply upload to his site a duplicate of the wikipedia article on German plates. We have checked our link everyday to find that it's been replaced by his duplicate article page... and commercial links.

:I don't personally dispute its usefulness. I think that the issue is more the potential conflict of intrest. If I am, for instance, J. Michael Stevenson, then I shouldn't be adding text to [[J. Michael Stevenson]], nor should I be adding links to that Wikipedia page that point to my own site. Even if I'm not Mr. Stevenson, if I sell posters of him, though I can (and am encouraged to) add correct (and referenced, if possible) information to his Wikipedia page, I shouldn't be adding links that point to my site, no matter how much useful information I may have. If consumers determine my information to be useful, though, they'll add that link for me, just as they will for you.
:The issue of your competitor also bears mentioning in as much as she shouldn't be adding links that point to her site, either. Links to her site have also been removed just as prequently as they have appeared.
:Again, I get the sense that this is a subject that you know a lot about - why not just add the information to the Wikipedia article? Or is the real point that you want to increase the traffic to your site? Best, --[[User:Badger151|Badger151]] 18:57, 4 October 2006 (UTC)

Again there is link from "germanplates.net" appearing. I know from the German Wikipedia that it is possible to blacklist URLs so they can be banned easily for good. Anything else possible in the English version? Otherwise I would appreciate it if more Wikipedians could have an eye on the External links-list. -[[User:ThorstenS|Toshi]] 07:51, 16 January 2007 (UTC)

:Furthermore "germanplates.net" continues to remove our now non-commercial link [http://www.specialplates.com/german-license-plate-information] from the External links list. We have removed all commericial links and references and now simply display a long page of information including a full list of codes and pictures of German plates. - 13:24, 16 January 2007 (CET)

:The page "germanplates.net" doesn't contain any further information than the more comprehensive Wikipedia article. And why does the registration offices list ends with "OBB"? What about the rest of the alphabet? BTW, a full list is already accessabel by another entry of external link list. Please read the guidelines about external links, see [[Wikipedia:External_links#Links_normally_to_be_avoided]]. I wait a few days (avioding edit-war) before I remove the "germanplates.net" again since it gives you in my opinion no further information than what it is already written in the main article and seems just to promote the commercial content of the website. -[[User:ThorstenS|Toshi]] 18:32, 16 January 2007 (UTC)

:It should be recognised that link [http://www.germanplates.net/] is independent to ours. It simply displays a copy of this Wikipedia article but spread over several pages even giving credit to Wikipedia. Our link [http://www.specialplates.com/german-license-plate-information] provides further discussion on German plates and shows a full list (now complete, thanks for the tip [[User:ThorstenS|Toshi]], the file hadn't been fully uploaded to the server and so finished halfway through!). There is no commercial content on our link - I fear there may be confusion again with [http://www.germanplates.net/] that does have advertising/product purchase options - 00:26, 17 January 2007 (CET)

:Link [http://www.specialplates.com/german-license-plate-information] removed by [[User:IsarSteve|IsarSteve]] despite no commercial references on this page. It could then be argued that external link [http://www.hegis.de/] is commercial as the webmaster openly welcomes offers on his collection of plates.

::I have cleaned up the external links section and put three links from the German Wikipedia linking to a comprehensive list of all German registration codes. Furthermore the German code lists will be regularly updated. -[[User:ThorstenS|Toshi]] 18:56, 18 January 2007 (UTC)

== Oval plates ==
Have seen oval plates displayed on some older German cars in the US. Was this a special plate series for export vehicles picked up at the factory? [[User:Scott Sanchez|knoodelhed]] 10:13, 19 Dec 2004 (UTC)
:Correct! The oval plate was an export plate in use until the 1980s??.[[User:IsarSteve|IsarSteve]] 13:40, 20 Dec 2004 (UTC)

== American plates ==

Private vehicles belonging to American Service personnel based in Germany now carry german style number plates starting''' AD, AF, HK or IF'''

Do the letters have any sort of meaning/code ??

[[User:IsarSteve|IsarSteve]] 12:25, 1 May 2005 (UTC)

:I think I have on the internet the following: AD=Army Dept., AF=Armed Forces, IF=Intern(ational/al) Forces, HK=????. Also the abbreviations are used to destinguish of the use of the car, such as private or offical. But maybe I am totally wrong. -[[User:ThorstenS|ThorstenS]] 13:02, 1 May 2005 (UTC)

: I'm sorry, but you are... The abbr. were chosen accidentally, they have no meaning at all. AD and AF were just the first compositions consisting of two letters not used by german authorities. For security reasons and for a more "german lookalike' they were changed to IF and HK later. In the future, there won't exist special numbers for US-personnel in Germany anymore. US military staff will get the same number plates, beginning with the code of the district, like german car owners, so that soldier's cars can't be identified as so. [[User:Strafrechtler|strafrechtler]] 17:44 11.05.2006 EST

In the German article I have moved the section about the American plates to a separate article since the plates are not issued by German authorities. (The do not even bear any German signs like "D" or the European stars). Maybe there should be an article created such as "US car plates abroad" or so here in the English Wikipedia. Any hints? -[[User:ThorstenS|ThorstenS]] 11:16, 15 Jun 2005 (UTC)

:I have moved the section regarding US plates to [[Car number plates (US Army in Germany)]]. Also I added some information. -[[User:ThorstenS|Toshi]] 11:12, 19 Jun 2005 (UTC)

HK = private cars of US soldiers in germany See [http://www.kfz-auskunft.de/autokennzeichen/autokennzeichen_h_i_j.html here](german site). (was made to hide that they are foreigners)

'''from 2006 on US-Army personnel and their families get normal german plates from the city they live in! the old plates with HK, AF and AD are not renewed and there's only a few of them left since most personnel only stays in germany for 2 years or gets another vehicle...'''

IF are Nato plates, as are X plates, Y is german army.

== Car number plates ==
I've noticed that the article is written in British English consistently except for "license plate" and was started by an editor from England. I'll change the title to "German car number plates" and copy-edit the article accordingly.
[[User:SpNeo|SpNeo]] 08:04, 4 May 2005 (UTC)

== No list? ==
Hasn't anyone compiled a list of all the Kennzeichen letter combinations? I used to have one or two when I lived there, even listing a few of the obsolete ones! --[[User:JohnDBuell|JohnDBuell]] | [[User talk:JohnDBuell|Talk]] 02:45, 2 October 2005 (UTC)

:In the German Wikipedia you find the two lists. One for the [http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liste_der_Kfz-Kennzeichen_in_Deutschland currently issued plates] and the other one with the [http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liste_der_auslaufenden_deutschen_Kfz-Kennzeichen obselete but still valid codes]. -[[User:ThorstenS|Toshi]] 09:58, 2 October 2005 (UTC)

== Old plates ==

Anyone got some infos on old German plates i.e. before the current system was set up? I have seen some older cars with plates with an IA- prefix etc.
Thanks
Peter

:In the German Wikipedia there is a list of [http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liste_der_deutschen_Kfz-Kennzeichen_%28historisch%29 historic codes]. "IA" was used between 1906 and 1945 on a police vehicle in Berlin or during the time of the GDR (1945-1990) a private car registered in East-Berlin. -[[User:ThorstenS|Toshi]] 17:08, 3 October 2005 (UTC)

:: East Berlin did not have IA. The GDR system was based on one letter codes, assigned according to their administritive units called [[Administrative division of the German Democratic Republic|Bezirke]]. In this framework East Berlin was a "Bezirk" and accordingly assigned I. The second letter was arbitrary. So while the combination IA existed, so did IB, IC ... The similarity of some of the codes with the pre-war code may have been intended, but not actually ingrained in the system. [[User:Anorak2|Anorak2]] ([[User talk:Anorak2|talk]]) 08:10, 5 February 2008 (UTC)

IA was in place from 1906 till 1945 for privately owned vehicles in berlin. police had '''Pol''' from 1933-1945, before that the must have had the same plates as civilian vehicles. —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[Special:Contributions/91.33.112.93|91.33.112.93]] ([[User talk:91.33.112.93|talk]]) 08:03, 5 February 2008 (UTC) 

== Registration of Vehicles in Germany==

I am looking for some information about the registration of vehicles in Germany. Specifically, I am looking for German and English translations of the statutes / ordinances / whatever regulating registrations of vehicles there are.

Please feel free to contact me at the following email address: michael_b_sachs@hotmail.com

Thanks for your help.
Michael

:The regarding law for this is the "Straßenverkehrszulassungsordnung" [http://www.stvzo.de/stvzo/inhalt.htm] (standards about vehicles to be registered, such as what colour does the brake light has and how bright it must be) , partly the "Straßenverkehrsordnung" [http://bundesrecht.juris.de/bundesrecht/stvo/]. I do not know an Englisch version for this laws. Another regulation are the "Anweisungen" (instructions) how to follow the laws. But they are not public as far as I know. They are intended for the work of the officials (like car registration inspectors). If you can tell me your questions I could help more specifics. Or you can write to the Ministry of Transport [http://www.bmvbw.de/] (under "Kontakt"). -[[User:ThorstenS|Toshi]] 13:00, 27 January 2006 (UTC)

== Number of possible registrations ==

I thought it might be interesting to add the maximum number of possible registrations per location and also the maximum number of civilian vehicles permanently registered. I wanted approval first though, because my math isn't that great. Here is what I figured out:

Each license plate has the following format XXX-YY ZZZZ, where XXX the location, YY the random letters and ZZZZ the random numbers. XXX is of no importance in this calculation.

YY can be one or two letters in the standard latin alphabet without umlauts, thus 26^2 (676) combinations plus an additional 26 when only one letter is used. That makes 702 combinations there if I'm not mistaken.

Z can be any number from 0 to 9, but it doesn't have to be 4 digits long, as it can be 3, 2 or just a single digit aswell, but leading zeros arent allowed. 
A single digit means 9 possible combinations ((10^1)-10/10) 
2 digits mean 90 combinations (10^2-100/10) 
3 digits mean 900 combinations (10^3-1000/10) 
4 digits mean 9000 combinations (10^4-10000/10) 

That means that there are 9+90+900+9000=9999 combinations in numbers alone. Multiply that with the 702 possible combinations of letters and you get 7,019,298 possible unique registrations per location.

According to [http://userpage.chemie.fu-berlin.de/diverse/doc/kfz.html this list], there are 560 possible location codes, but these include various state and government used codes which do not follow the standard combination key. If they were to follow the standard key however, it would allow for 3,930,806,880 cars, which means 47.65 cars per resident in 2004 (population: 82,501,000 according to 2004 census). But if someone has the time to filter the list for state owned and reserved location codes, it would be interesting to see what the maximum number of vehicles would be then.

Anyway, someone please double check my calculation and correct it if it's wrong!

:Note: Some codes such as SS, SA, KZ etc. and combinations with area codes, example: S-S 100 for Stuttgart or K-Z 100 for Cologne are not allowed (see main article about prohibited combinations). Furthermore the maximum numbers and letters on a plate is 8. This affects three letter-code areas. Hence ABC-DE 1234 is not possible (9 letters/numbers in total). Please take this into account in your calculations. -[[User:ThorstenS|Toshi]] 18:38, 2 July 2006 (UTC)

::Thanks for the reminder. I'll look into that later! 
::OK, some brief calculations have shown that 49995 will leave the list because they allow illegal combinations in the last two letter spaces and a further 49995 because they allow for illegal combinations with a single-letter city. Im assuming that the combination would be granted if the illegal abbreviation is inbetween other letters or split up between the location code and the random letters. Unless I'm mistaken, that should leave 6,919,308 legal combinations.
::In order to determine the maximum lengths, i need to look into the location codes some more.

:::I had a look in your list mentioned above. It seems it is a little bit outdated (DB for Deutsche Bahn has been abolished around 10 years ago for example). I recommend the list on the German wikipedia [http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liste_der_Kfz-Kennzeichen_in_Deutschland]. Note: also federal government codes are on the list such as THW, BW, Y, or the local governments ("Landtag") such as BYL, NRW. -[[User:ThorstenS|Toshi]] 12:29, 3 July 2006 (UTC)

::::Thanks for the update. I had noticed the local governments myself. Since Bremen, Hamburg and Berlin use the same location code for the city as they use for the government, 13 other local governments will be left. Because of the ''Stadtstaaten'', the final number will be slightly off anyway, since it would assume that the local governments have no vehicles registered. But are you sure about the fact that DB is no longer used for Die Bahn? I'm pretty sure I saw a vehicle with DB that was certainly not older than two years. Or could it be that license plates that have been issued to former government agencies can be transfered without typical ''Sperrfrist'' on civil plates? I also noticed on the German Wikipedia, that some cities reserve certain letter combinations for certain businesses. And what is also not considered in the calculations, is that people that are called something like Hanz Jürgen can PROBABLY register HJ, in spite of the association with the Hitlerjugend. It seems this calculation is going a bit out of hand. One can say for sure that there are probably enough possible combinations to issue a license plate to every vehicle on earth, not just in Germany.

:::::With DB or BP they are definetely no longer in use since this companies have been privatized and therefore no longer entitled to use special plates. Have a look on these [http://www.worldlicenseplates.com/jpglps/EU_Germany_3BRD_OT5.jpg plate samples] if you have really seen this plates. But BP has been assigned recently to the federal police (Bundespolizei). The current code BG (Bundesgrenzschutz) will be no longer issued. About the "Nazi"-Codes from my experience only NS and SD are maybe issued if you have your name starts with these letters . But SD is mainly banned in the federal state of Hessen and almost everywhere else in Germany available for registration (even without special reason). -[[User:ThorstenS|Toshi]] 07:37, 5 July 2006 (UTC)

your forgetting that the combinations can be xxx-yy 1234 but in the same city there's also xxx-y 1, xxx-y 12, xxx-y 123, xxx-yy 1, xxx-yy 12, xxx-yy 123. germany doesn't have a rigid numbering plan, the same with its telephone numbers, it's a huge bummer for us... who like it simple... LOL... —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[Special:Contributions/91.33.112.93|91.33.112.93]] ([[User talk:91.33.112.93|talk]]) 08:07, 5 February 2008 (UTC) 

== Emmission test sticker ==

I'm guessing that the color of the sticker reflects the year in which the sticker expires? Also, could a photo or diagram of a sticker not expiring in December be uploaded? This would make it clearer how the black mark is used (particularly if the photo is placed next to a photo of a sticker expiring in Dec). --[[User:Badger151|Badger151]] 19:04, 4 October 2006 (UTC)

:Correct the colour shows the expiry year, see list at the end of the article. Regarding an impression of a different expiry month you can download the current photo, rotate it by software and upload it again (preferable WikiCommons). The registration offices in Germany just do like that, they turn the sticker on the plate rather than having for each month a differnt one (in case you ask whether the year is shown always on upright position) -[[User:ThorstenS|Toshi]] 13:50, 5 October 2006 (UTC)

== East German number plates ==

<blockquote>''"As they only started using the modern system in 1990 after German reunification, many of the possible shorter combinations had already been used up in western Germany. Thus, big east German cities like Dresden have two letter codes (DD) instead of one (D)"''</blockquote>

I think this sentence has to be questioned. As far as I know, all East German districts had been considered when inventing the new number plate system after World War II (already anticipating a possible re-unification). [[User:Waldgeist|Waldgeist]] 22:01, 21 May 2007 (UTC)

:Well the biggest city only in GDR was Leipzig, but L was taken by a smaller municipality. They had to give it up, in favour of Leipzig. Most other cities in GDR were not so big, compared to West Germany. Compare Magdeburg/München, Dresden/Düsseldorf etc-- [[User:BIL|BIL]] ([[User talk:BIL|talk]]) 12:45, 7 February 2008 (UTC)

:: L was originally reserved for Leipzig but reused in the mid-80s. After 1990 Leipzig fought to get its L "back". This case is an exception which proves the rule that East German codes were assigned in the 1950s, including some one-letter coes: C, G, J, L, P, Z [[User:Anorak2|Anorak2]] ([[User talk:Anorak2|talk]]) 06:01, 10 February 2008 (UTC)

== Old photos of plates! ==

there's one picture of a license plate that appears to be current, but it's not! the "Official registered vehicle for disaster relief" example is the old pre-1994 plate, not the new plate!

also there's one license plate size missing, the one for small motorcycles and farm vehicles, those are smaller, almost like the US license plates, in fact US-Army personnel is issued those plates if they can't fit the regular german sized plates. imports from abroad are also issued those plates if the space is not sufficient for regular plates! —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[Special:Contributions/91.33.112.93|91.33.112.93]] ([[User talk:91.33.112.93|talk]]) 08:12, 5 February 2008 (UTC) 

:I disagree, the majority of the plates are still issued today. The old one's which are no longer issued but remain valid are: KA-RR 232, ERH 8500 and WÜ-06131. The oval Zollkennzeichen (408 Z-8330) is the only plate on the page which is not issued in this style anymore and has been replaced by the FE style plate (Sample: MKK 458 C) -[[User:ThorstenS|Toshi]] ([[User talk:ThorstenS|talk]]) 16:01, 6 February 2008 (UTC)

== FE-Mittelschrift typeface ==

Interesting article at [http://www.spiekermann.com/mten/2007/06/complete_forgery.html SpiekerBlog (en): Complete forgery] detailing Germany's new licence plate typeface: "''The official typeface for our license plates is now called FE-Mittelschrift, with FE meaning it is Fälschungs-Erschwert, i.e. difficult to forge. ...''" Just a pointer, in case there's any usable information for this article, or somewhere else related. :) -- [[User:Quiddity|Quiddity]] ([[User talk:Quiddity|talk]]) 08:08, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

== Blue EU-flag is NOT seen on all plates in the EU ==

In the section "Format" it is stated, that all registration plates within the EU displays the blue square to the left; this is not the case in Denmark, so the information is incorrect. —Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[Special:Contributions/84.238.27.168|84.238.27.168]] ([[User talk:84.238.27.168|talk]]) 09:59, 7 January 2009 (UTC) 

== BÜS = Büsingen ==

Mention should be made of one exception, BÜS = [[Büsingen]], this is not a [[Kreis]] (in this article translated as district, but more equivalent to a "county"), it is a mere "[[Gemeinde]]" (Parish). This is licence plate famed as having the fewest vehicles registered (812, [[de:Kfz-Kennzeichen_(Deutschland)#Zulassungsbezirke_mit_den_wenigsten_Kraftfahrzeugen|according to the German version of this article]], the one with the most vehicles is B = Berlin). Büsingen gets this honour because it is an [[exclave]] and a tax-free area. The different number plates distinguishes the vehicles from those of the rest of the Kreis (KN = [[Konstanz (district)|Konstanz]]) because if a Büsingen vehicle is sold elsewhere in Germany tax must be paid. [[User:TiffaF|TiffaF]] ([[User talk:TiffaF|talk]]) 16:21, 20 May 2009 (UTC)

== Bremerhaven ==

Why hasn't the city of Bremerhaven an own district code? --[[Special:Contributions/88.77.250.127|88.77.250.127]] ([[User talk:88.77.250.127|talk]]) 15:32, 12 August 2009 (UTC)

:Bremerhaven belongs to the state of Bremen which has the code HB assigned
--[[Special:Contributions/92.224.61.243|92.224.61.243]] ([[User talk:92.224.61.243|talk]]) 21:56, 22 December 2009 (UTC)

==Green lettering==
I see some German lorries on UK roads with green lettering instead of the normal black. Is there some reason for this, and if so, shouldn't it be in the article? (My apologies if it already is - couldn't find it.) [[User:Peridon|Peridon]] ([[User talk:Peridon|talk]]) 18:40, 1 September 2009 (UTC)

:You'll find the explanation under [[Vehicle_registration_plates_of_Germany#Special_codes|1.4 Special Codes]] in relation to vehicles exempt from taxes. [[User:Michael.poplawski|Michael Poplawski]] ([[User talk:Michael.poplawski|talk]]) 23:38, 17 September 2009 (UTC)
::Ta. [[User:Peridon|Peridon]] ([[User talk:Peridon|talk]]) 21:28, 19 September 2009 (UTC)

== No mention of Bonn plates? ==

International organisations have their own special plates, all registered to Bonn (BN) regardless of where its owner lives. It is then followed by 3 digits, then a hyphen, then 3 more digits (syntax: BN 111-111). The first 3 represent the organisation (e.g. 172 for [[European Aviation Safety Agency]], which operates from Cologne), while the latter 3 represent the number within that series. Yet this is not mentioned at all in the article. --[[User:Svippong|Svip]][[User talk:Svippong|pong]] 17:06, 11 July 2011 (UTC)

== East Germany ==

I think we need an article, or at least a brief section in this article, giving some details of the system of plates in the GDR, as presently it is not discussed here. If anyone is knowledgeable about this, I hope they will contribute something. [[User:Credulity|Credulity]] ([[User talk:Credulity|talk]]) 08:59, 30 July 2012 (UTC)

== Region Decals ==

When did Germany begin using the regional decals? What decals would have been used on the following plates in 1990?

OS-AM 504
HH-DE 978 — Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[Special:Contributions/75.99.15.202|75.99.15.202]] ([[User talk:75.99.15.202|talk]]) 17:09, 16 June 2014 (UTC) 

== I Y ==

I Y stood for Posen, but later for Düsseldorf ([[Regierungsbezirk]]). [[User:Harry8|Harry8]] ([[User talk:Harry8|talk]]) 12:42, 8 November 2015 (UTC)

Vehicle registration plates of Germany

2015-11-08T12:37:18Z

Harry8: /* Prohibited combinations */ AH

{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2014}}
'''German vehicle registration plates''' (''Kraftfahrzeug-Kennzeichen'' or, more colloquially, ''Nummernschilder'') indicate the place where the vehicle bearing them was once registered. Whenever German owners of a motor vehicle change their main place of residence within [[Germany]] or buy a car from a person living in a different city or [[Districts of Germany|county]] they have to have the vehicle documentation changed accordingly. In the process owners may opt for new license plates that reflect their place of residence or simply retain the old identifier and plates. The states of [[Hesse]], [[Schleswig-Holstein]], [[Brandenburg]], [[Saxony]], [[Thuringia]] and [[Northrhine-Westphalia]] were the first ones to create laws so that owners were not obliged anymore to change license plates if they were changing residence within the respective state. A nationwide law has since been passed by the federal government and it comes into effect on January 1, 2015.<ref>
{{cite web |url=http://www.vz-nrw.de/energie-und-verkehr#kfzkennzeichenhhauchfuerfrankfurter |title=Kfz-Kennzeichen: HH auch für Frankfurter |accessdate=2014-12-09 |author=Verbraucherzentrale Nordrhein-Westfalen e.V. |date=2014-12-02 }}
</ref> From this time on, it is generally not possible anymore to tell the owner's place of residence just from looking at the plates.

The option to be assigned temporary plates allows owners a financial saving in the case they have vehicles (e.g. motorcycles) which they intend to drive only during one particular part of the year. While temporary plates can only be used for the time printed on them and new ones have to be assigned and bought if the vehicle is supposed to be on public roads later on there is no need to renew regular plates periodically. German motor vehicle tax is paid independently of the license plates by annual direct debit from a bank account.

As of 2007, new number plates normally cost around €30, while the cost of de-registering a vehicle and re-registering it with new plates is between €10 and €40. The license plates themselves are not made by the registration office but by independent for-profit stores that are usually located in the same building as the registration office or close by. Upon successful registration the applicant is merely given a slip of paper with the assigned number that can be presented at any store that makes plates. Sometimes there are several stores in the vicinity of the registration office with prices for plates dropping the further the store is away from the registration office. Once the plates are made, which is a matter of minutes, the owner must return to the registration office with them, pay the costs for registration and then the required registration seal and safety test stickers are applied to the plates making them legal for use in traffic.

If ownership of a vehicle is permanently transferred to a new owner who lives in the same city/region then the registration number may remain unchanged. Administration fees are, however, still payable in respect of the necessary changes to the vehicle's official documentation. Many people however will change the license plates even if it is not necessary in order to personalize them.

==Format==
[[File:KFZmod.png|thumb|200px|right|The post-1994 German number plate format (FE-style)]]
[[File:Plate-KA-RR232.JPG|thumb|200px|right|The pre-1994 German number plate format (DIN-style), no longer issued but still in use.]]
[[File:Kfz-Kennzeichen in Deutschland.svg|thumb|300 px|Map of German districts and their license plate codes]]
The present German number plate format has been in use since 1994. As with many plates for countries within the [[European Union]], a blue strip on the left shows a shortened [[List of international vehicle registration codes|country code]] in white text ('''D''' for ''Deutschland'' = Germany) and the [[Flag of Europe]] (12 golden stars forming a circle on a blue background).

The rest of the license plate uses black print on a white background. Just after the country code strip is a one, two or three letter abbreviation, which represents the city or region where the car was registered, such as B for [[Berlin]]. These letters formerly coincide with the [[Districts of Germany|German districts]]. Since 2013 the letters were extended to former districts ([http://www.kfz.de/autokennzeichen/autokennzeichen_deutschland/ complete list]). In some cases an [[Urban districts of Germany|urban district]] and the surrounding non-urban district share the same letter code. Where this happens, the number of the following letters and digits is usually different. For example, the urban district of [[Straubing]] (SR) has one letter after the code (SR - A 123). The surrounding district [[Straubing-Bogen]] has two letters (SR - AB 123) after the code. However, these different systems are being used in fewer cases, as many cities that share their code with the surrounding rural districts have started using all codes for both districts without any distinction; the city of [[Regensburg]], for example, and the surrounding [[Regensburg (district)|rural district Regensburg]] used different systems only until 2007.

The number of letters in the city/region prefix code mostly reflects the size of the district. The basic idea was to even out the number of digits on all license plates, because the largest districts would have more digits after the prefix for more cars. The largest German cities generally only have one letter codes (B=[[Berlin]], M=[[Munich]], K=[[Cologne]] (''Köln''), F=[[Frankfurt]], L=[[Leipzig]], S=[[Stuttgart]]), most other districts in Germany have two or three letter codes. Therefore, cities or districts with fewer letters are generally assumed to be bigger and more important. Reflecting that, most districts tried to get a combination with fewer letters for their prefix code.

Districts in eastern Germany usually have more letters, for two reasons:
* Fewer people live in eastern German districts, so the number of cars registered is smaller and hence the use of three letter codes.
* With the introduction of the current system on 1 July 1956 in then West Germany including [[West Berlin|Berlin (West)]], letters had been reserved for all east German districts of that time. However, a lot of those districts were changed over the years, and in 1990 after [[German reunification]], many of the possible shorter combinations had already been used up in western Germany.

There are a number of exceptions e.g. Germany's second largest city [[Hamburg]] (HH, Hansestadt Hamburg, because of its historical membership in the [[Hanseatic League]], reflected already in its prefix used between 1906 and 1945). Similar is the case of the cities of [[Bremen]] and [[Bremerhaven]], forming the state [[Bremen (state)|Free Hanseatic City of Bremen]], sharing the common prefix HB (1906–1947, and again since 1956), differentiated by the number of letters and digits added.

In 1956 also [[Lübeck]] received its former prefix HL, already used between 1906 and 1937, when its statehood was abolished. In analogy to these three northwestern cities, but without historical examples of formerly issued prefixes, four northeastern Hanseatic cities, [[Greifswald]], [[Rostock]], [[Stralsund]] and [[Wismar]], chose the prefixes HGW, HRO, HST and HWI, since the shorter HG ([[Hochtaunuskreis]], capital: Bad Homburg vor der Höhe), HR ([[Schwalm-Eder-Kreis]], capital: [[Homberg (Efze)]]), HS ([[Kreis Heinsberg]]) and HW (Kreis Halle in Westphalia) were already taken by west German districts.

More west German districts have prefixes derived from the names of their capitals: [[Ammerland]] (WST, after Westerstede), [[Dithmarschen]] (HEI, after Heide in Dithmarschen), [[Harburg (district)|Harburg]] (WL, after Winsen upon Luhe), [[Herzogtum Lauenburg]] (RZ, after Ratzeburg) etc.

The letter "G" was reserved for the east German city of [[Gera]], although it is much smaller than the west German [[Gelsenkirchen]] ("GE"). The letter "L" had been reserved for Leipzig, but in 1977 it was assigned to the newly formed city of [[Lahn, Hesse|Lahn]], and the rural district [[Lahn-Dill-Kreis]]. This casts some light on how unlikely a reunification was regarded at that time. In 1990, Leipzig claimed back the letter "L", and it was reassigned, and Lahn-Dill-Kreis had to change to LDK.

The reason for this scheme is however not to display size or location, but simply to have enough combinations available within the maximum length of eight characters per plate.

After the location name there are the round vehicle safety test and registration seal stickers (see below) placed on top of each other. The registration sticker is the bottom one. For vehicles that are required to bear a front and rear plate the front plate nowadays only features the registration seal sticker. Before 2010, in which year the emission test became a part of the vehicle safety test, the hexagonal emission test sticker was placed above it. The stickers are followed by one or two usually random letters and one to four usually random numbers. The total quantity of letters and numbers on the plate is never higher than eight. Identifiers consisting of one letter with low numbers are normally reserved for motorcycle use since there is less space for plates on these vehicles.

A problem with this scheme is that the space between geographic identifier and random letters is a significant character and must be considered when writing down a number. For example, B MW 555 is not the same number as BM W 555. The confusion can be avoided by writing a hyphen after the city code, as in the old number plates, like B-MW 555. For this reason, the police will always radio the location name and spell out the next letters using the German [[German phonetic alphabet|telephone alphabet]], which varies somewhat from the English one. Thus, B MW 555 would be radioed as "[[Berlin]], Martha, Wilhelm, fünf-fünf-fünf" and BM W 555 as "[[Rhein-Erft-Kreis|Bergheim]], Wilhelm, fünf-fünf-fünf".

[[File:Toyota Celica Gr.A 002.JPG|thumb|The Köln-based Toyota Team Europe prepared Celica GT-Four rally car with Köln (Cologne) license plate. Note the plate starts with "K".]]

For an extra charge of €10.20 car owners can also register a personalized identifier. Car owners can only choose the numbers or letters instead of the random ones at the end, provided of course they are not yet taken and not a prohibited combination. For example, people living in the town of Pirna might choose ''PIR-AT 77'', "Pirat" being the [[German language|German]] for "pirate". [[Kiel]] is one of few places (others are Brake (capital of the district of [[Wesermarsch]]), Cham, Daun, Emden, Halle, Hamm, Heide, Herne, Hof, Kleve, Kusel, Lauf, Lünen, Pirna, Plön, Regen, Rehau, Selb, Ulm, Unna and Wesel) where the number plate can be the city name: 'KI-EL'. In most cases of personalized plates people choose their initials and a number reflecting their birthdate. In this fashion fictional Mrs. Ulrike Mustermann, born May 2, 1965 and living in Essen would choose 'E UM 2565' for her car. Note that dates are given in the format DDMMYY in Germany.

Germany includes diacritical marks in the letters of some codes, that is the letters Ö and Ü. Such a thing is rarely done in other European countries, but also appears on regular [[Vehicle registration plates of Bosnia and Herzegovina|Bosnian]], [[Vehicle registration plates of Croatia|Croatian]] and [[Vehicle registration plates of Serbia|Serbian]](letters Č, Š and Ž), [[Vehicle registration plates of Finland|Åland registration plates]] (letter Å), as well as on [[Vehicle registration plates of Sweden#Personal plates|Swedish]] (letters Å, Ä and Ö) and [[Vehicle registration plates of Denmark|Danish]] (letters Å, Æ and Ø) personal registration plates. In Germany there are no two codes where the only difference is that one letter O and Q, the only pair of codes with the letters I and J is IL for Landkreis Ilmenau and JL for Landkreis Jerichower Land.

[[BMW]], owner of [[Mini (marque)|Mini]], registers all Mini press/marketing cars in the city of [[Minden]], which holds the code ''MI'', to get "MI-NI" number plates for the cars. BMW itself is based in Munich, yet "M-INI" plates are not possible to issue, as three letters after the district code are not permitted.

===Prohibited combinations===
Various combinations that could be considered politically unacceptable — mainly due to implications relating to [[Nazi Germany]] — are disallowed or otherwise avoided.<ref>[http://www.sueddeutsche.de/muenchen/behoerdenfehler-m-ah-ist-durchgerutscht-1.2683534 M-AH 8888 ist durchgerutscht] {{de icon}} ''[[Sueddeutsche Zeitung]]'', published: 9 October 2015, accessed: 9 October 2015</ref> The district [[Sächsische Schweiz]] used the name of its main town, Pirna, in its code ''PIR'', to avoid the use of ''[[Schutzstaffel|SS]]'', the name of the paramilitary organization; similarly ''[[Sturmabteilung|SA]]'' is also unused. Although between 1945 and 1949 the French occupation force used the combination SA followed by the double-digit numbers 01 to 08 for the then seven rural districts in the [[Saar (protectorate)|Saar Protectorate]] and its capital [[Saarbrücken]]. In 2004 in [[Nuremberg]], a car owner was refused a number plate beginning N-PD because of the connection to the political party the [[National Democratic Party of Germany|NPD]].{{Citation needed|date=January 2010}} The combinations [[Starnberg (district)|STA]]-SI, [[Dithmarschen|HEI]]-L and [[Steinburg|IZ]]-AN are also avoided, to avoid association with [[Stasi]], with the [[Nazi salute]] and with NAZI backwards.

[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen mit Erkennungsnummer NS.jpg||thumb|200px|right|Example of banned combination (NS) which was issued accidentally.]]
Banned combinations also include the Nazi abbreviations HJ (''Hitlerjugend'', [[Hitler Youth]]), NS (''Nationalsozialismus'', [[Nazism|National Socialism]]), SA (''[[Sturmabteilung]]''), SS (''[[Schutzstaffel]]''), KZ (''Konzentrationslager'', [[Internment|concentration camp]]) and often SD (''[[Sicherheitsdienst]]''). Some registration offices have overlooked this rule by mistake, however, and there are a few cars registered carrying prohibited codes, such as ''B-SS 12''. Some counties also allow these combinations if they are the initials of the owner (e.g., '''N'''orbert '''S'''chmidt might be able to get XX-NS 1234), but in this case, if the car is sold and re-registered in the same county by the new owner, the number can be changed (otherwise the number stays with the car until it registered in a different area). However, the combination ''HH'' (which could be interpreted as ''[[Nazi salute|Heil Hitler]]'') is used for the city of [[Hamburg]], first introduced in 1906. It stands for the city's title ''Hansestadt Hamburg'' ([[Hanseatic League|Hanseatic]] City of Hamburg). The combination ''AH'' (which could be interpreted as ''[[Adolf Hitler]]'') is used for the district of Borken. It is derived from [[Ahaus]] that had an own district until 1974.

===History===
The first German licence plates that had a lettering plan were issued from 1906 onwards. Berlin for example was using I A (I for Prussia), Munich II A (II for Bavaria), Stuttgart III A (III for [[Free People's State of Württemberg|Württemberg]]). Other German states used further Roman numbers such as IV ([[Republic of Baden|Baden]]), V ([[People's State of Hesse|Hesse]]), and VI ([[Alsace-Lorraine]]; now France). Many states used prefixes derived from the state names, such as B ([[Free State of Brunswick|Brunswick]]), HB (Bremen), HH (Hamburg), and HL ([[Free City of Lübeck|Lübeck]]), the latter three used again for the same entities since 1956. Other bigger cities: IV B Baden (Heidelberg, Mannheim, Karlsruhe, Freiburg, Lake Constance), II N cities of [[Nuremberg]] and [[Fürth]]. The Prussian provinces had the following prefixes: I E [[Province of Brandenburg]] (to a minor part now Poland), I C [[Province of East Prussia]] (now divided between Lithuania, Poland and Russia), I S [[Province of Hannover]], I T [[Province of Hesse-Nassau]] (Today Frankfurt, State of Hessen and neighboring counties), I L [[Province of Hohenzollern]], I Z [[Rhine Province]] (Cologne, Düsseldorf and other large cities in the Ruhr Area), I H [[Province of Pomerania (1815–1945)|Province of Pomerania]] (now prevailingly Poland), I Y [[Province of Posen]] (now Poland), I B Province of [[Posen-West Prussia]] (now Poland), I M [[Province of Saxony]], I P [[Province of Schleswig-Holstein]], I K [[Province of Silesia]] (now mostly Poland), I X [[Province of Westphalia]], and finally I D [[Province of West Prussia]] (now Poland).

During World War I the German Army was assigned the combination MK for "Militärkraftwagen des Deutschen Heeres", military vehicles of the German Army. After WWI, during the Weimar Republic, the German Army used RW for "Reichswehr".

During the Nazi regime (1933–1945) new combinations were issued: DR, [[Deutsche Reichsbahn]] (German state railway); OT, [[Organisation Todt]] (civil and military engineering); POL, Deutsche Polizei (police); RAD, [[Reichsarbeitsdienst]] (state labour service); RK, [[German Red Cross|Deutsches Rotes Kreuz]] (Red Cross); SS, [[Schutzstaffel]] ("protection squadron"); WH, [[Wehrmacht]] Heer (army); WL, Wehrmacht Luftwaffe (air force); WM, Wehrmacht Kriegsmarine (navy); WT, Wehrmacht Straßentransportdienst (army transport service).

From 1945 to 1956 there were lettering combinations assigned by the allied forces. Examples:
BY [[Bavaria|Bavaria (Bayern)]] 1946–1947, AB Bavaria (American Zone, Bavaria) 1948–1956, B Bavaria 1950–1956.
HE [[Hesse]] 1946–1947, AH Hesse (American Zone, Hesse) 1948–1956, H Hesse, 1950–1956.
AW Württemberg-Baden 1948–1956, W Württemberg-Baden, 1950–1956, WB Württemberg-Baden 1950–1956.
БM (=BM, for motor bikes) 1945–1946, ГФ (=GF; cars, lorries, and busses) Berlin 1945–1946, БГ (=BG; cars, lorries, and busses) Berlin 1945–1947, ГM (=GM, for motor bikes) Berlin 1945–1947, KB Berlin 1947–1948, GB East-Berlin 1948–1953, KB West-Berlin 1948-1956.
MGH Hamburg 1945, H Hamburg 1945–1947, HG Hamburg 1947, BH Hamburg 1948–1956.
BD Baden 1945–1949, FB Baden 1949–1956.
WT Württemberg-Hohenzollern 1945–1949, FW Württemberg-Hohenzollern 1949–1956.

In 1956 the current system was introduced in then West Germany, replacing the post-war system which was based on [[Allied Occupation Zones in Germany|occupation zones]].

As West German districts were extensively rearranged in the early 1970s, many prefix codes expired and new ones were created at that time. However, number plates issued before these rearrangements remain valid, providing the vehicle is still in use and has not been reregistered since. So it was still possible, if rare, to see a [[classic car]] with registration codes of administrative units that have not existed for over 30 years (e.g. EIN = [[Einbeck]]). Since late 2011 some districts allow reissuing on request of these expired prefix codes, e.g. instead of WES- in the district of Wesel, MO- as used for the former district of Moers.

When originally planned, the system included codes for districts in Eastern Germany which were to be reserved until [[German reunification|reunification]]. That included the territory of the [[German Democratic Republic|GDR]] as well as the territories [[Oder-Neisse line|annexed]] to [[Poland]] and the [[Soviet Union]] after [[World War II]], which West Germany's government still claimed in that era until about 1970. When reunification came in 1990, the reserved codes (e.g. P for [[Potsdam]]) were indeed issued to East German districts as originally planned and as they existed at that time. However, districts in East Germany were rearranged again in the mid-1990s, thus many of these codes have expired, but can likewise still be seen on older vehicles.

One example of a reserved code being reused before reunification was the letter L which was originally planned for [[Leipzig]], but was given to the newly formed [[Hesse|Hessian]] district [[Lahn-Dill-Kreis]] in the 1980s as hopes for reunification faded away. After the rather unexpected reunification the L was returned to the city of Leipzig and the Lahn-Dill-Kreis was issued with LDK instead after a transitional period when L was in use in both districts.

Another reserved code was G for [[Gera]]. In the 1980s the West German TV series "Der Fahnder"[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088517/] G was an imaginary large city in the [[Ruhrgebiet]] area.

===Typeface===
Modern German plates use a typeface called [[FE-Schrift]] ("fälschungserschwerende Schrift", tamper-hindering script). It is designed so that the ''O'' cannot be painted to look like a ''Q'', and vice versa; nor can the ''P'' be painted to resemble an ''R'', among other changes. This typeface can also more easily be read by [[optical character recognition]] software for [[automatic number plate recognition]] than the old [[DIN 1451]] script.

===Special codes===
Certain types of vehicle bear special codes:
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für historische Fahrzeuge (H-Kennzeichen).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Plate for vintage cars]]
* '''[[Classic car]]s''' (known in German by the [[pseudo-English]] expression ''Oldtimer'') can get an H (''historisch'', [[Antique vehicle registration|historic]]) at the end of the plate, such as ''[[Cologne|K]]-AA 100H'' in order to preserve the so-called "vehicle of cultural value" ("kraftfahrtechnisches Kulturgut"). It also includes a flat tax of appr. [[euro|€]]190 per year. It is popular to choose the digits so that they indicate the car's year of manufacture. The requirements for a vehicle for an H-Plate are:
**The first documented registration lies at least 30 years in the past.
**The car must be in mostly original and preservation worthy condition. Preservation worthy means a grade C by popular car grading standards. The older the car, the more signs of usage it can show. This purely concerns the car's appearance, the road worthiness is established by separate mandatory safety inspections. Universally accepted modifications include changes that benefit safety, such as seat belts and disc brakes, and environmental friendliness, such as catalytic converters and LPG conversions (if invisible from the outside). Further modifications that are generally accepted are those contemporary of the car's first registration (plus and minus 10 years, burden of proof lies with the owner through historic material such as photographs) and new paintjobs of any color, including two tone paint if originally offered and historic company logos, but no murals or custom patterns.
[[File:GERMANY, DACHAU motorcycle license plate seasonal - Flickr - woody1778a.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Seasonal number plate, registration valid from 1st March to 31st October of each year]]
* Cars (or more often, motorbikes) with '''seasonal number plates''' have two numbers at the end of the plate indicating the months between which they are registered to drive, with the licence being valid from the start of the upper month until the end of the lower month. This results in lower car taxes, as well lower insurance premiums.
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für Behördenfahrzeuge (Nummernbereich 3).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Official registered vehicle (here: fire brigade)]]
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für Behördenfahrzeuge (Nummernbereich 8).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Official registered vehicle for disaster relief]]
* Until the legal reforms of 2006, '''Official cars''' such as police, fire fighting and municipality vehicles did not carry a letter after the sticker, such as ''M-1234''. These included:
** vehicles of the district government: 1-199, 1000-1999, 10000-19999
** vehicles of the local government (for example: fire brigade): 200-299, 2000-2999, 20000-29999, 300-399
** police: 3000-3999, 7000-7999, 30000-39999, 70000-79999
** disaster relief (mostly changed "THW", see below): 8000-8999, 80000-89999

This style of plate is no longer issued, but many official vehicles which were registered before 2006 still carry this type of plate.

A similar style of issue is used by some municipalities to '''consular or diplomatic vehicles''' in the form Aaa-9NNn (example: D-921). Unlike the other style of diplomatic/consular plates issued in Berlin and Bonn, this plate does not indicate the nationality of the mission.

[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für steuerbefreite Fahrzeuge (grüne Schrift).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Plate for tax-exempt vehicles]]
* Vehicles which are '''exempt from vehicle taxes''' (for example [[ambulance]]s, [[tractor]]s, agricultural trailers, trailers for boats or trailers for gliders) have green print on a white background plate. Regular trailers for lorries can be exempted from tax if the owner agrees to pay an increased tax on the vehicle which tows the trailer. There is also a tax exemption for trailers for which the owner agrees to hand over his trailer without payment to the armed forces (if Germany is in a state of emergency or defence).
[[File:Deutsches Kurzzeit-KFZ-Kennzeichen.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Special temporary plate for vehicles in Germany (Kurzzeit-Kennzeichen)]]
* Vehicles which have '''not been registered''' (because they are for transfer within Germany) have to carry short-term plates valid only for five days. The code starts with the numbers ''04'', e.g. ''DD-04000'', and the plate has a yellow strip on the right showing when they are valid. The date is listed numerically, on three lines, reading day, month, year, with two digits each. The vehicle need not have a valid technical inspection, however it must be technically fit to be operated in public. Insurance premiums are quite high, appr. [[euro|€]]100 for the above-mentioned 5 days. Most insurance companies credit this premium if the car is registered as a normal car with the same insurance company after these 5 days.
[[File:Rotes DIN-Kennzeichen 06.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Special plate (red colour, old DIN-style) for dealer's cars for test drives. (Registration office: Würzburg)]]
* '''[[Car dealership|Car dealer]]s'''' plates are in red print on a white background, and the code begins with ''06''. Red plates may be attached to cars which are changing hands, such as the test run of unregistered cars, and the [[liability insurance]] is connected to the plate, not a specific car.
* '''Car collectors''': Red plates starting with the number 07 are reserved for collectors of vintage cars. Originally, vintage cars had a required minimum age of 20 years from first registering. Since April 2007 onwards the required minimum age has been 30 years. Plates issued under the old 20 years rule remained valid after this date. The collectors must get an official certificate of approval (such as no criminal records). They are allowed to use one set of plates on any of their cars under the condition that they keep a strict record of use. No day-to-day use of the cars is allowed. A valid official technical inspection is not mandatory but the cars have to be technical fit for use on public roads.
[[File:Deutsche Ausfuhr-Kfz-Kennzeichen (Export).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Special plate for vehicles to be exported (Ausfuhrkennzeichen)]]
[[File:License plate of Germany for export vehicles.png|thumb|200px|right|Former special plate for vehicles to be exported (Zollkennzeichen) - no longer in use. It was replaced by the Ausfuhrkennzeichen in the 1980s]]
*'''Export plates''' (also known as "Ausfuhrkennzeichen", customs plates) are used for exporting vehicles abroad. The plates are the only ones which do not have the blue Euro strip on the left and the owner does not have to be a German resident to register the car. The date on the red strip on the right hand side does not show the expiration date of the plate; instead it shows the expiration date of the vehicle insurance. After this date the vehicle must have left Germany.
[[File:Deutsches Diplomatenkennzeichen (Indonesien).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Diplomatic plate (Indonesian embassy in Berlin)]]
[[File:Licenseplate of limousine.png|thumb|200px|Plate of the German Chancellor]]
* '''Diplomatic plates''': plates of cars covered by [[diplomatic immunity]] have the digit ''0'' (Zero) on the left instead of the registration location code.
*'''Highest state offices:''' The [[President of Germany|President]] uses the license plate 0-1, the [[Chancellor of Germany (Federal Republic)|Chancellor]] uses 0-2, the [[Minister for Foreign Affairs (Germany)|Foreign Minister]] uses 0-3 and the ''First [[Secretary of State#Germany|State Secretary]] of the [[Foreign Office (Germany)|Foreign Office]]'' (i.e. the Foreign Minister's deputy) uses 0-4. The [[President of the Bundestag|President of the Parliament]] uses 1-1. This reflects the fact that the Parliament's President is not part of the executive branch but still ranks higher in (symbolic) importance than the Chancellor. These vehicles are tax-exempt and need not to be insured since the German government acts as insurer.
[[File:Deutsches Bundeswehr-Kfz-Kennzeichen.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Bundeswehr (armed forces)]]
* '''[[Bundeswehr|The military]]''' uses old style non-reflecting plates with a dash between the two circles. The German flag is shown, instead of the blue EU strip. Military plates use the letter ''Y'', rather than a city indicator (no German city name starts with a Y). After the ''Y'' comes a six-digit number (or five digits for motorcycles), for example ''Y-123456''. These vehicles are tax-exempt and need not to be insured since the German government acts as insurer. There is also no mandatory technical inspection required but the Armed Forces carry out a regular internal inspection on these vehicles similar to the official inspection.

* Military vehicles which are used by the '''[[Nato]] headquarters''' in Germany use the same design as the Y-plates except they carry the letter ''X'' followed by a four-digit number, for example ''X-1234''
[[File:Kfz-Kennzeichen THW.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Official registered vehicle for [[Technisches Hilfswerk]] (German Federal Agency for Technical Relief)]]
* Some branches of the '''federal government''' and '''[[States of Germany|federal state]] governments''' use the abbreviations of their names instead of a city code. Example: the [[Technisches Hilfswerk]] (German Federal Agency for Technical Relief) uses its abbreviation ''THW'', so the plates read ''THW-80000'', for example. All numbers on THW plates start either with the digit 8 or 9. Before the [[Deutsche Bundesbahn]] (''German National Railways'') and the [[Deutsche Bundespost|Deutsche '''B'''undes'''p'''ost]] (''Federal Post Office'') were privatised, they used the abbreviations ''DB'' and ''BP'' (e.g. ''DB-12345'', ''BP-12345''). The Wasser- und Schifffahrtsverwaltung des Bundes (''Federal Water and Ship Transport Authority'') uses '''BW''' followed by a digit identifying the region of the office (from 1=north to 7=south).
[[File:Deutsches Bundes-Kennzeichen BW6-602.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Wasser- und Schifffahrtsverwaltung des Bundes, here South Office in [[Würzburg]]]]
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für Bundespolizei.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Bundespolizei (Federal Police), code in use since 2005]]
* The '''[[German Federal Police|federal police]]''' uses the code ''BP'' instead of the local code. Before 2006 they used the code ''BG'' (former name: ''[[Bundesgrenzschutz|'''B'''undes'''g'''renzschutz]]'') (BG-#####), this old code remains still valid, only new vehicles will get the new "BP"-code.
* The '''[[North Rhine-Westphalia Police|Police]] of [[North Rhine-Westphalia]]''' uses ''NRW 4'', ''NRW 5'' and, for motorbikes, ''NRW 6'' as the local code. This is followed by a four-digit number (e.g. NRW 4-1960). ''4'', ''5'' and ''6'' stand for the State Ministry of the Interior.
*'''Light motorised vehicles''' such as mopeds and motorised wheelchairs are required to have a registration plate, see next section.

==Insurance plates==
[[File:Versicherungskennzeichen.jpg|thumb|Insurance plates; the colour of the letters is changed every year.]]
The ''{{lang|de|Versicherungskennzeichen}}'' ("insurance plate" ) used for mopeds and other small, low-power vehicles (such as vehicles for the physically handicapped, with a maximum speed of {{convert|50|km/h|disp=comma|abbr=on}}). The system is three digits on the top and three letters beneath. The number and the letters are chosen randomly so personalizing the plates is not possible. Plates are much smaller than the plates for normal cars and are only valid for one year from 1 March till the end of February the following year. Those plates are sold by insurance companies, so the fee included both the registration, and the cost of one year's insurance for the vehicle. There are four colours used: black, blue, green for normal plates, and red for temporary use, such as testing (very rare). The first three colours are changed every year in order to make it easy to see whether the vehicle has the correct plate and insurance.

:{| class="wikitable"
|+ Colours of the insurance plates from 1 March onwards of each year
! colspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | Colour
! colspan="9" style="text-align: center;" | Year
|-
| style="background-color: #0a0a0d;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 9005]] (''{{lang|de|Tiefschwarz}}'', Jet black)
| 1990
| 1993
| 1996
| 1999
| 2002
| 2005
| 2008
| 2011
| 2014
|-
| style="background-color: #3481b8;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 5012]] (''{{lang|de|Lichtblau}}'', Light blue)
| 1991
| 1994
| 1997
| 2000
| 2003
| 2006
| 2009
| 2012
| 2015
|-
| style="background-color: #3E753B;"| {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 6010]] (''{{lang|de|Grasgrün}}'', Grass green)
| 1992
| 1995
| 1998
| 2001
| 2004
| 2007
| 2010
| 2013
| 2016
|}

==Emission, safety test and registration sticker==

Emission test (front plate) and vehicle safety test (rear plate) stickers were also attached to the plate before 2010, in which year the emission sticker became obsolete as the emission test was incorporated into the safety test and was not performed separately anymore. The expiration date can be figured out as follows: The year is in the centre of the sticker, and the stickers are attached with the month of expiration pointing upwards. The black marking on the side (near the 12) thus makes it easy for the police to see the expiration month from a distance. Like a clock, the marking shows the same position of a number on the face of a clock. For example, the black marking is on the left side, so it is the ninth month (or 9 o'clock) and hence the expiry date is 30 September. The six possible colors code for the year when the next safety test is due and repeat once a six-year period has passed.

The lower sticker is the official seal of registration. It always carries the seal of the respective German ''{{lang|de|[[States of Germany|Bundesland]]}}'' with the city or district of issuance being added in print. Some seals carry the German ''{{lang|de|[[Coat of arms of Germany|Bundesadler]]}}'' instead of a Bundesland's seal, such as numberplates used on [[Federal Police (Germany)|Bundespolizei]] vehicles.

All these stickers are specially treated to be easily transferred onto the licence plates, but hard to be removed without damaging the plate itself, making them relatively counterfeit-proof.

Cars found in a public place where the owner did not pay insurance for more than three months (as reported to the police by the insurance company) may get '''''{{lang|de|entstempelt}}''''', that means, '''unstamped''': The police will remove the state's official seal using a scratching tool (mostly a screwdriver), leaving the plate without a valid seal, and it will be illegal to even leave that car parked on public ground, unless insurance is paid and plates are fitted with a new official seal.

Once a plate is invalid, the seal of registration is defaced by a qualified officer. After that, the plates are often sold to collectors on online shopping sites, such as [[eBay]].

When owners choose to deregister their vehicle the officer at the local authority will want to see the license plates with defaced seals on them as proof that no legal plate with this identifier can be found in public anymore. For this purpose special machines are available for use at the office. Once defaced the plates may only be used legally on public roads for the one ride back to the owner's place.
This is the recommended procedure for selling a car. Alternatively the seller may hand out their car with valid license plates and papers still in their name to the new owner thus giving them the responsibility to register the car in their name shortly. In a scenario without a proper sales contract the seller may become liable when the buyer commits criminal acts related to the car or plates and thus it is generally not recommended to sell used cars with license plates.

Motorcycles carry only the rear plate.

<gallery>
File:Plakette Abgassonderuntersuchung.png | Emission test sticker (before 2010)
File:Plakette Hauptuntersuchung.svg | Safety test sticker
File:Zulassungsplakette Coburg.png | Registration seal ([[Coburg]], Bavaria)
File:Kfz-Kennzeichen Deutschland - Toepfchensiegel.jpg | Safety test and registration seal ([[Fürth]], Bavaria)
</gallery>

[[File:Defacedgermanplate.JPG|thumb|200px|right|Example of a defaced plate — notice how the bottom seal is completely gone, due to scraping. From [[Kronach]].]]
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Colours of the emission test (before 2010) and vehicle safety test stickers
! colspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | Colour
! colspan="8" style="text-align: center;" | Year
|-
| style="background-color: #dd7907;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 2000]] (''{{lang|de|Gelborange}}'', Yellow-orange)
| —
| 1979
| 1983
| 1989
| 1995
| 2001
| 2007
| 2013
|-
| style="background-color: #2874b2;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 5015]] (''{{lang|de|Himmelblau}}'', Sky blue)
| —
| 1978
| 1984
| 1990
| 1996
| 2002
| 2008
| 2014
|-
| style="background-color: #d9c022;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 1012]] (''{{lang|de|Zitronengelb}}'', Lemon yellow)
| —
| 1977
| 1985
| 1991
| 1997
| 2003
| 2009
| 2015
|-
| style="background-color: #8f4e35;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 8004]] (''{{lang|de|Kupferbraun}}'', Copper brown)
| 1974
| 1980
| 1986
| 1992
| 1998
| 2004
| 2010
| 2016
|-
| style="background-color: #e1a6ad;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 3015]] (''{{lang|de|Hellrosa}}'', Light pink)
| 1975
| 1981
| 1987
| 1993
| 1999
| 2005
| 2011
| 2017
|-
| style="background-color: #48a43f;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 6018]] (''{{lang|de|Gelbgrün}}'', Yellow-green)
| 1976
| 1982
| 1988
| 1994
| 2000
| 2006
| 2012
| 2018
|}

==See also==
* [[Vehicle registration plates of the German Democratic Republic]]
* [[Vehicle registration plates of the United States Army in Germany]]

* ''[[:de:Liste aller Kfz-Kennzeichen der Bundesrepublik Deutschland|Liste aller Kfz-Kennzeichen der Bundesrepublik Deutschland]]'' {{de icon}} List of all registration codes issued under the current registration system
* ''[[:de:Liste der auslaufenden deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen|Liste der auslaufenden deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen]]'' {{de icon}} List of no longer issued registration codes
* ''[[:de:Liste der deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen (historisch)|Liste der deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen (historisch)]]'' {{de icon}} List of repealed registration codes
* ''[[:de:Liste der Kfz-Kennzeichen in Deutschland|Liste der Kfz-Kennzeichen in Deutschland]]'' {{de icon}} List of currently issued registration codes

==References==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|License plates of Germany}}
*[http://www.theplateman.com German Number Plates, Also shows how they are made]
*[http://www.kennzeichengeschichte.de History of German license plates]
*[http://www.hegis.de/fed__rep__of_germany.htm More information about German car number plates and their history]
*[http://www.europeanplates.com/german-city-codes German City Codes, Complete City Code List]
*[http://www.license-plates.appspot.com Application to find which region/place in Germany the vehicle originates]
*[http://www.platesmania.com/de/ Photos of license plates of Germany]

{{Vehicle registration plates of Europe}}

[[Category:Vehicle registration plates by country|Germany]]
[[Category:Road transport in Germany]]

Vehicle registration plates of Germany

2015-11-08T12:33:50Z

Harry8: /* Prohibited combinations */ SD

{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2014}}
'''German vehicle registration plates''' (''Kraftfahrzeug-Kennzeichen'' or, more colloquially, ''Nummernschilder'') indicate the place where the vehicle bearing them was once registered. Whenever German owners of a motor vehicle change their main place of residence within [[Germany]] or buy a car from a person living in a different city or [[Districts of Germany|county]] they have to have the vehicle documentation changed accordingly. In the process owners may opt for new license plates that reflect their place of residence or simply retain the old identifier and plates. The states of [[Hesse]], [[Schleswig-Holstein]], [[Brandenburg]], [[Saxony]], [[Thuringia]] and [[Northrhine-Westphalia]] were the first ones to create laws so that owners were not obliged anymore to change license plates if they were changing residence within the respective state. A nationwide law has since been passed by the federal government and it comes into effect on January 1, 2015.<ref>
{{cite web |url=http://www.vz-nrw.de/energie-und-verkehr#kfzkennzeichenhhauchfuerfrankfurter |title=Kfz-Kennzeichen: HH auch für Frankfurter |accessdate=2014-12-09 |author=Verbraucherzentrale Nordrhein-Westfalen e.V. |date=2014-12-02 }}
</ref> From this time on, it is generally not possible anymore to tell the owner's place of residence just from looking at the plates.

The option to be assigned temporary plates allows owners a financial saving in the case they have vehicles (e.g. motorcycles) which they intend to drive only during one particular part of the year. While temporary plates can only be used for the time printed on them and new ones have to be assigned and bought if the vehicle is supposed to be on public roads later on there is no need to renew regular plates periodically. German motor vehicle tax is paid independently of the license plates by annual direct debit from a bank account.

As of 2007, new number plates normally cost around €30, while the cost of de-registering a vehicle and re-registering it with new plates is between €10 and €40. The license plates themselves are not made by the registration office but by independent for-profit stores that are usually located in the same building as the registration office or close by. Upon successful registration the applicant is merely given a slip of paper with the assigned number that can be presented at any store that makes plates. Sometimes there are several stores in the vicinity of the registration office with prices for plates dropping the further the store is away from the registration office. Once the plates are made, which is a matter of minutes, the owner must return to the registration office with them, pay the costs for registration and then the required registration seal and safety test stickers are applied to the plates making them legal for use in traffic.

If ownership of a vehicle is permanently transferred to a new owner who lives in the same city/region then the registration number may remain unchanged. Administration fees are, however, still payable in respect of the necessary changes to the vehicle's official documentation. Many people however will change the license plates even if it is not necessary in order to personalize them.

==Format==
[[File:KFZmod.png|thumb|200px|right|The post-1994 German number plate format (FE-style)]]
[[File:Plate-KA-RR232.JPG|thumb|200px|right|The pre-1994 German number plate format (DIN-style), no longer issued but still in use.]]
[[File:Kfz-Kennzeichen in Deutschland.svg|thumb|300 px|Map of German districts and their license plate codes]]
The present German number plate format has been in use since 1994. As with many plates for countries within the [[European Union]], a blue strip on the left shows a shortened [[List of international vehicle registration codes|country code]] in white text ('''D''' for ''Deutschland'' = Germany) and the [[Flag of Europe]] (12 golden stars forming a circle on a blue background).

The rest of the license plate uses black print on a white background. Just after the country code strip is a one, two or three letter abbreviation, which represents the city or region where the car was registered, such as B for [[Berlin]]. These letters formerly coincide with the [[Districts of Germany|German districts]]. Since 2013 the letters were extended to former districts ([http://www.kfz.de/autokennzeichen/autokennzeichen_deutschland/ complete list]). In some cases an [[Urban districts of Germany|urban district]] and the surrounding non-urban district share the same letter code. Where this happens, the number of the following letters and digits is usually different. For example, the urban district of [[Straubing]] (SR) has one letter after the code (SR - A 123). The surrounding district [[Straubing-Bogen]] has two letters (SR - AB 123) after the code. However, these different systems are being used in fewer cases, as many cities that share their code with the surrounding rural districts have started using all codes for both districts without any distinction; the city of [[Regensburg]], for example, and the surrounding [[Regensburg (district)|rural district Regensburg]] used different systems only until 2007.

The number of letters in the city/region prefix code mostly reflects the size of the district. The basic idea was to even out the number of digits on all license plates, because the largest districts would have more digits after the prefix for more cars. The largest German cities generally only have one letter codes (B=[[Berlin]], M=[[Munich]], K=[[Cologne]] (''Köln''), F=[[Frankfurt]], L=[[Leipzig]], S=[[Stuttgart]]), most other districts in Germany have two or three letter codes. Therefore, cities or districts with fewer letters are generally assumed to be bigger and more important. Reflecting that, most districts tried to get a combination with fewer letters for their prefix code.

Districts in eastern Germany usually have more letters, for two reasons:
* Fewer people live in eastern German districts, so the number of cars registered is smaller and hence the use of three letter codes.
* With the introduction of the current system on 1 July 1956 in then West Germany including [[West Berlin|Berlin (West)]], letters had been reserved for all east German districts of that time. However, a lot of those districts were changed over the years, and in 1990 after [[German reunification]], many of the possible shorter combinations had already been used up in western Germany.

There are a number of exceptions e.g. Germany's second largest city [[Hamburg]] (HH, Hansestadt Hamburg, because of its historical membership in the [[Hanseatic League]], reflected already in its prefix used between 1906 and 1945). Similar is the case of the cities of [[Bremen]] and [[Bremerhaven]], forming the state [[Bremen (state)|Free Hanseatic City of Bremen]], sharing the common prefix HB (1906–1947, and again since 1956), differentiated by the number of letters and digits added.

In 1956 also [[Lübeck]] received its former prefix HL, already used between 1906 and 1937, when its statehood was abolished. In analogy to these three northwestern cities, but without historical examples of formerly issued prefixes, four northeastern Hanseatic cities, [[Greifswald]], [[Rostock]], [[Stralsund]] and [[Wismar]], chose the prefixes HGW, HRO, HST and HWI, since the shorter HG ([[Hochtaunuskreis]], capital: Bad Homburg vor der Höhe), HR ([[Schwalm-Eder-Kreis]], capital: [[Homberg (Efze)]]), HS ([[Kreis Heinsberg]]) and HW (Kreis Halle in Westphalia) were already taken by west German districts.

More west German districts have prefixes derived from the names of their capitals: [[Ammerland]] (WST, after Westerstede), [[Dithmarschen]] (HEI, after Heide in Dithmarschen), [[Harburg (district)|Harburg]] (WL, after Winsen upon Luhe), [[Herzogtum Lauenburg]] (RZ, after Ratzeburg) etc.

The letter "G" was reserved for the east German city of [[Gera]], although it is much smaller than the west German [[Gelsenkirchen]] ("GE"). The letter "L" had been reserved for Leipzig, but in 1977 it was assigned to the newly formed city of [[Lahn, Hesse|Lahn]], and the rural district [[Lahn-Dill-Kreis]]. This casts some light on how unlikely a reunification was regarded at that time. In 1990, Leipzig claimed back the letter "L", and it was reassigned, and Lahn-Dill-Kreis had to change to LDK.

The reason for this scheme is however not to display size or location, but simply to have enough combinations available within the maximum length of eight characters per plate.

After the location name there are the round vehicle safety test and registration seal stickers (see below) placed on top of each other. The registration sticker is the bottom one. For vehicles that are required to bear a front and rear plate the front plate nowadays only features the registration seal sticker. Before 2010, in which year the emission test became a part of the vehicle safety test, the hexagonal emission test sticker was placed above it. The stickers are followed by one or two usually random letters and one to four usually random numbers. The total quantity of letters and numbers on the plate is never higher than eight. Identifiers consisting of one letter with low numbers are normally reserved for motorcycle use since there is less space for plates on these vehicles.

A problem with this scheme is that the space between geographic identifier and random letters is a significant character and must be considered when writing down a number. For example, B MW 555 is not the same number as BM W 555. The confusion can be avoided by writing a hyphen after the city code, as in the old number plates, like B-MW 555. For this reason, the police will always radio the location name and spell out the next letters using the German [[German phonetic alphabet|telephone alphabet]], which varies somewhat from the English one. Thus, B MW 555 would be radioed as "[[Berlin]], Martha, Wilhelm, fünf-fünf-fünf" and BM W 555 as "[[Rhein-Erft-Kreis|Bergheim]], Wilhelm, fünf-fünf-fünf".

[[File:Toyota Celica Gr.A 002.JPG|thumb|The Köln-based Toyota Team Europe prepared Celica GT-Four rally car with Köln (Cologne) license plate. Note the plate starts with "K".]]

For an extra charge of €10.20 car owners can also register a personalized identifier. Car owners can only choose the numbers or letters instead of the random ones at the end, provided of course they are not yet taken and not a prohibited combination. For example, people living in the town of Pirna might choose ''PIR-AT 77'', "Pirat" being the [[German language|German]] for "pirate". [[Kiel]] is one of few places (others are Brake (capital of the district of [[Wesermarsch]]), Cham, Daun, Emden, Halle, Hamm, Heide, Herne, Hof, Kleve, Kusel, Lauf, Lünen, Pirna, Plön, Regen, Rehau, Selb, Ulm, Unna and Wesel) where the number plate can be the city name: 'KI-EL'. In most cases of personalized plates people choose their initials and a number reflecting their birthdate. In this fashion fictional Mrs. Ulrike Mustermann, born May 2, 1965 and living in Essen would choose 'E UM 2565' for her car. Note that dates are given in the format DDMMYY in Germany.

Germany includes diacritical marks in the letters of some codes, that is the letters Ö and Ü. Such a thing is rarely done in other European countries, but also appears on regular [[Vehicle registration plates of Bosnia and Herzegovina|Bosnian]], [[Vehicle registration plates of Croatia|Croatian]] and [[Vehicle registration plates of Serbia|Serbian]](letters Č, Š and Ž), [[Vehicle registration plates of Finland|Åland registration plates]] (letter Å), as well as on [[Vehicle registration plates of Sweden#Personal plates|Swedish]] (letters Å, Ä and Ö) and [[Vehicle registration plates of Denmark|Danish]] (letters Å, Æ and Ø) personal registration plates. In Germany there are no two codes where the only difference is that one letter O and Q, the only pair of codes with the letters I and J is IL for Landkreis Ilmenau and JL for Landkreis Jerichower Land.

[[BMW]], owner of [[Mini (marque)|Mini]], registers all Mini press/marketing cars in the city of [[Minden]], which holds the code ''MI'', to get "MI-NI" number plates for the cars. BMW itself is based in Munich, yet "M-INI" plates are not possible to issue, as three letters after the district code are not permitted.

===Prohibited combinations===
Various combinations that could be considered politically unacceptable — mainly due to implications relating to [[Nazi Germany]] — are disallowed or otherwise avoided.<ref>[http://www.sueddeutsche.de/muenchen/behoerdenfehler-m-ah-ist-durchgerutscht-1.2683534 M-AH 8888 ist durchgerutscht] {{de icon}} ''[[Sueddeutsche Zeitung]]'', published: 9 October 2015, accessed: 9 October 2015</ref> The district [[Sächsische Schweiz]] used the name of its main town, Pirna, in its code ''PIR'', to avoid the use of ''[[Schutzstaffel|SS]]'', the name of the paramilitary organization; similarly ''[[Sturmabteilung|SA]]'' is also unused. Although between 1945 and 1949 the French occupation force used the combination SA followed by the double-digit numbers 01 to 08 for the then seven rural districts in the [[Saar (protectorate)|Saar Protectorate]] and its capital [[Saarbrücken]]. In 2004 in [[Nuremberg]], a car owner was refused a number plate beginning N-PD because of the connection to the political party the [[National Democratic Party of Germany|NPD]].{{Citation needed|date=January 2010}} The combinations [[Starnberg (district)|STA]]-SI, [[Dithmarschen|HEI]]-L and [[Steinburg|IZ]]-AN are also avoided, to avoid association with [[Stasi]], with the [[Nazi salute]] and with NAZI backwards.

[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen mit Erkennungsnummer NS.jpg||thumb|200px|right|Example of banned combination (NS) which was issued accidentally.]]
Banned combinations also include the Nazi abbreviations HJ (''Hitlerjugend'', [[Hitler Youth]]), NS (''Nationalsozialismus'', [[Nazism|National Socialism]]), SA (''[[Sturmabteilung]]''), SS (''[[Schutzstaffel]]''), KZ (''Konzentrationslager'', [[Internment|concentration camp]]) and often SD (''[[Sicherheitsdienst]]''). Some registration offices have overlooked this rule by mistake, however, and there are a few cars registered carrying prohibited codes, such as ''B-SS 12''. Some counties also allow these combinations if they are the initials of the owner (e.g., '''N'''orbert '''S'''chmidt might be able to get XX-NS 1234), but in this case, if the car is sold and re-registered in the same county by the new owner, the number can be changed (otherwise the number stays with the car until it registered in a different area). However, the combination ''HH'' (which could be interpreted as ''[[Nazi salute|Heil Hitler]]'') is used for the city of [[Hamburg]], first introduced in 1906. It stands for the city's title ''Hansestadt Hamburg'' ([[Hanseatic League|Hanseatic]] City of Hamburg).

===History===
The first German licence plates that had a lettering plan were issued from 1906 onwards. Berlin for example was using I A (I for Prussia), Munich II A (II for Bavaria), Stuttgart III A (III for [[Free People's State of Württemberg|Württemberg]]). Other German states used further Roman numbers such as IV ([[Republic of Baden|Baden]]), V ([[People's State of Hesse|Hesse]]), and VI ([[Alsace-Lorraine]]; now France). Many states used prefixes derived from the state names, such as B ([[Free State of Brunswick|Brunswick]]), HB (Bremen), HH (Hamburg), and HL ([[Free City of Lübeck|Lübeck]]), the latter three used again for the same entities since 1956. Other bigger cities: IV B Baden (Heidelberg, Mannheim, Karlsruhe, Freiburg, Lake Constance), II N cities of [[Nuremberg]] and [[Fürth]]. The Prussian provinces had the following prefixes: I E [[Province of Brandenburg]] (to a minor part now Poland), I C [[Province of East Prussia]] (now divided between Lithuania, Poland and Russia), I S [[Province of Hannover]], I T [[Province of Hesse-Nassau]] (Today Frankfurt, State of Hessen and neighboring counties), I L [[Province of Hohenzollern]], I Z [[Rhine Province]] (Cologne, Düsseldorf and other large cities in the Ruhr Area), I H [[Province of Pomerania (1815–1945)|Province of Pomerania]] (now prevailingly Poland), I Y [[Province of Posen]] (now Poland), I B Province of [[Posen-West Prussia]] (now Poland), I M [[Province of Saxony]], I P [[Province of Schleswig-Holstein]], I K [[Province of Silesia]] (now mostly Poland), I X [[Province of Westphalia]], and finally I D [[Province of West Prussia]] (now Poland).

During World War I the German Army was assigned the combination MK for "Militärkraftwagen des Deutschen Heeres", military vehicles of the German Army. After WWI, during the Weimar Republic, the German Army used RW for "Reichswehr".

During the Nazi regime (1933–1945) new combinations were issued: DR, [[Deutsche Reichsbahn]] (German state railway); OT, [[Organisation Todt]] (civil and military engineering); POL, Deutsche Polizei (police); RAD, [[Reichsarbeitsdienst]] (state labour service); RK, [[German Red Cross|Deutsches Rotes Kreuz]] (Red Cross); SS, [[Schutzstaffel]] ("protection squadron"); WH, [[Wehrmacht]] Heer (army); WL, Wehrmacht Luftwaffe (air force); WM, Wehrmacht Kriegsmarine (navy); WT, Wehrmacht Straßentransportdienst (army transport service).

From 1945 to 1956 there were lettering combinations assigned by the allied forces. Examples:
BY [[Bavaria|Bavaria (Bayern)]] 1946–1947, AB Bavaria (American Zone, Bavaria) 1948–1956, B Bavaria 1950–1956.
HE [[Hesse]] 1946–1947, AH Hesse (American Zone, Hesse) 1948–1956, H Hesse, 1950–1956.
AW Württemberg-Baden 1948–1956, W Württemberg-Baden, 1950–1956, WB Württemberg-Baden 1950–1956.
БM (=BM, for motor bikes) 1945–1946, ГФ (=GF; cars, lorries, and busses) Berlin 1945–1946, БГ (=BG; cars, lorries, and busses) Berlin 1945–1947, ГM (=GM, for motor bikes) Berlin 1945–1947, KB Berlin 1947–1948, GB East-Berlin 1948–1953, KB West-Berlin 1948-1956.
MGH Hamburg 1945, H Hamburg 1945–1947, HG Hamburg 1947, BH Hamburg 1948–1956.
BD Baden 1945–1949, FB Baden 1949–1956.
WT Württemberg-Hohenzollern 1945–1949, FW Württemberg-Hohenzollern 1949–1956.

In 1956 the current system was introduced in then West Germany, replacing the post-war system which was based on [[Allied Occupation Zones in Germany|occupation zones]].

As West German districts were extensively rearranged in the early 1970s, many prefix codes expired and new ones were created at that time. However, number plates issued before these rearrangements remain valid, providing the vehicle is still in use and has not been reregistered since. So it was still possible, if rare, to see a [[classic car]] with registration codes of administrative units that have not existed for over 30 years (e.g. EIN = [[Einbeck]]). Since late 2011 some districts allow reissuing on request of these expired prefix codes, e.g. instead of WES- in the district of Wesel, MO- as used for the former district of Moers.

When originally planned, the system included codes for districts in Eastern Germany which were to be reserved until [[German reunification|reunification]]. That included the territory of the [[German Democratic Republic|GDR]] as well as the territories [[Oder-Neisse line|annexed]] to [[Poland]] and the [[Soviet Union]] after [[World War II]], which West Germany's government still claimed in that era until about 1970. When reunification came in 1990, the reserved codes (e.g. P for [[Potsdam]]) were indeed issued to East German districts as originally planned and as they existed at that time. However, districts in East Germany were rearranged again in the mid-1990s, thus many of these codes have expired, but can likewise still be seen on older vehicles.

One example of a reserved code being reused before reunification was the letter L which was originally planned for [[Leipzig]], but was given to the newly formed [[Hesse|Hessian]] district [[Lahn-Dill-Kreis]] in the 1980s as hopes for reunification faded away. After the rather unexpected reunification the L was returned to the city of Leipzig and the Lahn-Dill-Kreis was issued with LDK instead after a transitional period when L was in use in both districts.

Another reserved code was G for [[Gera]]. In the 1980s the West German TV series "Der Fahnder"[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088517/] G was an imaginary large city in the [[Ruhrgebiet]] area.

===Typeface===
Modern German plates use a typeface called [[FE-Schrift]] ("fälschungserschwerende Schrift", tamper-hindering script). It is designed so that the ''O'' cannot be painted to look like a ''Q'', and vice versa; nor can the ''P'' be painted to resemble an ''R'', among other changes. This typeface can also more easily be read by [[optical character recognition]] software for [[automatic number plate recognition]] than the old [[DIN 1451]] script.

===Special codes===
Certain types of vehicle bear special codes:
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für historische Fahrzeuge (H-Kennzeichen).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Plate for vintage cars]]
* '''[[Classic car]]s''' (known in German by the [[pseudo-English]] expression ''Oldtimer'') can get an H (''historisch'', [[Antique vehicle registration|historic]]) at the end of the plate, such as ''[[Cologne|K]]-AA 100H'' in order to preserve the so-called "vehicle of cultural value" ("kraftfahrtechnisches Kulturgut"). It also includes a flat tax of appr. [[euro|€]]190 per year. It is popular to choose the digits so that they indicate the car's year of manufacture. The requirements for a vehicle for an H-Plate are:
**The first documented registration lies at least 30 years in the past.
**The car must be in mostly original and preservation worthy condition. Preservation worthy means a grade C by popular car grading standards. The older the car, the more signs of usage it can show. This purely concerns the car's appearance, the road worthiness is established by separate mandatory safety inspections. Universally accepted modifications include changes that benefit safety, such as seat belts and disc brakes, and environmental friendliness, such as catalytic converters and LPG conversions (if invisible from the outside). Further modifications that are generally accepted are those contemporary of the car's first registration (plus and minus 10 years, burden of proof lies with the owner through historic material such as photographs) and new paintjobs of any color, including two tone paint if originally offered and historic company logos, but no murals or custom patterns.
[[File:GERMANY, DACHAU motorcycle license plate seasonal - Flickr - woody1778a.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Seasonal number plate, registration valid from 1st March to 31st October of each year]]
* Cars (or more often, motorbikes) with '''seasonal number plates''' have two numbers at the end of the plate indicating the months between which they are registered to drive, with the licence being valid from the start of the upper month until the end of the lower month. This results in lower car taxes, as well lower insurance premiums.
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für Behördenfahrzeuge (Nummernbereich 3).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Official registered vehicle (here: fire brigade)]]
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für Behördenfahrzeuge (Nummernbereich 8).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Official registered vehicle for disaster relief]]
* Until the legal reforms of 2006, '''Official cars''' such as police, fire fighting and municipality vehicles did not carry a letter after the sticker, such as ''M-1234''. These included:
** vehicles of the district government: 1-199, 1000-1999, 10000-19999
** vehicles of the local government (for example: fire brigade): 200-299, 2000-2999, 20000-29999, 300-399
** police: 3000-3999, 7000-7999, 30000-39999, 70000-79999
** disaster relief (mostly changed "THW", see below): 8000-8999, 80000-89999

This style of plate is no longer issued, but many official vehicles which were registered before 2006 still carry this type of plate.

A similar style of issue is used by some municipalities to '''consular or diplomatic vehicles''' in the form Aaa-9NNn (example: D-921). Unlike the other style of diplomatic/consular plates issued in Berlin and Bonn, this plate does not indicate the nationality of the mission.

[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für steuerbefreite Fahrzeuge (grüne Schrift).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Plate for tax-exempt vehicles]]
* Vehicles which are '''exempt from vehicle taxes''' (for example [[ambulance]]s, [[tractor]]s, agricultural trailers, trailers for boats or trailers for gliders) have green print on a white background plate. Regular trailers for lorries can be exempted from tax if the owner agrees to pay an increased tax on the vehicle which tows the trailer. There is also a tax exemption for trailers for which the owner agrees to hand over his trailer without payment to the armed forces (if Germany is in a state of emergency or defence).
[[File:Deutsches Kurzzeit-KFZ-Kennzeichen.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Special temporary plate for vehicles in Germany (Kurzzeit-Kennzeichen)]]
* Vehicles which have '''not been registered''' (because they are for transfer within Germany) have to carry short-term plates valid only for five days. The code starts with the numbers ''04'', e.g. ''DD-04000'', and the plate has a yellow strip on the right showing when they are valid. The date is listed numerically, on three lines, reading day, month, year, with two digits each. The vehicle need not have a valid technical inspection, however it must be technically fit to be operated in public. Insurance premiums are quite high, appr. [[euro|€]]100 for the above-mentioned 5 days. Most insurance companies credit this premium if the car is registered as a normal car with the same insurance company after these 5 days.
[[File:Rotes DIN-Kennzeichen 06.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Special plate (red colour, old DIN-style) for dealer's cars for test drives. (Registration office: Würzburg)]]
* '''[[Car dealership|Car dealer]]s'''' plates are in red print on a white background, and the code begins with ''06''. Red plates may be attached to cars which are changing hands, such as the test run of unregistered cars, and the [[liability insurance]] is connected to the plate, not a specific car.
* '''Car collectors''': Red plates starting with the number 07 are reserved for collectors of vintage cars. Originally, vintage cars had a required minimum age of 20 years from first registering. Since April 2007 onwards the required minimum age has been 30 years. Plates issued under the old 20 years rule remained valid after this date. The collectors must get an official certificate of approval (such as no criminal records). They are allowed to use one set of plates on any of their cars under the condition that they keep a strict record of use. No day-to-day use of the cars is allowed. A valid official technical inspection is not mandatory but the cars have to be technical fit for use on public roads.
[[File:Deutsche Ausfuhr-Kfz-Kennzeichen (Export).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Special plate for vehicles to be exported (Ausfuhrkennzeichen)]]
[[File:License plate of Germany for export vehicles.png|thumb|200px|right|Former special plate for vehicles to be exported (Zollkennzeichen) - no longer in use. It was replaced by the Ausfuhrkennzeichen in the 1980s]]
*'''Export plates''' (also known as "Ausfuhrkennzeichen", customs plates) are used for exporting vehicles abroad. The plates are the only ones which do not have the blue Euro strip on the left and the owner does not have to be a German resident to register the car. The date on the red strip on the right hand side does not show the expiration date of the plate; instead it shows the expiration date of the vehicle insurance. After this date the vehicle must have left Germany.
[[File:Deutsches Diplomatenkennzeichen (Indonesien).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Diplomatic plate (Indonesian embassy in Berlin)]]
[[File:Licenseplate of limousine.png|thumb|200px|Plate of the German Chancellor]]
* '''Diplomatic plates''': plates of cars covered by [[diplomatic immunity]] have the digit ''0'' (Zero) on the left instead of the registration location code.
*'''Highest state offices:''' The [[President of Germany|President]] uses the license plate 0-1, the [[Chancellor of Germany (Federal Republic)|Chancellor]] uses 0-2, the [[Minister for Foreign Affairs (Germany)|Foreign Minister]] uses 0-3 and the ''First [[Secretary of State#Germany|State Secretary]] of the [[Foreign Office (Germany)|Foreign Office]]'' (i.e. the Foreign Minister's deputy) uses 0-4. The [[President of the Bundestag|President of the Parliament]] uses 1-1. This reflects the fact that the Parliament's President is not part of the executive branch but still ranks higher in (symbolic) importance than the Chancellor. These vehicles are tax-exempt and need not to be insured since the German government acts as insurer.
[[File:Deutsches Bundeswehr-Kfz-Kennzeichen.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Bundeswehr (armed forces)]]
* '''[[Bundeswehr|The military]]''' uses old style non-reflecting plates with a dash between the two circles. The German flag is shown, instead of the blue EU strip. Military plates use the letter ''Y'', rather than a city indicator (no German city name starts with a Y). After the ''Y'' comes a six-digit number (or five digits for motorcycles), for example ''Y-123456''. These vehicles are tax-exempt and need not to be insured since the German government acts as insurer. There is also no mandatory technical inspection required but the Armed Forces carry out a regular internal inspection on these vehicles similar to the official inspection.

* Military vehicles which are used by the '''[[Nato]] headquarters''' in Germany use the same design as the Y-plates except they carry the letter ''X'' followed by a four-digit number, for example ''X-1234''
[[File:Kfz-Kennzeichen THW.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Official registered vehicle for [[Technisches Hilfswerk]] (German Federal Agency for Technical Relief)]]
* Some branches of the '''federal government''' and '''[[States of Germany|federal state]] governments''' use the abbreviations of their names instead of a city code. Example: the [[Technisches Hilfswerk]] (German Federal Agency for Technical Relief) uses its abbreviation ''THW'', so the plates read ''THW-80000'', for example. All numbers on THW plates start either with the digit 8 or 9. Before the [[Deutsche Bundesbahn]] (''German National Railways'') and the [[Deutsche Bundespost|Deutsche '''B'''undes'''p'''ost]] (''Federal Post Office'') were privatised, they used the abbreviations ''DB'' and ''BP'' (e.g. ''DB-12345'', ''BP-12345''). The Wasser- und Schifffahrtsverwaltung des Bundes (''Federal Water and Ship Transport Authority'') uses '''BW''' followed by a digit identifying the region of the office (from 1=north to 7=south).
[[File:Deutsches Bundes-Kennzeichen BW6-602.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Wasser- und Schifffahrtsverwaltung des Bundes, here South Office in [[Würzburg]]]]
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für Bundespolizei.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Bundespolizei (Federal Police), code in use since 2005]]
* The '''[[German Federal Police|federal police]]''' uses the code ''BP'' instead of the local code. Before 2006 they used the code ''BG'' (former name: ''[[Bundesgrenzschutz|'''B'''undes'''g'''renzschutz]]'') (BG-#####), this old code remains still valid, only new vehicles will get the new "BP"-code.
* The '''[[North Rhine-Westphalia Police|Police]] of [[North Rhine-Westphalia]]''' uses ''NRW 4'', ''NRW 5'' and, for motorbikes, ''NRW 6'' as the local code. This is followed by a four-digit number (e.g. NRW 4-1960). ''4'', ''5'' and ''6'' stand for the State Ministry of the Interior.
*'''Light motorised vehicles''' such as mopeds and motorised wheelchairs are required to have a registration plate, see next section.

==Insurance plates==
[[File:Versicherungskennzeichen.jpg|thumb|Insurance plates; the colour of the letters is changed every year.]]
The ''{{lang|de|Versicherungskennzeichen}}'' ("insurance plate" ) used for mopeds and other small, low-power vehicles (such as vehicles for the physically handicapped, with a maximum speed of {{convert|50|km/h|disp=comma|abbr=on}}). The system is three digits on the top and three letters beneath. The number and the letters are chosen randomly so personalizing the plates is not possible. Plates are much smaller than the plates for normal cars and are only valid for one year from 1 March till the end of February the following year. Those plates are sold by insurance companies, so the fee included both the registration, and the cost of one year's insurance for the vehicle. There are four colours used: black, blue, green for normal plates, and red for temporary use, such as testing (very rare). The first three colours are changed every year in order to make it easy to see whether the vehicle has the correct plate and insurance.

:{| class="wikitable"
|+ Colours of the insurance plates from 1 March onwards of each year
! colspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | Colour
! colspan="9" style="text-align: center;" | Year
|-
| style="background-color: #0a0a0d;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 9005]] (''{{lang|de|Tiefschwarz}}'', Jet black)
| 1990
| 1993
| 1996
| 1999
| 2002
| 2005
| 2008
| 2011
| 2014
|-
| style="background-color: #3481b8;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 5012]] (''{{lang|de|Lichtblau}}'', Light blue)
| 1991
| 1994
| 1997
| 2000
| 2003
| 2006
| 2009
| 2012
| 2015
|-
| style="background-color: #3E753B;"| {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 6010]] (''{{lang|de|Grasgrün}}'', Grass green)
| 1992
| 1995
| 1998
| 2001
| 2004
| 2007
| 2010
| 2013
| 2016
|}

==Emission, safety test and registration sticker==

Emission test (front plate) and vehicle safety test (rear plate) stickers were also attached to the plate before 2010, in which year the emission sticker became obsolete as the emission test was incorporated into the safety test and was not performed separately anymore. The expiration date can be figured out as follows: The year is in the centre of the sticker, and the stickers are attached with the month of expiration pointing upwards. The black marking on the side (near the 12) thus makes it easy for the police to see the expiration month from a distance. Like a clock, the marking shows the same position of a number on the face of a clock. For example, the black marking is on the left side, so it is the ninth month (or 9 o'clock) and hence the expiry date is 30 September. The six possible colors code for the year when the next safety test is due and repeat once a six-year period has passed.

The lower sticker is the official seal of registration. It always carries the seal of the respective German ''{{lang|de|[[States of Germany|Bundesland]]}}'' with the city or district of issuance being added in print. Some seals carry the German ''{{lang|de|[[Coat of arms of Germany|Bundesadler]]}}'' instead of a Bundesland's seal, such as numberplates used on [[Federal Police (Germany)|Bundespolizei]] vehicles.

All these stickers are specially treated to be easily transferred onto the licence plates, but hard to be removed without damaging the plate itself, making them relatively counterfeit-proof.

Cars found in a public place where the owner did not pay insurance for more than three months (as reported to the police by the insurance company) may get '''''{{lang|de|entstempelt}}''''', that means, '''unstamped''': The police will remove the state's official seal using a scratching tool (mostly a screwdriver), leaving the plate without a valid seal, and it will be illegal to even leave that car parked on public ground, unless insurance is paid and plates are fitted with a new official seal.

Once a plate is invalid, the seal of registration is defaced by a qualified officer. After that, the plates are often sold to collectors on online shopping sites, such as [[eBay]].

When owners choose to deregister their vehicle the officer at the local authority will want to see the license plates with defaced seals on them as proof that no legal plate with this identifier can be found in public anymore. For this purpose special machines are available for use at the office. Once defaced the plates may only be used legally on public roads for the one ride back to the owner's place.
This is the recommended procedure for selling a car. Alternatively the seller may hand out their car with valid license plates and papers still in their name to the new owner thus giving them the responsibility to register the car in their name shortly. In a scenario without a proper sales contract the seller may become liable when the buyer commits criminal acts related to the car or plates and thus it is generally not recommended to sell used cars with license plates.

Motorcycles carry only the rear plate.

<gallery>
File:Plakette Abgassonderuntersuchung.png | Emission test sticker (before 2010)
File:Plakette Hauptuntersuchung.svg | Safety test sticker
File:Zulassungsplakette Coburg.png | Registration seal ([[Coburg]], Bavaria)
File:Kfz-Kennzeichen Deutschland - Toepfchensiegel.jpg | Safety test and registration seal ([[Fürth]], Bavaria)
</gallery>

[[File:Defacedgermanplate.JPG|thumb|200px|right|Example of a defaced plate — notice how the bottom seal is completely gone, due to scraping. From [[Kronach]].]]
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Colours of the emission test (before 2010) and vehicle safety test stickers
! colspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | Colour
! colspan="8" style="text-align: center;" | Year
|-
| style="background-color: #dd7907;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 2000]] (''{{lang|de|Gelborange}}'', Yellow-orange)
| —
| 1979
| 1983
| 1989
| 1995
| 2001
| 2007
| 2013
|-
| style="background-color: #2874b2;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 5015]] (''{{lang|de|Himmelblau}}'', Sky blue)
| —
| 1978
| 1984
| 1990
| 1996
| 2002
| 2008
| 2014
|-
| style="background-color: #d9c022;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 1012]] (''{{lang|de|Zitronengelb}}'', Lemon yellow)
| —
| 1977
| 1985
| 1991
| 1997
| 2003
| 2009
| 2015
|-
| style="background-color: #8f4e35;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 8004]] (''{{lang|de|Kupferbraun}}'', Copper brown)
| 1974
| 1980
| 1986
| 1992
| 1998
| 2004
| 2010
| 2016
|-
| style="background-color: #e1a6ad;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 3015]] (''{{lang|de|Hellrosa}}'', Light pink)
| 1975
| 1981
| 1987
| 1993
| 1999
| 2005
| 2011
| 2017
|-
| style="background-color: #48a43f;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 6018]] (''{{lang|de|Gelbgrün}}'', Yellow-green)
| 1976
| 1982
| 1988
| 1994
| 2000
| 2006
| 2012
| 2018
|}

==See also==
* [[Vehicle registration plates of the German Democratic Republic]]
* [[Vehicle registration plates of the United States Army in Germany]]

* ''[[:de:Liste aller Kfz-Kennzeichen der Bundesrepublik Deutschland|Liste aller Kfz-Kennzeichen der Bundesrepublik Deutschland]]'' {{de icon}} List of all registration codes issued under the current registration system
* ''[[:de:Liste der auslaufenden deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen|Liste der auslaufenden deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen]]'' {{de icon}} List of no longer issued registration codes
* ''[[:de:Liste der deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen (historisch)|Liste der deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen (historisch)]]'' {{de icon}} List of repealed registration codes
* ''[[:de:Liste der Kfz-Kennzeichen in Deutschland|Liste der Kfz-Kennzeichen in Deutschland]]'' {{de icon}} List of currently issued registration codes

==References==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|License plates of Germany}}
*[http://www.theplateman.com German Number Plates, Also shows how they are made]
*[http://www.kennzeichengeschichte.de History of German license plates]
*[http://www.hegis.de/fed__rep__of_germany.htm More information about German car number plates and their history]
*[http://www.europeanplates.com/german-city-codes German City Codes, Complete City Code List]
*[http://www.license-plates.appspot.com Application to find which region/place in Germany the vehicle originates]
*[http://www.platesmania.com/de/ Photos of license plates of Germany]

{{Vehicle registration plates of Europe}}

[[Category:Vehicle registration plates by country|Germany]]
[[Category:Road transport in Germany]]

Vehicle registration plates of Germany

2015-11-08T12:31:33Z

Harry8: /* Prohibited combinations */ That district does't exist any more. The new district Sächsische Schweiz-Osterzgebirge also uses PIR.

{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2014}}
'''German vehicle registration plates''' (''Kraftfahrzeug-Kennzeichen'' or, more colloquially, ''Nummernschilder'') indicate the place where the vehicle bearing them was once registered. Whenever German owners of a motor vehicle change their main place of residence within [[Germany]] or buy a car from a person living in a different city or [[Districts of Germany|county]] they have to have the vehicle documentation changed accordingly. In the process owners may opt for new license plates that reflect their place of residence or simply retain the old identifier and plates. The states of [[Hesse]], [[Schleswig-Holstein]], [[Brandenburg]], [[Saxony]], [[Thuringia]] and [[Northrhine-Westphalia]] were the first ones to create laws so that owners were not obliged anymore to change license plates if they were changing residence within the respective state. A nationwide law has since been passed by the federal government and it comes into effect on January 1, 2015.<ref>
{{cite web |url=http://www.vz-nrw.de/energie-und-verkehr#kfzkennzeichenhhauchfuerfrankfurter |title=Kfz-Kennzeichen: HH auch für Frankfurter |accessdate=2014-12-09 |author=Verbraucherzentrale Nordrhein-Westfalen e.V. |date=2014-12-02 }}
</ref> From this time on, it is generally not possible anymore to tell the owner's place of residence just from looking at the plates.

The option to be assigned temporary plates allows owners a financial saving in the case they have vehicles (e.g. motorcycles) which they intend to drive only during one particular part of the year. While temporary plates can only be used for the time printed on them and new ones have to be assigned and bought if the vehicle is supposed to be on public roads later on there is no need to renew regular plates periodically. German motor vehicle tax is paid independently of the license plates by annual direct debit from a bank account.

As of 2007, new number plates normally cost around €30, while the cost of de-registering a vehicle and re-registering it with new plates is between €10 and €40. The license plates themselves are not made by the registration office but by independent for-profit stores that are usually located in the same building as the registration office or close by. Upon successful registration the applicant is merely given a slip of paper with the assigned number that can be presented at any store that makes plates. Sometimes there are several stores in the vicinity of the registration office with prices for plates dropping the further the store is away from the registration office. Once the plates are made, which is a matter of minutes, the owner must return to the registration office with them, pay the costs for registration and then the required registration seal and safety test stickers are applied to the plates making them legal for use in traffic.

If ownership of a vehicle is permanently transferred to a new owner who lives in the same city/region then the registration number may remain unchanged. Administration fees are, however, still payable in respect of the necessary changes to the vehicle's official documentation. Many people however will change the license plates even if it is not necessary in order to personalize them.

==Format==
[[File:KFZmod.png|thumb|200px|right|The post-1994 German number plate format (FE-style)]]
[[File:Plate-KA-RR232.JPG|thumb|200px|right|The pre-1994 German number plate format (DIN-style), no longer issued but still in use.]]
[[File:Kfz-Kennzeichen in Deutschland.svg|thumb|300 px|Map of German districts and their license plate codes]]
The present German number plate format has been in use since 1994. As with many plates for countries within the [[European Union]], a blue strip on the left shows a shortened [[List of international vehicle registration codes|country code]] in white text ('''D''' for ''Deutschland'' = Germany) and the [[Flag of Europe]] (12 golden stars forming a circle on a blue background).

The rest of the license plate uses black print on a white background. Just after the country code strip is a one, two or three letter abbreviation, which represents the city or region where the car was registered, such as B for [[Berlin]]. These letters formerly coincide with the [[Districts of Germany|German districts]]. Since 2013 the letters were extended to former districts ([http://www.kfz.de/autokennzeichen/autokennzeichen_deutschland/ complete list]). In some cases an [[Urban districts of Germany|urban district]] and the surrounding non-urban district share the same letter code. Where this happens, the number of the following letters and digits is usually different. For example, the urban district of [[Straubing]] (SR) has one letter after the code (SR - A 123). The surrounding district [[Straubing-Bogen]] has two letters (SR - AB 123) after the code. However, these different systems are being used in fewer cases, as many cities that share their code with the surrounding rural districts have started using all codes for both districts without any distinction; the city of [[Regensburg]], for example, and the surrounding [[Regensburg (district)|rural district Regensburg]] used different systems only until 2007.

The number of letters in the city/region prefix code mostly reflects the size of the district. The basic idea was to even out the number of digits on all license plates, because the largest districts would have more digits after the prefix for more cars. The largest German cities generally only have one letter codes (B=[[Berlin]], M=[[Munich]], K=[[Cologne]] (''Köln''), F=[[Frankfurt]], L=[[Leipzig]], S=[[Stuttgart]]), most other districts in Germany have two or three letter codes. Therefore, cities or districts with fewer letters are generally assumed to be bigger and more important. Reflecting that, most districts tried to get a combination with fewer letters for their prefix code.

Districts in eastern Germany usually have more letters, for two reasons:
* Fewer people live in eastern German districts, so the number of cars registered is smaller and hence the use of three letter codes.
* With the introduction of the current system on 1 July 1956 in then West Germany including [[West Berlin|Berlin (West)]], letters had been reserved for all east German districts of that time. However, a lot of those districts were changed over the years, and in 1990 after [[German reunification]], many of the possible shorter combinations had already been used up in western Germany.

There are a number of exceptions e.g. Germany's second largest city [[Hamburg]] (HH, Hansestadt Hamburg, because of its historical membership in the [[Hanseatic League]], reflected already in its prefix used between 1906 and 1945). Similar is the case of the cities of [[Bremen]] and [[Bremerhaven]], forming the state [[Bremen (state)|Free Hanseatic City of Bremen]], sharing the common prefix HB (1906–1947, and again since 1956), differentiated by the number of letters and digits added.

In 1956 also [[Lübeck]] received its former prefix HL, already used between 1906 and 1937, when its statehood was abolished. In analogy to these three northwestern cities, but without historical examples of formerly issued prefixes, four northeastern Hanseatic cities, [[Greifswald]], [[Rostock]], [[Stralsund]] and [[Wismar]], chose the prefixes HGW, HRO, HST and HWI, since the shorter HG ([[Hochtaunuskreis]], capital: Bad Homburg vor der Höhe), HR ([[Schwalm-Eder-Kreis]], capital: [[Homberg (Efze)]]), HS ([[Kreis Heinsberg]]) and HW (Kreis Halle in Westphalia) were already taken by west German districts.

More west German districts have prefixes derived from the names of their capitals: [[Ammerland]] (WST, after Westerstede), [[Dithmarschen]] (HEI, after Heide in Dithmarschen), [[Harburg (district)|Harburg]] (WL, after Winsen upon Luhe), [[Herzogtum Lauenburg]] (RZ, after Ratzeburg) etc.

The letter "G" was reserved for the east German city of [[Gera]], although it is much smaller than the west German [[Gelsenkirchen]] ("GE"). The letter "L" had been reserved for Leipzig, but in 1977 it was assigned to the newly formed city of [[Lahn, Hesse|Lahn]], and the rural district [[Lahn-Dill-Kreis]]. This casts some light on how unlikely a reunification was regarded at that time. In 1990, Leipzig claimed back the letter "L", and it was reassigned, and Lahn-Dill-Kreis had to change to LDK.

The reason for this scheme is however not to display size or location, but simply to have enough combinations available within the maximum length of eight characters per plate.

After the location name there are the round vehicle safety test and registration seal stickers (see below) placed on top of each other. The registration sticker is the bottom one. For vehicles that are required to bear a front and rear plate the front plate nowadays only features the registration seal sticker. Before 2010, in which year the emission test became a part of the vehicle safety test, the hexagonal emission test sticker was placed above it. The stickers are followed by one or two usually random letters and one to four usually random numbers. The total quantity of letters and numbers on the plate is never higher than eight. Identifiers consisting of one letter with low numbers are normally reserved for motorcycle use since there is less space for plates on these vehicles.

A problem with this scheme is that the space between geographic identifier and random letters is a significant character and must be considered when writing down a number. For example, B MW 555 is not the same number as BM W 555. The confusion can be avoided by writing a hyphen after the city code, as in the old number plates, like B-MW 555. For this reason, the police will always radio the location name and spell out the next letters using the German [[German phonetic alphabet|telephone alphabet]], which varies somewhat from the English one. Thus, B MW 555 would be radioed as "[[Berlin]], Martha, Wilhelm, fünf-fünf-fünf" and BM W 555 as "[[Rhein-Erft-Kreis|Bergheim]], Wilhelm, fünf-fünf-fünf".

[[File:Toyota Celica Gr.A 002.JPG|thumb|The Köln-based Toyota Team Europe prepared Celica GT-Four rally car with Köln (Cologne) license plate. Note the plate starts with "K".]]

For an extra charge of €10.20 car owners can also register a personalized identifier. Car owners can only choose the numbers or letters instead of the random ones at the end, provided of course they are not yet taken and not a prohibited combination. For example, people living in the town of Pirna might choose ''PIR-AT 77'', "Pirat" being the [[German language|German]] for "pirate". [[Kiel]] is one of few places (others are Brake (capital of the district of [[Wesermarsch]]), Cham, Daun, Emden, Halle, Hamm, Heide, Herne, Hof, Kleve, Kusel, Lauf, Lünen, Pirna, Plön, Regen, Rehau, Selb, Ulm, Unna and Wesel) where the number plate can be the city name: 'KI-EL'. In most cases of personalized plates people choose their initials and a number reflecting their birthdate. In this fashion fictional Mrs. Ulrike Mustermann, born May 2, 1965 and living in Essen would choose 'E UM 2565' for her car. Note that dates are given in the format DDMMYY in Germany.

Germany includes diacritical marks in the letters of some codes, that is the letters Ö and Ü. Such a thing is rarely done in other European countries, but also appears on regular [[Vehicle registration plates of Bosnia and Herzegovina|Bosnian]], [[Vehicle registration plates of Croatia|Croatian]] and [[Vehicle registration plates of Serbia|Serbian]](letters Č, Š and Ž), [[Vehicle registration plates of Finland|Åland registration plates]] (letter Å), as well as on [[Vehicle registration plates of Sweden#Personal plates|Swedish]] (letters Å, Ä and Ö) and [[Vehicle registration plates of Denmark|Danish]] (letters Å, Æ and Ø) personal registration plates. In Germany there are no two codes where the only difference is that one letter O and Q, the only pair of codes with the letters I and J is IL for Landkreis Ilmenau and JL for Landkreis Jerichower Land.

[[BMW]], owner of [[Mini (marque)|Mini]], registers all Mini press/marketing cars in the city of [[Minden]], which holds the code ''MI'', to get "MI-NI" number plates for the cars. BMW itself is based in Munich, yet "M-INI" plates are not possible to issue, as three letters after the district code are not permitted.

===Prohibited combinations===
Various combinations that could be considered politically unacceptable — mainly due to implications relating to [[Nazi Germany]] — are disallowed or otherwise avoided.<ref>[http://www.sueddeutsche.de/muenchen/behoerdenfehler-m-ah-ist-durchgerutscht-1.2683534 M-AH 8888 ist durchgerutscht] {{de icon}} ''[[Sueddeutsche Zeitung]]'', published: 9 October 2015, accessed: 9 October 2015</ref> The district [[Sächsische Schweiz]] used the name of its main town, Pirna, in its code ''PIR'', to avoid the use of ''[[Schutzstaffel|SS]]'', the name of the paramilitary organization; similarly ''[[Sturmabteilung|SA]]'' is also unused. Although between 1945 and 1949 the French occupation force used the combination SA followed by the double-digit numbers 01 to 08 for the then seven rural districts in the [[Saar (protectorate)|Saar Protectorate]] and its capital [[Saarbrücken]]. In 2004 in [[Nuremberg]], a car owner was refused a number plate beginning N-PD because of the connection to the political party the [[National Democratic Party of Germany|NPD]].{{Citation needed|date=January 2010}} The combinations [[Starnberg (district)|STA]]-SI, [[Dithmarschen|HEI]]-L and [[Steinburg|IZ]]-AN are also avoided, to avoid association with [[Stasi]], with the [[Nazi salute]] and with NAZI backwards.

[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen mit Erkennungsnummer NS.jpg||thumb|200px|right|Example of banned combination (NS) which was issued accidentally.]]
Banned combinations also include the Nazi abbreviations HJ (''Hitlerjugend'', [[Hitler Youth]]), NS (''Nationalsozialismus'', [[Nazism|National Socialism]]), SA (''[[Sturmabteilung]]''), SS (''[[Schutzstaffel]]'') and KZ (''Konzentrationslager'', [[Internment|concentration camp]]). Some registration offices have overlooked this rule by mistake, however, and there are a few cars registered carrying prohibited codes, such as ''B-SS 12''. Some counties also allow these combinations if they are the initials of the owner (e.g., '''N'''orbert '''S'''chmidt might be able to get XX-NS 1234), but in this case, if the car is sold and re-registered in the same county by the new owner, the number can be changed (otherwise the number stays with the car until it registered in a different area). However, the combination ''HH'' (which could be interpreted as ''[[Nazi salute|Heil Hitler]]'') is used for the city of [[Hamburg]], first introduced in 1906. It stands for the city's title ''Hansestadt Hamburg'' ([[Hanseatic League|Hanseatic]] City of Hamburg).

===History===
The first German licence plates that had a lettering plan were issued from 1906 onwards. Berlin for example was using I A (I for Prussia), Munich II A (II for Bavaria), Stuttgart III A (III for [[Free People's State of Württemberg|Württemberg]]). Other German states used further Roman numbers such as IV ([[Republic of Baden|Baden]]), V ([[People's State of Hesse|Hesse]]), and VI ([[Alsace-Lorraine]]; now France). Many states used prefixes derived from the state names, such as B ([[Free State of Brunswick|Brunswick]]), HB (Bremen), HH (Hamburg), and HL ([[Free City of Lübeck|Lübeck]]), the latter three used again for the same entities since 1956. Other bigger cities: IV B Baden (Heidelberg, Mannheim, Karlsruhe, Freiburg, Lake Constance), II N cities of [[Nuremberg]] and [[Fürth]]. The Prussian provinces had the following prefixes: I E [[Province of Brandenburg]] (to a minor part now Poland), I C [[Province of East Prussia]] (now divided between Lithuania, Poland and Russia), I S [[Province of Hannover]], I T [[Province of Hesse-Nassau]] (Today Frankfurt, State of Hessen and neighboring counties), I L [[Province of Hohenzollern]], I Z [[Rhine Province]] (Cologne, Düsseldorf and other large cities in the Ruhr Area), I H [[Province of Pomerania (1815–1945)|Province of Pomerania]] (now prevailingly Poland), I Y [[Province of Posen]] (now Poland), I B Province of [[Posen-West Prussia]] (now Poland), I M [[Province of Saxony]], I P [[Province of Schleswig-Holstein]], I K [[Province of Silesia]] (now mostly Poland), I X [[Province of Westphalia]], and finally I D [[Province of West Prussia]] (now Poland).

During World War I the German Army was assigned the combination MK for "Militärkraftwagen des Deutschen Heeres", military vehicles of the German Army. After WWI, during the Weimar Republic, the German Army used RW for "Reichswehr".

During the Nazi regime (1933–1945) new combinations were issued: DR, [[Deutsche Reichsbahn]] (German state railway); OT, [[Organisation Todt]] (civil and military engineering); POL, Deutsche Polizei (police); RAD, [[Reichsarbeitsdienst]] (state labour service); RK, [[German Red Cross|Deutsches Rotes Kreuz]] (Red Cross); SS, [[Schutzstaffel]] ("protection squadron"); WH, [[Wehrmacht]] Heer (army); WL, Wehrmacht Luftwaffe (air force); WM, Wehrmacht Kriegsmarine (navy); WT, Wehrmacht Straßentransportdienst (army transport service).

From 1945 to 1956 there were lettering combinations assigned by the allied forces. Examples:
BY [[Bavaria|Bavaria (Bayern)]] 1946–1947, AB Bavaria (American Zone, Bavaria) 1948–1956, B Bavaria 1950–1956.
HE [[Hesse]] 1946–1947, AH Hesse (American Zone, Hesse) 1948–1956, H Hesse, 1950–1956.
AW Württemberg-Baden 1948–1956, W Württemberg-Baden, 1950–1956, WB Württemberg-Baden 1950–1956.
БM (=BM, for motor bikes) 1945–1946, ГФ (=GF; cars, lorries, and busses) Berlin 1945–1946, БГ (=BG; cars, lorries, and busses) Berlin 1945–1947, ГM (=GM, for motor bikes) Berlin 1945–1947, KB Berlin 1947–1948, GB East-Berlin 1948–1953, KB West-Berlin 1948-1956.
MGH Hamburg 1945, H Hamburg 1945–1947, HG Hamburg 1947, BH Hamburg 1948–1956.
BD Baden 1945–1949, FB Baden 1949–1956.
WT Württemberg-Hohenzollern 1945–1949, FW Württemberg-Hohenzollern 1949–1956.

In 1956 the current system was introduced in then West Germany, replacing the post-war system which was based on [[Allied Occupation Zones in Germany|occupation zones]].

As West German districts were extensively rearranged in the early 1970s, many prefix codes expired and new ones were created at that time. However, number plates issued before these rearrangements remain valid, providing the vehicle is still in use and has not been reregistered since. So it was still possible, if rare, to see a [[classic car]] with registration codes of administrative units that have not existed for over 30 years (e.g. EIN = [[Einbeck]]). Since late 2011 some districts allow reissuing on request of these expired prefix codes, e.g. instead of WES- in the district of Wesel, MO- as used for the former district of Moers.

When originally planned, the system included codes for districts in Eastern Germany which were to be reserved until [[German reunification|reunification]]. That included the territory of the [[German Democratic Republic|GDR]] as well as the territories [[Oder-Neisse line|annexed]] to [[Poland]] and the [[Soviet Union]] after [[World War II]], which West Germany's government still claimed in that era until about 1970. When reunification came in 1990, the reserved codes (e.g. P for [[Potsdam]]) were indeed issued to East German districts as originally planned and as they existed at that time. However, districts in East Germany were rearranged again in the mid-1990s, thus many of these codes have expired, but can likewise still be seen on older vehicles.

One example of a reserved code being reused before reunification was the letter L which was originally planned for [[Leipzig]], but was given to the newly formed [[Hesse|Hessian]] district [[Lahn-Dill-Kreis]] in the 1980s as hopes for reunification faded away. After the rather unexpected reunification the L was returned to the city of Leipzig and the Lahn-Dill-Kreis was issued with LDK instead after a transitional period when L was in use in both districts.

Another reserved code was G for [[Gera]]. In the 1980s the West German TV series "Der Fahnder"[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088517/] G was an imaginary large city in the [[Ruhrgebiet]] area.

===Typeface===
Modern German plates use a typeface called [[FE-Schrift]] ("fälschungserschwerende Schrift", tamper-hindering script). It is designed so that the ''O'' cannot be painted to look like a ''Q'', and vice versa; nor can the ''P'' be painted to resemble an ''R'', among other changes. This typeface can also more easily be read by [[optical character recognition]] software for [[automatic number plate recognition]] than the old [[DIN 1451]] script.

===Special codes===
Certain types of vehicle bear special codes:
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für historische Fahrzeuge (H-Kennzeichen).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Plate for vintage cars]]
* '''[[Classic car]]s''' (known in German by the [[pseudo-English]] expression ''Oldtimer'') can get an H (''historisch'', [[Antique vehicle registration|historic]]) at the end of the plate, such as ''[[Cologne|K]]-AA 100H'' in order to preserve the so-called "vehicle of cultural value" ("kraftfahrtechnisches Kulturgut"). It also includes a flat tax of appr. [[euro|€]]190 per year. It is popular to choose the digits so that they indicate the car's year of manufacture. The requirements for a vehicle for an H-Plate are:
**The first documented registration lies at least 30 years in the past.
**The car must be in mostly original and preservation worthy condition. Preservation worthy means a grade C by popular car grading standards. The older the car, the more signs of usage it can show. This purely concerns the car's appearance, the road worthiness is established by separate mandatory safety inspections. Universally accepted modifications include changes that benefit safety, such as seat belts and disc brakes, and environmental friendliness, such as catalytic converters and LPG conversions (if invisible from the outside). Further modifications that are generally accepted are those contemporary of the car's first registration (plus and minus 10 years, burden of proof lies with the owner through historic material such as photographs) and new paintjobs of any color, including two tone paint if originally offered and historic company logos, but no murals or custom patterns.
[[File:GERMANY, DACHAU motorcycle license plate seasonal - Flickr - woody1778a.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Seasonal number plate, registration valid from 1st March to 31st October of each year]]
* Cars (or more often, motorbikes) with '''seasonal number plates''' have two numbers at the end of the plate indicating the months between which they are registered to drive, with the licence being valid from the start of the upper month until the end of the lower month. This results in lower car taxes, as well lower insurance premiums.
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für Behördenfahrzeuge (Nummernbereich 3).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Official registered vehicle (here: fire brigade)]]
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für Behördenfahrzeuge (Nummernbereich 8).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Official registered vehicle for disaster relief]]
* Until the legal reforms of 2006, '''Official cars''' such as police, fire fighting and municipality vehicles did not carry a letter after the sticker, such as ''M-1234''. These included:
** vehicles of the district government: 1-199, 1000-1999, 10000-19999
** vehicles of the local government (for example: fire brigade): 200-299, 2000-2999, 20000-29999, 300-399
** police: 3000-3999, 7000-7999, 30000-39999, 70000-79999
** disaster relief (mostly changed "THW", see below): 8000-8999, 80000-89999

This style of plate is no longer issued, but many official vehicles which were registered before 2006 still carry this type of plate.

A similar style of issue is used by some municipalities to '''consular or diplomatic vehicles''' in the form Aaa-9NNn (example: D-921). Unlike the other style of diplomatic/consular plates issued in Berlin and Bonn, this plate does not indicate the nationality of the mission.

[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für steuerbefreite Fahrzeuge (grüne Schrift).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Plate for tax-exempt vehicles]]
* Vehicles which are '''exempt from vehicle taxes''' (for example [[ambulance]]s, [[tractor]]s, agricultural trailers, trailers for boats or trailers for gliders) have green print on a white background plate. Regular trailers for lorries can be exempted from tax if the owner agrees to pay an increased tax on the vehicle which tows the trailer. There is also a tax exemption for trailers for which the owner agrees to hand over his trailer without payment to the armed forces (if Germany is in a state of emergency or defence).
[[File:Deutsches Kurzzeit-KFZ-Kennzeichen.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Special temporary plate for vehicles in Germany (Kurzzeit-Kennzeichen)]]
* Vehicles which have '''not been registered''' (because they are for transfer within Germany) have to carry short-term plates valid only for five days. The code starts with the numbers ''04'', e.g. ''DD-04000'', and the plate has a yellow strip on the right showing when they are valid. The date is listed numerically, on three lines, reading day, month, year, with two digits each. The vehicle need not have a valid technical inspection, however it must be technically fit to be operated in public. Insurance premiums are quite high, appr. [[euro|€]]100 for the above-mentioned 5 days. Most insurance companies credit this premium if the car is registered as a normal car with the same insurance company after these 5 days.
[[File:Rotes DIN-Kennzeichen 06.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Special plate (red colour, old DIN-style) for dealer's cars for test drives. (Registration office: Würzburg)]]
* '''[[Car dealership|Car dealer]]s'''' plates are in red print on a white background, and the code begins with ''06''. Red plates may be attached to cars which are changing hands, such as the test run of unregistered cars, and the [[liability insurance]] is connected to the plate, not a specific car.
* '''Car collectors''': Red plates starting with the number 07 are reserved for collectors of vintage cars. Originally, vintage cars had a required minimum age of 20 years from first registering. Since April 2007 onwards the required minimum age has been 30 years. Plates issued under the old 20 years rule remained valid after this date. The collectors must get an official certificate of approval (such as no criminal records). They are allowed to use one set of plates on any of their cars under the condition that they keep a strict record of use. No day-to-day use of the cars is allowed. A valid official technical inspection is not mandatory but the cars have to be technical fit for use on public roads.
[[File:Deutsche Ausfuhr-Kfz-Kennzeichen (Export).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Special plate for vehicles to be exported (Ausfuhrkennzeichen)]]
[[File:License plate of Germany for export vehicles.png|thumb|200px|right|Former special plate for vehicles to be exported (Zollkennzeichen) - no longer in use. It was replaced by the Ausfuhrkennzeichen in the 1980s]]
*'''Export plates''' (also known as "Ausfuhrkennzeichen", customs plates) are used for exporting vehicles abroad. The plates are the only ones which do not have the blue Euro strip on the left and the owner does not have to be a German resident to register the car. The date on the red strip on the right hand side does not show the expiration date of the plate; instead it shows the expiration date of the vehicle insurance. After this date the vehicle must have left Germany.
[[File:Deutsches Diplomatenkennzeichen (Indonesien).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Diplomatic plate (Indonesian embassy in Berlin)]]
[[File:Licenseplate of limousine.png|thumb|200px|Plate of the German Chancellor]]
* '''Diplomatic plates''': plates of cars covered by [[diplomatic immunity]] have the digit ''0'' (Zero) on the left instead of the registration location code.
*'''Highest state offices:''' The [[President of Germany|President]] uses the license plate 0-1, the [[Chancellor of Germany (Federal Republic)|Chancellor]] uses 0-2, the [[Minister for Foreign Affairs (Germany)|Foreign Minister]] uses 0-3 and the ''First [[Secretary of State#Germany|State Secretary]] of the [[Foreign Office (Germany)|Foreign Office]]'' (i.e. the Foreign Minister's deputy) uses 0-4. The [[President of the Bundestag|President of the Parliament]] uses 1-1. This reflects the fact that the Parliament's President is not part of the executive branch but still ranks higher in (symbolic) importance than the Chancellor. These vehicles are tax-exempt and need not to be insured since the German government acts as insurer.
[[File:Deutsches Bundeswehr-Kfz-Kennzeichen.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Bundeswehr (armed forces)]]
* '''[[Bundeswehr|The military]]''' uses old style non-reflecting plates with a dash between the two circles. The German flag is shown, instead of the blue EU strip. Military plates use the letter ''Y'', rather than a city indicator (no German city name starts with a Y). After the ''Y'' comes a six-digit number (or five digits for motorcycles), for example ''Y-123456''. These vehicles are tax-exempt and need not to be insured since the German government acts as insurer. There is also no mandatory technical inspection required but the Armed Forces carry out a regular internal inspection on these vehicles similar to the official inspection.

* Military vehicles which are used by the '''[[Nato]] headquarters''' in Germany use the same design as the Y-plates except they carry the letter ''X'' followed by a four-digit number, for example ''X-1234''
[[File:Kfz-Kennzeichen THW.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Official registered vehicle for [[Technisches Hilfswerk]] (German Federal Agency for Technical Relief)]]
* Some branches of the '''federal government''' and '''[[States of Germany|federal state]] governments''' use the abbreviations of their names instead of a city code. Example: the [[Technisches Hilfswerk]] (German Federal Agency for Technical Relief) uses its abbreviation ''THW'', so the plates read ''THW-80000'', for example. All numbers on THW plates start either with the digit 8 or 9. Before the [[Deutsche Bundesbahn]] (''German National Railways'') and the [[Deutsche Bundespost|Deutsche '''B'''undes'''p'''ost]] (''Federal Post Office'') were privatised, they used the abbreviations ''DB'' and ''BP'' (e.g. ''DB-12345'', ''BP-12345''). The Wasser- und Schifffahrtsverwaltung des Bundes (''Federal Water and Ship Transport Authority'') uses '''BW''' followed by a digit identifying the region of the office (from 1=north to 7=south).
[[File:Deutsches Bundes-Kennzeichen BW6-602.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Wasser- und Schifffahrtsverwaltung des Bundes, here South Office in [[Würzburg]]]]
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für Bundespolizei.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Bundespolizei (Federal Police), code in use since 2005]]
* The '''[[German Federal Police|federal police]]''' uses the code ''BP'' instead of the local code. Before 2006 they used the code ''BG'' (former name: ''[[Bundesgrenzschutz|'''B'''undes'''g'''renzschutz]]'') (BG-#####), this old code remains still valid, only new vehicles will get the new "BP"-code.
* The '''[[North Rhine-Westphalia Police|Police]] of [[North Rhine-Westphalia]]''' uses ''NRW 4'', ''NRW 5'' and, for motorbikes, ''NRW 6'' as the local code. This is followed by a four-digit number (e.g. NRW 4-1960). ''4'', ''5'' and ''6'' stand for the State Ministry of the Interior.
*'''Light motorised vehicles''' such as mopeds and motorised wheelchairs are required to have a registration plate, see next section.

==Insurance plates==
[[File:Versicherungskennzeichen.jpg|thumb|Insurance plates; the colour of the letters is changed every year.]]
The ''{{lang|de|Versicherungskennzeichen}}'' ("insurance plate" ) used for mopeds and other small, low-power vehicles (such as vehicles for the physically handicapped, with a maximum speed of {{convert|50|km/h|disp=comma|abbr=on}}). The system is three digits on the top and three letters beneath. The number and the letters are chosen randomly so personalizing the plates is not possible. Plates are much smaller than the plates for normal cars and are only valid for one year from 1 March till the end of February the following year. Those plates are sold by insurance companies, so the fee included both the registration, and the cost of one year's insurance for the vehicle. There are four colours used: black, blue, green for normal plates, and red for temporary use, such as testing (very rare). The first three colours are changed every year in order to make it easy to see whether the vehicle has the correct plate and insurance.

:{| class="wikitable"
|+ Colours of the insurance plates from 1 March onwards of each year
! colspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | Colour
! colspan="9" style="text-align: center;" | Year
|-
| style="background-color: #0a0a0d;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 9005]] (''{{lang|de|Tiefschwarz}}'', Jet black)
| 1990
| 1993
| 1996
| 1999
| 2002
| 2005
| 2008
| 2011
| 2014
|-
| style="background-color: #3481b8;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 5012]] (''{{lang|de|Lichtblau}}'', Light blue)
| 1991
| 1994
| 1997
| 2000
| 2003
| 2006
| 2009
| 2012
| 2015
|-
| style="background-color: #3E753B;"| {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 6010]] (''{{lang|de|Grasgrün}}'', Grass green)
| 1992
| 1995
| 1998
| 2001
| 2004
| 2007
| 2010
| 2013
| 2016
|}

==Emission, safety test and registration sticker==

Emission test (front plate) and vehicle safety test (rear plate) stickers were also attached to the plate before 2010, in which year the emission sticker became obsolete as the emission test was incorporated into the safety test and was not performed separately anymore. The expiration date can be figured out as follows: The year is in the centre of the sticker, and the stickers are attached with the month of expiration pointing upwards. The black marking on the side (near the 12) thus makes it easy for the police to see the expiration month from a distance. Like a clock, the marking shows the same position of a number on the face of a clock. For example, the black marking is on the left side, so it is the ninth month (or 9 o'clock) and hence the expiry date is 30 September. The six possible colors code for the year when the next safety test is due and repeat once a six-year period has passed.

The lower sticker is the official seal of registration. It always carries the seal of the respective German ''{{lang|de|[[States of Germany|Bundesland]]}}'' with the city or district of issuance being added in print. Some seals carry the German ''{{lang|de|[[Coat of arms of Germany|Bundesadler]]}}'' instead of a Bundesland's seal, such as numberplates used on [[Federal Police (Germany)|Bundespolizei]] vehicles.

All these stickers are specially treated to be easily transferred onto the licence plates, but hard to be removed without damaging the plate itself, making them relatively counterfeit-proof.

Cars found in a public place where the owner did not pay insurance for more than three months (as reported to the police by the insurance company) may get '''''{{lang|de|entstempelt}}''''', that means, '''unstamped''': The police will remove the state's official seal using a scratching tool (mostly a screwdriver), leaving the plate without a valid seal, and it will be illegal to even leave that car parked on public ground, unless insurance is paid and plates are fitted with a new official seal.

Once a plate is invalid, the seal of registration is defaced by a qualified officer. After that, the plates are often sold to collectors on online shopping sites, such as [[eBay]].

When owners choose to deregister their vehicle the officer at the local authority will want to see the license plates with defaced seals on them as proof that no legal plate with this identifier can be found in public anymore. For this purpose special machines are available for use at the office. Once defaced the plates may only be used legally on public roads for the one ride back to the owner's place.
This is the recommended procedure for selling a car. Alternatively the seller may hand out their car with valid license plates and papers still in their name to the new owner thus giving them the responsibility to register the car in their name shortly. In a scenario without a proper sales contract the seller may become liable when the buyer commits criminal acts related to the car or plates and thus it is generally not recommended to sell used cars with license plates.

Motorcycles carry only the rear plate.

<gallery>
File:Plakette Abgassonderuntersuchung.png | Emission test sticker (before 2010)
File:Plakette Hauptuntersuchung.svg | Safety test sticker
File:Zulassungsplakette Coburg.png | Registration seal ([[Coburg]], Bavaria)
File:Kfz-Kennzeichen Deutschland - Toepfchensiegel.jpg | Safety test and registration seal ([[Fürth]], Bavaria)
</gallery>

[[File:Defacedgermanplate.JPG|thumb|200px|right|Example of a defaced plate — notice how the bottom seal is completely gone, due to scraping. From [[Kronach]].]]
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Colours of the emission test (before 2010) and vehicle safety test stickers
! colspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | Colour
! colspan="8" style="text-align: center;" | Year
|-
| style="background-color: #dd7907;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 2000]] (''{{lang|de|Gelborange}}'', Yellow-orange)
| —
| 1979
| 1983
| 1989
| 1995
| 2001
| 2007
| 2013
|-
| style="background-color: #2874b2;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 5015]] (''{{lang|de|Himmelblau}}'', Sky blue)
| —
| 1978
| 1984
| 1990
| 1996
| 2002
| 2008
| 2014
|-
| style="background-color: #d9c022;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 1012]] (''{{lang|de|Zitronengelb}}'', Lemon yellow)
| —
| 1977
| 1985
| 1991
| 1997
| 2003
| 2009
| 2015
|-
| style="background-color: #8f4e35;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 8004]] (''{{lang|de|Kupferbraun}}'', Copper brown)
| 1974
| 1980
| 1986
| 1992
| 1998
| 2004
| 2010
| 2016
|-
| style="background-color: #e1a6ad;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 3015]] (''{{lang|de|Hellrosa}}'', Light pink)
| 1975
| 1981
| 1987
| 1993
| 1999
| 2005
| 2011
| 2017
|-
| style="background-color: #48a43f;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 6018]] (''{{lang|de|Gelbgrün}}'', Yellow-green)
| 1976
| 1982
| 1988
| 1994
| 2000
| 2006
| 2012
| 2018
|}

==See also==
* [[Vehicle registration plates of the German Democratic Republic]]
* [[Vehicle registration plates of the United States Army in Germany]]

* ''[[:de:Liste aller Kfz-Kennzeichen der Bundesrepublik Deutschland|Liste aller Kfz-Kennzeichen der Bundesrepublik Deutschland]]'' {{de icon}} List of all registration codes issued under the current registration system
* ''[[:de:Liste der auslaufenden deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen|Liste der auslaufenden deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen]]'' {{de icon}} List of no longer issued registration codes
* ''[[:de:Liste der deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen (historisch)|Liste der deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen (historisch)]]'' {{de icon}} List of repealed registration codes
* ''[[:de:Liste der Kfz-Kennzeichen in Deutschland|Liste der Kfz-Kennzeichen in Deutschland]]'' {{de icon}} List of currently issued registration codes

==References==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|License plates of Germany}}
*[http://www.theplateman.com German Number Plates, Also shows how they are made]
*[http://www.kennzeichengeschichte.de History of German license plates]
*[http://www.hegis.de/fed__rep__of_germany.htm More information about German car number plates and their history]
*[http://www.europeanplates.com/german-city-codes German City Codes, Complete City Code List]
*[http://www.license-plates.appspot.com Application to find which region/place in Germany the vehicle originates]
*[http://www.platesmania.com/de/ Photos of license plates of Germany]

{{Vehicle registration plates of Europe}}

[[Category:Vehicle registration plates by country|Germany]]
[[Category:Road transport in Germany]]

Vehicle registration plates of Germany

2015-11-08T12:25:37Z

Harry8: O and Q

{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2014}}
'''German vehicle registration plates''' (''Kraftfahrzeug-Kennzeichen'' or, more colloquially, ''Nummernschilder'') indicate the place where the vehicle bearing them was once registered. Whenever German owners of a motor vehicle change their main place of residence within [[Germany]] or buy a car from a person living in a different city or [[Districts of Germany|county]] they have to have the vehicle documentation changed accordingly. In the process owners may opt for new license plates that reflect their place of residence or simply retain the old identifier and plates. The states of [[Hesse]], [[Schleswig-Holstein]], [[Brandenburg]], [[Saxony]], [[Thuringia]] and [[Northrhine-Westphalia]] were the first ones to create laws so that owners were not obliged anymore to change license plates if they were changing residence within the respective state. A nationwide law has since been passed by the federal government and it comes into effect on January 1, 2015.<ref>
{{cite web |url=http://www.vz-nrw.de/energie-und-verkehr#kfzkennzeichenhhauchfuerfrankfurter |title=Kfz-Kennzeichen: HH auch für Frankfurter |accessdate=2014-12-09 |author=Verbraucherzentrale Nordrhein-Westfalen e.V. |date=2014-12-02 }}
</ref> From this time on, it is generally not possible anymore to tell the owner's place of residence just from looking at the plates.

The option to be assigned temporary plates allows owners a financial saving in the case they have vehicles (e.g. motorcycles) which they intend to drive only during one particular part of the year. While temporary plates can only be used for the time printed on them and new ones have to be assigned and bought if the vehicle is supposed to be on public roads later on there is no need to renew regular plates periodically. German motor vehicle tax is paid independently of the license plates by annual direct debit from a bank account.

As of 2007, new number plates normally cost around €30, while the cost of de-registering a vehicle and re-registering it with new plates is between €10 and €40. The license plates themselves are not made by the registration office but by independent for-profit stores that are usually located in the same building as the registration office or close by. Upon successful registration the applicant is merely given a slip of paper with the assigned number that can be presented at any store that makes plates. Sometimes there are several stores in the vicinity of the registration office with prices for plates dropping the further the store is away from the registration office. Once the plates are made, which is a matter of minutes, the owner must return to the registration office with them, pay the costs for registration and then the required registration seal and safety test stickers are applied to the plates making them legal for use in traffic.

If ownership of a vehicle is permanently transferred to a new owner who lives in the same city/region then the registration number may remain unchanged. Administration fees are, however, still payable in respect of the necessary changes to the vehicle's official documentation. Many people however will change the license plates even if it is not necessary in order to personalize them.

==Format==
[[File:KFZmod.png|thumb|200px|right|The post-1994 German number plate format (FE-style)]]
[[File:Plate-KA-RR232.JPG|thumb|200px|right|The pre-1994 German number plate format (DIN-style), no longer issued but still in use.]]
[[File:Kfz-Kennzeichen in Deutschland.svg|thumb|300 px|Map of German districts and their license plate codes]]
The present German number plate format has been in use since 1994. As with many plates for countries within the [[European Union]], a blue strip on the left shows a shortened [[List of international vehicle registration codes|country code]] in white text ('''D''' for ''Deutschland'' = Germany) and the [[Flag of Europe]] (12 golden stars forming a circle on a blue background).

The rest of the license plate uses black print on a white background. Just after the country code strip is a one, two or three letter abbreviation, which represents the city or region where the car was registered, such as B for [[Berlin]]. These letters formerly coincide with the [[Districts of Germany|German districts]]. Since 2013 the letters were extended to former districts ([http://www.kfz.de/autokennzeichen/autokennzeichen_deutschland/ complete list]). In some cases an [[Urban districts of Germany|urban district]] and the surrounding non-urban district share the same letter code. Where this happens, the number of the following letters and digits is usually different. For example, the urban district of [[Straubing]] (SR) has one letter after the code (SR - A 123). The surrounding district [[Straubing-Bogen]] has two letters (SR - AB 123) after the code. However, these different systems are being used in fewer cases, as many cities that share their code with the surrounding rural districts have started using all codes for both districts without any distinction; the city of [[Regensburg]], for example, and the surrounding [[Regensburg (district)|rural district Regensburg]] used different systems only until 2007.

The number of letters in the city/region prefix code mostly reflects the size of the district. The basic idea was to even out the number of digits on all license plates, because the largest districts would have more digits after the prefix for more cars. The largest German cities generally only have one letter codes (B=[[Berlin]], M=[[Munich]], K=[[Cologne]] (''Köln''), F=[[Frankfurt]], L=[[Leipzig]], S=[[Stuttgart]]), most other districts in Germany have two or three letter codes. Therefore, cities or districts with fewer letters are generally assumed to be bigger and more important. Reflecting that, most districts tried to get a combination with fewer letters for their prefix code.

Districts in eastern Germany usually have more letters, for two reasons:
* Fewer people live in eastern German districts, so the number of cars registered is smaller and hence the use of three letter codes.
* With the introduction of the current system on 1 July 1956 in then West Germany including [[West Berlin|Berlin (West)]], letters had been reserved for all east German districts of that time. However, a lot of those districts were changed over the years, and in 1990 after [[German reunification]], many of the possible shorter combinations had already been used up in western Germany.

There are a number of exceptions e.g. Germany's second largest city [[Hamburg]] (HH, Hansestadt Hamburg, because of its historical membership in the [[Hanseatic League]], reflected already in its prefix used between 1906 and 1945). Similar is the case of the cities of [[Bremen]] and [[Bremerhaven]], forming the state [[Bremen (state)|Free Hanseatic City of Bremen]], sharing the common prefix HB (1906–1947, and again since 1956), differentiated by the number of letters and digits added.

In 1956 also [[Lübeck]] received its former prefix HL, already used between 1906 and 1937, when its statehood was abolished. In analogy to these three northwestern cities, but without historical examples of formerly issued prefixes, four northeastern Hanseatic cities, [[Greifswald]], [[Rostock]], [[Stralsund]] and [[Wismar]], chose the prefixes HGW, HRO, HST and HWI, since the shorter HG ([[Hochtaunuskreis]], capital: Bad Homburg vor der Höhe), HR ([[Schwalm-Eder-Kreis]], capital: [[Homberg (Efze)]]), HS ([[Kreis Heinsberg]]) and HW (Kreis Halle in Westphalia) were already taken by west German districts.

More west German districts have prefixes derived from the names of their capitals: [[Ammerland]] (WST, after Westerstede), [[Dithmarschen]] (HEI, after Heide in Dithmarschen), [[Harburg (district)|Harburg]] (WL, after Winsen upon Luhe), [[Herzogtum Lauenburg]] (RZ, after Ratzeburg) etc.

The letter "G" was reserved for the east German city of [[Gera]], although it is much smaller than the west German [[Gelsenkirchen]] ("GE"). The letter "L" had been reserved for Leipzig, but in 1977 it was assigned to the newly formed city of [[Lahn, Hesse|Lahn]], and the rural district [[Lahn-Dill-Kreis]]. This casts some light on how unlikely a reunification was regarded at that time. In 1990, Leipzig claimed back the letter "L", and it was reassigned, and Lahn-Dill-Kreis had to change to LDK.

The reason for this scheme is however not to display size or location, but simply to have enough combinations available within the maximum length of eight characters per plate.

After the location name there are the round vehicle safety test and registration seal stickers (see below) placed on top of each other. The registration sticker is the bottom one. For vehicles that are required to bear a front and rear plate the front plate nowadays only features the registration seal sticker. Before 2010, in which year the emission test became a part of the vehicle safety test, the hexagonal emission test sticker was placed above it. The stickers are followed by one or two usually random letters and one to four usually random numbers. The total quantity of letters and numbers on the plate is never higher than eight. Identifiers consisting of one letter with low numbers are normally reserved for motorcycle use since there is less space for plates on these vehicles.

A problem with this scheme is that the space between geographic identifier and random letters is a significant character and must be considered when writing down a number. For example, B MW 555 is not the same number as BM W 555. The confusion can be avoided by writing a hyphen after the city code, as in the old number plates, like B-MW 555. For this reason, the police will always radio the location name and spell out the next letters using the German [[German phonetic alphabet|telephone alphabet]], which varies somewhat from the English one. Thus, B MW 555 would be radioed as "[[Berlin]], Martha, Wilhelm, fünf-fünf-fünf" and BM W 555 as "[[Rhein-Erft-Kreis|Bergheim]], Wilhelm, fünf-fünf-fünf".

[[File:Toyota Celica Gr.A 002.JPG|thumb|The Köln-based Toyota Team Europe prepared Celica GT-Four rally car with Köln (Cologne) license plate. Note the plate starts with "K".]]

For an extra charge of €10.20 car owners can also register a personalized identifier. Car owners can only choose the numbers or letters instead of the random ones at the end, provided of course they are not yet taken and not a prohibited combination. For example, people living in the town of Pirna might choose ''PIR-AT 77'', "Pirat" being the [[German language|German]] for "pirate". [[Kiel]] is one of few places (others are Brake (capital of the district of [[Wesermarsch]]), Cham, Daun, Emden, Halle, Hamm, Heide, Herne, Hof, Kleve, Kusel, Lauf, Lünen, Pirna, Plön, Regen, Rehau, Selb, Ulm, Unna and Wesel) where the number plate can be the city name: 'KI-EL'. In most cases of personalized plates people choose their initials and a number reflecting their birthdate. In this fashion fictional Mrs. Ulrike Mustermann, born May 2, 1965 and living in Essen would choose 'E UM 2565' for her car. Note that dates are given in the format DDMMYY in Germany.

Germany includes diacritical marks in the letters of some codes, that is the letters Ö and Ü. Such a thing is rarely done in other European countries, but also appears on regular [[Vehicle registration plates of Bosnia and Herzegovina|Bosnian]], [[Vehicle registration plates of Croatia|Croatian]] and [[Vehicle registration plates of Serbia|Serbian]](letters Č, Š and Ž), [[Vehicle registration plates of Finland|Åland registration plates]] (letter Å), as well as on [[Vehicle registration plates of Sweden#Personal plates|Swedish]] (letters Å, Ä and Ö) and [[Vehicle registration plates of Denmark|Danish]] (letters Å, Æ and Ø) personal registration plates. In Germany there are no two codes where the only difference is that one letter O and Q, the only pair of codes with the letters I and J is IL for Landkreis Ilmenau and JL for Landkreis Jerichower Land.

[[BMW]], owner of [[Mini (marque)|Mini]], registers all Mini press/marketing cars in the city of [[Minden]], which holds the code ''MI'', to get "MI-NI" number plates for the cars. BMW itself is based in Munich, yet "M-INI" plates are not possible to issue, as three letters after the district code are not permitted.

===Prohibited combinations===
Various combinations that could be considered politically unacceptable — mainly due to implications relating to [[Nazi Germany]] — are disallowed or otherwise avoided.<ref>[http://www.sueddeutsche.de/muenchen/behoerdenfehler-m-ah-ist-durchgerutscht-1.2683534 M-AH 8888 ist durchgerutscht] {{de icon}} ''[[Sueddeutsche Zeitung]]'', published: 9 October 2015, accessed: 9 October 2015</ref> The district [[Sächsische Schweiz]] uses the name of its main town, Pirna, in its code ''PIR'', to avoid the use of ''[[Schutzstaffel|SS]]'', the name of the paramilitary organization; similarly ''[[Sturmabteilung|SA]]'' is also unused. Although between 1945 and 1949 the French occupation force used the combination SA followed by the double-digit numbers 01 to 08 for the then seven rural districts in the [[Saar (protectorate)|Saar Protectorate]] and its capital [[Saarbrücken]]. In 2004 in [[Nuremberg]], a car owner was refused a number plate beginning N-PD because of the connection to the political party the [[National Democratic Party of Germany|NPD]].{{Citation needed|date=January 2010}} The combinations [[Starnberg (district)|STA]]-SI, [[Dithmarschen|HEI]]-L and [[Steinburg|IZ]]-AN are also avoided, to avoid association with [[Stasi]], with the [[Nazi salute]] and with NAZI backwards.

[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen mit Erkennungsnummer NS.jpg||thumb|200px|right|Example of banned combination (NS) which was issued accidentally.]]
Banned combinations also include the Nazi abbreviations HJ (''Hitlerjugend'', [[Hitler Youth]]), NS (''Nationalsozialismus'', [[Nazism|National Socialism]]), SA (''[[Sturmabteilung]]''), SS (''[[Schutzstaffel]]'') and KZ (''Konzentrationslager'', [[Internment|concentration camp]]). Some registration offices have overlooked this rule by mistake, however, and there are a few cars registered carrying prohibited codes, such as ''B-SS 12''. Some counties also allow these combinations if they are the initials of the owner (e.g., '''N'''orbert '''S'''chmidt might be able to get XX-NS 1234), but in this case, if the car is sold and re-registered in the same county by the new owner, the number can be changed (otherwise the number stays with the car until it registered in a different area). However, the combination ''HH'' (which could be interpreted as ''[[Nazi salute|Heil Hitler]]'') is used for the city of [[Hamburg]], first introduced in 1906. It stands for the city's title ''Hansestadt Hamburg'' ([[Hanseatic League|Hanseatic]] City of Hamburg).

===History===
The first German licence plates that had a lettering plan were issued from 1906 onwards. Berlin for example was using I A (I for Prussia), Munich II A (II for Bavaria), Stuttgart III A (III for [[Free People's State of Württemberg|Württemberg]]). Other German states used further Roman numbers such as IV ([[Republic of Baden|Baden]]), V ([[People's State of Hesse|Hesse]]), and VI ([[Alsace-Lorraine]]; now France). Many states used prefixes derived from the state names, such as B ([[Free State of Brunswick|Brunswick]]), HB (Bremen), HH (Hamburg), and HL ([[Free City of Lübeck|Lübeck]]), the latter three used again for the same entities since 1956. Other bigger cities: IV B Baden (Heidelberg, Mannheim, Karlsruhe, Freiburg, Lake Constance), II N cities of [[Nuremberg]] and [[Fürth]]. The Prussian provinces had the following prefixes: I E [[Province of Brandenburg]] (to a minor part now Poland), I C [[Province of East Prussia]] (now divided between Lithuania, Poland and Russia), I S [[Province of Hannover]], I T [[Province of Hesse-Nassau]] (Today Frankfurt, State of Hessen and neighboring counties), I L [[Province of Hohenzollern]], I Z [[Rhine Province]] (Cologne, Düsseldorf and other large cities in the Ruhr Area), I H [[Province of Pomerania (1815–1945)|Province of Pomerania]] (now prevailingly Poland), I Y [[Province of Posen]] (now Poland), I B Province of [[Posen-West Prussia]] (now Poland), I M [[Province of Saxony]], I P [[Province of Schleswig-Holstein]], I K [[Province of Silesia]] (now mostly Poland), I X [[Province of Westphalia]], and finally I D [[Province of West Prussia]] (now Poland).

During World War I the German Army was assigned the combination MK for "Militärkraftwagen des Deutschen Heeres", military vehicles of the German Army. After WWI, during the Weimar Republic, the German Army used RW for "Reichswehr".

During the Nazi regime (1933–1945) new combinations were issued: DR, [[Deutsche Reichsbahn]] (German state railway); OT, [[Organisation Todt]] (civil and military engineering); POL, Deutsche Polizei (police); RAD, [[Reichsarbeitsdienst]] (state labour service); RK, [[German Red Cross|Deutsches Rotes Kreuz]] (Red Cross); SS, [[Schutzstaffel]] ("protection squadron"); WH, [[Wehrmacht]] Heer (army); WL, Wehrmacht Luftwaffe (air force); WM, Wehrmacht Kriegsmarine (navy); WT, Wehrmacht Straßentransportdienst (army transport service).

From 1945 to 1956 there were lettering combinations assigned by the allied forces. Examples:
BY [[Bavaria|Bavaria (Bayern)]] 1946–1947, AB Bavaria (American Zone, Bavaria) 1948–1956, B Bavaria 1950–1956.
HE [[Hesse]] 1946–1947, AH Hesse (American Zone, Hesse) 1948–1956, H Hesse, 1950–1956.
AW Württemberg-Baden 1948–1956, W Württemberg-Baden, 1950–1956, WB Württemberg-Baden 1950–1956.
БM (=BM, for motor bikes) 1945–1946, ГФ (=GF; cars, lorries, and busses) Berlin 1945–1946, БГ (=BG; cars, lorries, and busses) Berlin 1945–1947, ГM (=GM, for motor bikes) Berlin 1945–1947, KB Berlin 1947–1948, GB East-Berlin 1948–1953, KB West-Berlin 1948-1956.
MGH Hamburg 1945, H Hamburg 1945–1947, HG Hamburg 1947, BH Hamburg 1948–1956.
BD Baden 1945–1949, FB Baden 1949–1956.
WT Württemberg-Hohenzollern 1945–1949, FW Württemberg-Hohenzollern 1949–1956.

In 1956 the current system was introduced in then West Germany, replacing the post-war system which was based on [[Allied Occupation Zones in Germany|occupation zones]].

As West German districts were extensively rearranged in the early 1970s, many prefix codes expired and new ones were created at that time. However, number plates issued before these rearrangements remain valid, providing the vehicle is still in use and has not been reregistered since. So it was still possible, if rare, to see a [[classic car]] with registration codes of administrative units that have not existed for over 30 years (e.g. EIN = [[Einbeck]]). Since late 2011 some districts allow reissuing on request of these expired prefix codes, e.g. instead of WES- in the district of Wesel, MO- as used for the former district of Moers.

When originally planned, the system included codes for districts in Eastern Germany which were to be reserved until [[German reunification|reunification]]. That included the territory of the [[German Democratic Republic|GDR]] as well as the territories [[Oder-Neisse line|annexed]] to [[Poland]] and the [[Soviet Union]] after [[World War II]], which West Germany's government still claimed in that era until about 1970. When reunification came in 1990, the reserved codes (e.g. P for [[Potsdam]]) were indeed issued to East German districts as originally planned and as they existed at that time. However, districts in East Germany were rearranged again in the mid-1990s, thus many of these codes have expired, but can likewise still be seen on older vehicles.

One example of a reserved code being reused before reunification was the letter L which was originally planned for [[Leipzig]], but was given to the newly formed [[Hesse|Hessian]] district [[Lahn-Dill-Kreis]] in the 1980s as hopes for reunification faded away. After the rather unexpected reunification the L was returned to the city of Leipzig and the Lahn-Dill-Kreis was issued with LDK instead after a transitional period when L was in use in both districts.

Another reserved code was G for [[Gera]]. In the 1980s the West German TV series "Der Fahnder"[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088517/] G was an imaginary large city in the [[Ruhrgebiet]] area.

===Typeface===
Modern German plates use a typeface called [[FE-Schrift]] ("fälschungserschwerende Schrift", tamper-hindering script). It is designed so that the ''O'' cannot be painted to look like a ''Q'', and vice versa; nor can the ''P'' be painted to resemble an ''R'', among other changes. This typeface can also more easily be read by [[optical character recognition]] software for [[automatic number plate recognition]] than the old [[DIN 1451]] script.

===Special codes===
Certain types of vehicle bear special codes:
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für historische Fahrzeuge (H-Kennzeichen).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Plate for vintage cars]]
* '''[[Classic car]]s''' (known in German by the [[pseudo-English]] expression ''Oldtimer'') can get an H (''historisch'', [[Antique vehicle registration|historic]]) at the end of the plate, such as ''[[Cologne|K]]-AA 100H'' in order to preserve the so-called "vehicle of cultural value" ("kraftfahrtechnisches Kulturgut"). It also includes a flat tax of appr. [[euro|€]]190 per year. It is popular to choose the digits so that they indicate the car's year of manufacture. The requirements for a vehicle for an H-Plate are:
**The first documented registration lies at least 30 years in the past.
**The car must be in mostly original and preservation worthy condition. Preservation worthy means a grade C by popular car grading standards. The older the car, the more signs of usage it can show. This purely concerns the car's appearance, the road worthiness is established by separate mandatory safety inspections. Universally accepted modifications include changes that benefit safety, such as seat belts and disc brakes, and environmental friendliness, such as catalytic converters and LPG conversions (if invisible from the outside). Further modifications that are generally accepted are those contemporary of the car's first registration (plus and minus 10 years, burden of proof lies with the owner through historic material such as photographs) and new paintjobs of any color, including two tone paint if originally offered and historic company logos, but no murals or custom patterns.
[[File:GERMANY, DACHAU motorcycle license plate seasonal - Flickr - woody1778a.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Seasonal number plate, registration valid from 1st March to 31st October of each year]]
* Cars (or more often, motorbikes) with '''seasonal number plates''' have two numbers at the end of the plate indicating the months between which they are registered to drive, with the licence being valid from the start of the upper month until the end of the lower month. This results in lower car taxes, as well lower insurance premiums.
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für Behördenfahrzeuge (Nummernbereich 3).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Official registered vehicle (here: fire brigade)]]
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für Behördenfahrzeuge (Nummernbereich 8).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Official registered vehicle for disaster relief]]
* Until the legal reforms of 2006, '''Official cars''' such as police, fire fighting and municipality vehicles did not carry a letter after the sticker, such as ''M-1234''. These included:
** vehicles of the district government: 1-199, 1000-1999, 10000-19999
** vehicles of the local government (for example: fire brigade): 200-299, 2000-2999, 20000-29999, 300-399
** police: 3000-3999, 7000-7999, 30000-39999, 70000-79999
** disaster relief (mostly changed "THW", see below): 8000-8999, 80000-89999

This style of plate is no longer issued, but many official vehicles which were registered before 2006 still carry this type of plate.

A similar style of issue is used by some municipalities to '''consular or diplomatic vehicles''' in the form Aaa-9NNn (example: D-921). Unlike the other style of diplomatic/consular plates issued in Berlin and Bonn, this plate does not indicate the nationality of the mission.

[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für steuerbefreite Fahrzeuge (grüne Schrift).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Plate for tax-exempt vehicles]]
* Vehicles which are '''exempt from vehicle taxes''' (for example [[ambulance]]s, [[tractor]]s, agricultural trailers, trailers for boats or trailers for gliders) have green print on a white background plate. Regular trailers for lorries can be exempted from tax if the owner agrees to pay an increased tax on the vehicle which tows the trailer. There is also a tax exemption for trailers for which the owner agrees to hand over his trailer without payment to the armed forces (if Germany is in a state of emergency or defence).
[[File:Deutsches Kurzzeit-KFZ-Kennzeichen.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Special temporary plate for vehicles in Germany (Kurzzeit-Kennzeichen)]]
* Vehicles which have '''not been registered''' (because they are for transfer within Germany) have to carry short-term plates valid only for five days. The code starts with the numbers ''04'', e.g. ''DD-04000'', and the plate has a yellow strip on the right showing when they are valid. The date is listed numerically, on three lines, reading day, month, year, with two digits each. The vehicle need not have a valid technical inspection, however it must be technically fit to be operated in public. Insurance premiums are quite high, appr. [[euro|€]]100 for the above-mentioned 5 days. Most insurance companies credit this premium if the car is registered as a normal car with the same insurance company after these 5 days.
[[File:Rotes DIN-Kennzeichen 06.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Special plate (red colour, old DIN-style) for dealer's cars for test drives. (Registration office: Würzburg)]]
* '''[[Car dealership|Car dealer]]s'''' plates are in red print on a white background, and the code begins with ''06''. Red plates may be attached to cars which are changing hands, such as the test run of unregistered cars, and the [[liability insurance]] is connected to the plate, not a specific car.
* '''Car collectors''': Red plates starting with the number 07 are reserved for collectors of vintage cars. Originally, vintage cars had a required minimum age of 20 years from first registering. Since April 2007 onwards the required minimum age has been 30 years. Plates issued under the old 20 years rule remained valid after this date. The collectors must get an official certificate of approval (such as no criminal records). They are allowed to use one set of plates on any of their cars under the condition that they keep a strict record of use. No day-to-day use of the cars is allowed. A valid official technical inspection is not mandatory but the cars have to be technical fit for use on public roads.
[[File:Deutsche Ausfuhr-Kfz-Kennzeichen (Export).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Special plate for vehicles to be exported (Ausfuhrkennzeichen)]]
[[File:License plate of Germany for export vehicles.png|thumb|200px|right|Former special plate for vehicles to be exported (Zollkennzeichen) - no longer in use. It was replaced by the Ausfuhrkennzeichen in the 1980s]]
*'''Export plates''' (also known as "Ausfuhrkennzeichen", customs plates) are used for exporting vehicles abroad. The plates are the only ones which do not have the blue Euro strip on the left and the owner does not have to be a German resident to register the car. The date on the red strip on the right hand side does not show the expiration date of the plate; instead it shows the expiration date of the vehicle insurance. After this date the vehicle must have left Germany.
[[File:Deutsches Diplomatenkennzeichen (Indonesien).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Diplomatic plate (Indonesian embassy in Berlin)]]
[[File:Licenseplate of limousine.png|thumb|200px|Plate of the German Chancellor]]
* '''Diplomatic plates''': plates of cars covered by [[diplomatic immunity]] have the digit ''0'' (Zero) on the left instead of the registration location code.
*'''Highest state offices:''' The [[President of Germany|President]] uses the license plate 0-1, the [[Chancellor of Germany (Federal Republic)|Chancellor]] uses 0-2, the [[Minister for Foreign Affairs (Germany)|Foreign Minister]] uses 0-3 and the ''First [[Secretary of State#Germany|State Secretary]] of the [[Foreign Office (Germany)|Foreign Office]]'' (i.e. the Foreign Minister's deputy) uses 0-4. The [[President of the Bundestag|President of the Parliament]] uses 1-1. This reflects the fact that the Parliament's President is not part of the executive branch but still ranks higher in (symbolic) importance than the Chancellor. These vehicles are tax-exempt and need not to be insured since the German government acts as insurer.
[[File:Deutsches Bundeswehr-Kfz-Kennzeichen.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Bundeswehr (armed forces)]]
* '''[[Bundeswehr|The military]]''' uses old style non-reflecting plates with a dash between the two circles. The German flag is shown, instead of the blue EU strip. Military plates use the letter ''Y'', rather than a city indicator (no German city name starts with a Y). After the ''Y'' comes a six-digit number (or five digits for motorcycles), for example ''Y-123456''. These vehicles are tax-exempt and need not to be insured since the German government acts as insurer. There is also no mandatory technical inspection required but the Armed Forces carry out a regular internal inspection on these vehicles similar to the official inspection.

* Military vehicles which are used by the '''[[Nato]] headquarters''' in Germany use the same design as the Y-plates except they carry the letter ''X'' followed by a four-digit number, for example ''X-1234''
[[File:Kfz-Kennzeichen THW.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Official registered vehicle for [[Technisches Hilfswerk]] (German Federal Agency for Technical Relief)]]
* Some branches of the '''federal government''' and '''[[States of Germany|federal state]] governments''' use the abbreviations of their names instead of a city code. Example: the [[Technisches Hilfswerk]] (German Federal Agency for Technical Relief) uses its abbreviation ''THW'', so the plates read ''THW-80000'', for example. All numbers on THW plates start either with the digit 8 or 9. Before the [[Deutsche Bundesbahn]] (''German National Railways'') and the [[Deutsche Bundespost|Deutsche '''B'''undes'''p'''ost]] (''Federal Post Office'') were privatised, they used the abbreviations ''DB'' and ''BP'' (e.g. ''DB-12345'', ''BP-12345''). The Wasser- und Schifffahrtsverwaltung des Bundes (''Federal Water and Ship Transport Authority'') uses '''BW''' followed by a digit identifying the region of the office (from 1=north to 7=south).
[[File:Deutsches Bundes-Kennzeichen BW6-602.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Wasser- und Schifffahrtsverwaltung des Bundes, here South Office in [[Würzburg]]]]
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für Bundespolizei.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Bundespolizei (Federal Police), code in use since 2005]]
* The '''[[German Federal Police|federal police]]''' uses the code ''BP'' instead of the local code. Before 2006 they used the code ''BG'' (former name: ''[[Bundesgrenzschutz|'''B'''undes'''g'''renzschutz]]'') (BG-#####), this old code remains still valid, only new vehicles will get the new "BP"-code.
* The '''[[North Rhine-Westphalia Police|Police]] of [[North Rhine-Westphalia]]''' uses ''NRW 4'', ''NRW 5'' and, for motorbikes, ''NRW 6'' as the local code. This is followed by a four-digit number (e.g. NRW 4-1960). ''4'', ''5'' and ''6'' stand for the State Ministry of the Interior.
*'''Light motorised vehicles''' such as mopeds and motorised wheelchairs are required to have a registration plate, see next section.

==Insurance plates==
[[File:Versicherungskennzeichen.jpg|thumb|Insurance plates; the colour of the letters is changed every year.]]
The ''{{lang|de|Versicherungskennzeichen}}'' ("insurance plate" ) used for mopeds and other small, low-power vehicles (such as vehicles for the physically handicapped, with a maximum speed of {{convert|50|km/h|disp=comma|abbr=on}}). The system is three digits on the top and three letters beneath. The number and the letters are chosen randomly so personalizing the plates is not possible. Plates are much smaller than the plates for normal cars and are only valid for one year from 1 March till the end of February the following year. Those plates are sold by insurance companies, so the fee included both the registration, and the cost of one year's insurance for the vehicle. There are four colours used: black, blue, green for normal plates, and red for temporary use, such as testing (very rare). The first three colours are changed every year in order to make it easy to see whether the vehicle has the correct plate and insurance.

:{| class="wikitable"
|+ Colours of the insurance plates from 1 March onwards of each year
! colspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | Colour
! colspan="9" style="text-align: center;" | Year
|-
| style="background-color: #0a0a0d;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 9005]] (''{{lang|de|Tiefschwarz}}'', Jet black)
| 1990
| 1993
| 1996
| 1999
| 2002
| 2005
| 2008
| 2011
| 2014
|-
| style="background-color: #3481b8;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 5012]] (''{{lang|de|Lichtblau}}'', Light blue)
| 1991
| 1994
| 1997
| 2000
| 2003
| 2006
| 2009
| 2012
| 2015
|-
| style="background-color: #3E753B;"| {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 6010]] (''{{lang|de|Grasgrün}}'', Grass green)
| 1992
| 1995
| 1998
| 2001
| 2004
| 2007
| 2010
| 2013
| 2016
|}

==Emission, safety test and registration sticker==

Emission test (front plate) and vehicle safety test (rear plate) stickers were also attached to the plate before 2010, in which year the emission sticker became obsolete as the emission test was incorporated into the safety test and was not performed separately anymore. The expiration date can be figured out as follows: The year is in the centre of the sticker, and the stickers are attached with the month of expiration pointing upwards. The black marking on the side (near the 12) thus makes it easy for the police to see the expiration month from a distance. Like a clock, the marking shows the same position of a number on the face of a clock. For example, the black marking is on the left side, so it is the ninth month (or 9 o'clock) and hence the expiry date is 30 September. The six possible colors code for the year when the next safety test is due and repeat once a six-year period has passed.

The lower sticker is the official seal of registration. It always carries the seal of the respective German ''{{lang|de|[[States of Germany|Bundesland]]}}'' with the city or district of issuance being added in print. Some seals carry the German ''{{lang|de|[[Coat of arms of Germany|Bundesadler]]}}'' instead of a Bundesland's seal, such as numberplates used on [[Federal Police (Germany)|Bundespolizei]] vehicles.

All these stickers are specially treated to be easily transferred onto the licence plates, but hard to be removed without damaging the plate itself, making them relatively counterfeit-proof.

Cars found in a public place where the owner did not pay insurance for more than three months (as reported to the police by the insurance company) may get '''''{{lang|de|entstempelt}}''''', that means, '''unstamped''': The police will remove the state's official seal using a scratching tool (mostly a screwdriver), leaving the plate without a valid seal, and it will be illegal to even leave that car parked on public ground, unless insurance is paid and plates are fitted with a new official seal.

Once a plate is invalid, the seal of registration is defaced by a qualified officer. After that, the plates are often sold to collectors on online shopping sites, such as [[eBay]].

When owners choose to deregister their vehicle the officer at the local authority will want to see the license plates with defaced seals on them as proof that no legal plate with this identifier can be found in public anymore. For this purpose special machines are available for use at the office. Once defaced the plates may only be used legally on public roads for the one ride back to the owner's place.
This is the recommended procedure for selling a car. Alternatively the seller may hand out their car with valid license plates and papers still in their name to the new owner thus giving them the responsibility to register the car in their name shortly. In a scenario without a proper sales contract the seller may become liable when the buyer commits criminal acts related to the car or plates and thus it is generally not recommended to sell used cars with license plates.

Motorcycles carry only the rear plate.

<gallery>
File:Plakette Abgassonderuntersuchung.png | Emission test sticker (before 2010)
File:Plakette Hauptuntersuchung.svg | Safety test sticker
File:Zulassungsplakette Coburg.png | Registration seal ([[Coburg]], Bavaria)
File:Kfz-Kennzeichen Deutschland - Toepfchensiegel.jpg | Safety test and registration seal ([[Fürth]], Bavaria)
</gallery>

[[File:Defacedgermanplate.JPG|thumb|200px|right|Example of a defaced plate — notice how the bottom seal is completely gone, due to scraping. From [[Kronach]].]]
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Colours of the emission test (before 2010) and vehicle safety test stickers
! colspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | Colour
! colspan="8" style="text-align: center;" | Year
|-
| style="background-color: #dd7907;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 2000]] (''{{lang|de|Gelborange}}'', Yellow-orange)
| —
| 1979
| 1983
| 1989
| 1995
| 2001
| 2007
| 2013
|-
| style="background-color: #2874b2;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 5015]] (''{{lang|de|Himmelblau}}'', Sky blue)
| —
| 1978
| 1984
| 1990
| 1996
| 2002
| 2008
| 2014
|-
| style="background-color: #d9c022;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 1012]] (''{{lang|de|Zitronengelb}}'', Lemon yellow)
| —
| 1977
| 1985
| 1991
| 1997
| 2003
| 2009
| 2015
|-
| style="background-color: #8f4e35;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 8004]] (''{{lang|de|Kupferbraun}}'', Copper brown)
| 1974
| 1980
| 1986
| 1992
| 1998
| 2004
| 2010
| 2016
|-
| style="background-color: #e1a6ad;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 3015]] (''{{lang|de|Hellrosa}}'', Light pink)
| 1975
| 1981
| 1987
| 1993
| 1999
| 2005
| 2011
| 2017
|-
| style="background-color: #48a43f;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 6018]] (''{{lang|de|Gelbgrün}}'', Yellow-green)
| 1976
| 1982
| 1988
| 1994
| 2000
| 2006
| 2012
| 2018
|}

==See also==
* [[Vehicle registration plates of the German Democratic Republic]]
* [[Vehicle registration plates of the United States Army in Germany]]

* ''[[:de:Liste aller Kfz-Kennzeichen der Bundesrepublik Deutschland|Liste aller Kfz-Kennzeichen der Bundesrepublik Deutschland]]'' {{de icon}} List of all registration codes issued under the current registration system
* ''[[:de:Liste der auslaufenden deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen|Liste der auslaufenden deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen]]'' {{de icon}} List of no longer issued registration codes
* ''[[:de:Liste der deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen (historisch)|Liste der deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen (historisch)]]'' {{de icon}} List of repealed registration codes
* ''[[:de:Liste der Kfz-Kennzeichen in Deutschland|Liste der Kfz-Kennzeichen in Deutschland]]'' {{de icon}} List of currently issued registration codes

==References==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|License plates of Germany}}
*[http://www.theplateman.com German Number Plates, Also shows how they are made]
*[http://www.kennzeichengeschichte.de History of German license plates]
*[http://www.hegis.de/fed__rep__of_germany.htm More information about German car number plates and their history]
*[http://www.europeanplates.com/german-city-codes German City Codes, Complete City Code List]
*[http://www.license-plates.appspot.com Application to find which region/place in Germany the vehicle originates]
*[http://www.platesmania.com/de/ Photos of license plates of Germany]

{{Vehicle registration plates of Europe}}

[[Category:Vehicle registration plates by country|Germany]]
[[Category:Road transport in Germany]]

Vehicle registration plates of Germany

2015-11-08T12:23:13Z

Harry8: O and Q

{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2014}}
'''German vehicle registration plates''' (''Kraftfahrzeug-Kennzeichen'' or, more colloquially, ''Nummernschilder'') indicate the place where the vehicle bearing them was once registered. Whenever German owners of a motor vehicle change their main place of residence within [[Germany]] or buy a car from a person living in a different city or [[Districts of Germany|county]] they have to have the vehicle documentation changed accordingly. In the process owners may opt for new license plates that reflect their place of residence or simply retain the old identifier and plates. The states of [[Hesse]], [[Schleswig-Holstein]], [[Brandenburg]], [[Saxony]], [[Thuringia]] and [[Northrhine-Westphalia]] were the first ones to create laws so that owners were not obliged anymore to change license plates if they were changing residence within the respective state. A nationwide law has since been passed by the federal government and it comes into effect on January 1, 2015.<ref>
{{cite web |url=http://www.vz-nrw.de/energie-und-verkehr#kfzkennzeichenhhauchfuerfrankfurter |title=Kfz-Kennzeichen: HH auch für Frankfurter |accessdate=2014-12-09 |author=Verbraucherzentrale Nordrhein-Westfalen e.V. |date=2014-12-02 }}
</ref> From this time on, it is generally not possible anymore to tell the owner's place of residence just from looking at the plates.

The option to be assigned temporary plates allows owners a financial saving in the case they have vehicles (e.g. motorcycles) which they intend to drive only during one particular part of the year. While temporary plates can only be used for the time printed on them and new ones have to be assigned and bought if the vehicle is supposed to be on public roads later on there is no need to renew regular plates periodically. German motor vehicle tax is paid independently of the license plates by annual direct debit from a bank account.

As of 2007, new number plates normally cost around €30, while the cost of de-registering a vehicle and re-registering it with new plates is between €10 and €40. The license plates themselves are not made by the registration office but by independent for-profit stores that are usually located in the same building as the registration office or close by. Upon successful registration the applicant is merely given a slip of paper with the assigned number that can be presented at any store that makes plates. Sometimes there are several stores in the vicinity of the registration office with prices for plates dropping the further the store is away from the registration office. Once the plates are made, which is a matter of minutes, the owner must return to the registration office with them, pay the costs for registration and then the required registration seal and safety test stickers are applied to the plates making them legal for use in traffic.

If ownership of a vehicle is permanently transferred to a new owner who lives in the same city/region then the registration number may remain unchanged. Administration fees are, however, still payable in respect of the necessary changes to the vehicle's official documentation. Many people however will change the license plates even if it is not necessary in order to personalize them.

==Format==
[[File:KFZmod.png|thumb|200px|right|The post-1994 German number plate format (FE-style)]]
[[File:Plate-KA-RR232.JPG|thumb|200px|right|The pre-1994 German number plate format (DIN-style), no longer issued but still in use.]]
[[File:Kfz-Kennzeichen in Deutschland.svg|thumb|300 px|Map of German districts and their license plate codes]]
The present German number plate format has been in use since 1994. As with many plates for countries within the [[European Union]], a blue strip on the left shows a shortened [[List of international vehicle registration codes|country code]] in white text ('''D''' for ''Deutschland'' = Germany) and the [[Flag of Europe]] (12 golden stars forming a circle on a blue background).

The rest of the license plate uses black print on a white background. Just after the country code strip is a one, two or three letter abbreviation, which represents the city or region where the car was registered, such as B for [[Berlin]]. These letters formerly coincide with the [[Districts of Germany|German districts]]. Since 2013 the letters were extended to former districts ([http://www.kfz.de/autokennzeichen/autokennzeichen_deutschland/ complete list]). In some cases an [[Urban districts of Germany|urban district]] and the surrounding non-urban district share the same letter code. Where this happens, the number of the following letters and digits is usually different. For example, the urban district of [[Straubing]] (SR) has one letter after the code (SR - A 123). The surrounding district [[Straubing-Bogen]] has two letters (SR - AB 123) after the code. However, these different systems are being used in fewer cases, as many cities that share their code with the surrounding rural districts have started using all codes for both districts without any distinction; the city of [[Regensburg]], for example, and the surrounding [[Regensburg (district)|rural district Regensburg]] used different systems only until 2007.

The number of letters in the city/region prefix code mostly reflects the size of the district. The basic idea was to even out the number of digits on all license plates, because the largest districts would have more digits after the prefix for more cars. The largest German cities generally only have one letter codes (B=[[Berlin]], M=[[Munich]], K=[[Cologne]] (''Köln''), F=[[Frankfurt]], L=[[Leipzig]], S=[[Stuttgart]]), most other districts in Germany have two or three letter codes. Therefore, cities or districts with fewer letters are generally assumed to be bigger and more important. Reflecting that, most districts tried to get a combination with fewer letters for their prefix code.

Districts in eastern Germany usually have more letters, for two reasons:
* Fewer people live in eastern German districts, so the number of cars registered is smaller and hence the use of three letter codes.
* With the introduction of the current system on 1 July 1956 in then West Germany including [[West Berlin|Berlin (West)]], letters had been reserved for all east German districts of that time. However, a lot of those districts were changed over the years, and in 1990 after [[German reunification]], many of the possible shorter combinations had already been used up in western Germany.

There are a number of exceptions e.g. Germany's second largest city [[Hamburg]] (HH, Hansestadt Hamburg, because of its historical membership in the [[Hanseatic League]], reflected already in its prefix used between 1906 and 1945). Similar is the case of the cities of [[Bremen]] and [[Bremerhaven]], forming the state [[Bremen (state)|Free Hanseatic City of Bremen]], sharing the common prefix HB (1906–1947, and again since 1956), differentiated by the number of letters and digits added.

In 1956 also [[Lübeck]] received its former prefix HL, already used between 1906 and 1937, when its statehood was abolished. In analogy to these three northwestern cities, but without historical examples of formerly issued prefixes, four northeastern Hanseatic cities, [[Greifswald]], [[Rostock]], [[Stralsund]] and [[Wismar]], chose the prefixes HGW, HRO, HST and HWI, since the shorter HG ([[Hochtaunuskreis]], capital: Bad Homburg vor der Höhe), HR ([[Schwalm-Eder-Kreis]], capital: [[Homberg (Efze)]]), HS ([[Kreis Heinsberg]]) and HW (Kreis Halle in Westphalia) were already taken by west German districts.

More west German districts have prefixes derived from the names of their capitals: [[Ammerland]] (WST, after Westerstede), [[Dithmarschen]] (HEI, after Heide in Dithmarschen), [[Harburg (district)|Harburg]] (WL, after Winsen upon Luhe), [[Herzogtum Lauenburg]] (RZ, after Ratzeburg) etc.

The letter "G" was reserved for the east German city of [[Gera]], although it is much smaller than the west German [[Gelsenkirchen]] ("GE"). The letter "L" had been reserved for Leipzig, but in 1977 it was assigned to the newly formed city of [[Lahn, Hesse|Lahn]], and the rural district [[Lahn-Dill-Kreis]]. This casts some light on how unlikely a reunification was regarded at that time. In 1990, Leipzig claimed back the letter "L", and it was reassigned, and Lahn-Dill-Kreis had to change to LDK.

The reason for this scheme is however not to display size or location, but simply to have enough combinations available within the maximum length of eight characters per plate.

After the location name there are the round vehicle safety test and registration seal stickers (see below) placed on top of each other. The registration sticker is the bottom one. For vehicles that are required to bear a front and rear plate the front plate nowadays only features the registration seal sticker. Before 2010, in which year the emission test became a part of the vehicle safety test, the hexagonal emission test sticker was placed above it. The stickers are followed by one or two usually random letters and one to four usually random numbers. The total quantity of letters and numbers on the plate is never higher than eight. Identifiers consisting of one letter with low numbers are normally reserved for motorcycle use since there is less space for plates on these vehicles.

A problem with this scheme is that the space between geographic identifier and random letters is a significant character and must be considered when writing down a number. For example, B MW 555 is not the same number as BM W 555. The confusion can be avoided by writing a hyphen after the city code, as in the old number plates, like B-MW 555. For this reason, the police will always radio the location name and spell out the next letters using the German [[German phonetic alphabet|telephone alphabet]], which varies somewhat from the English one. Thus, B MW 555 would be radioed as "[[Berlin]], Martha, Wilhelm, fünf-fünf-fünf" and BM W 555 as "[[Rhein-Erft-Kreis|Bergheim]], Wilhelm, fünf-fünf-fünf".

[[File:Toyota Celica Gr.A 002.JPG|thumb|The Köln-based Toyota Team Europe prepared Celica GT-Four rally car with Köln (Cologne) license plate. Note the plate starts with "K".]]

For an extra charge of €10.20 car owners can also register a personalized identifier. Car owners can only choose the numbers or letters instead of the random ones at the end, provided of course they are not yet taken and not a prohibited combination. For example, people living in the town of Pirna might choose ''PIR-AT 77'', "Pirat" being the [[German language|German]] for "pirate". [[Kiel]] is one of few places (others are Brake (capital of the district of [[Wesermarsch]]), Cham, Daun, Emden, Halle, Hamm, Heide, Herne, Hof, Kleve, Kusel, Lauf, Lünen, Pirna, Plön, Regen, Rehau, Selb, Ulm, Unna and Wesel) where the number plate can be the city name: 'KI-EL'. In most cases of personalized plates people choose their initials and a number reflecting their birthdate. In this fashion fictional Mrs. Ulrike Mustermann, born May 2, 1965 and living in Essen would choose 'E UM 2565' for her car. Note that dates are given in the format DDMMYY in Germany.
|
Germany includes diacritical marks in the letters of some codes, that is the letters Ö and Ü. Such a thing is rarely done in other European countries, but also appears on regular [[Vehicle registration plates of Bosnia and Herzegovina|Bosnian]], [[Vehicle registration plates of Croatia|Croatian]] and [[Vehicle registration plates of Serbia|Serbian]](letters Č, Š and Ž), [[Vehicle registration plates of Finland|Åland registration plates]] (letter Å), as well as on [[Vehicle registration plates of Sweden#Personal plates|Swedish]] (letters Å, Ä and Ö) and [[Vehicle registration plates of Denmark|Danish]] (letters Å, Æ and Ø) personal registration plates. The only pair of codes with the letters I and J is IL for Landkreis Ilmenau and JL for Landkreis Jerichower Land.

[[BMW]], owner of [[Mini (marque)|Mini]], registers all Mini press/marketing cars in the city of [[Minden]], which holds the code ''MI'', to get "MI-NI" number plates for the cars. BMW itself is based in Munich, yet "M-INI" plates are not possible to issue, as three letters after the district code are not permitted.

===Prohibited combinations===
Various combinations that could be considered politically unacceptable — mainly due to implications relating to [[Nazi Germany]] — are disallowed or otherwise avoided.<ref>[http://www.sueddeutsche.de/muenchen/behoerdenfehler-m-ah-ist-durchgerutscht-1.2683534 M-AH 8888 ist durchgerutscht] {{de icon}} ''[[Sueddeutsche Zeitung]]'', published: 9 October 2015, accessed: 9 October 2015</ref> The district [[Sächsische Schweiz]] uses the name of its main town, Pirna, in its code ''PIR'', to avoid the use of ''[[Schutzstaffel|SS]]'', the name of the paramilitary organization; similarly ''[[Sturmabteilung|SA]]'' is also unused. Although between 1945 and 1949 the French occupation force used the combination SA followed by the double-digit numbers 01 to 08 for the then seven rural districts in the [[Saar (protectorate)|Saar Protectorate]] and its capital [[Saarbrücken]]. In 2004 in [[Nuremberg]], a car owner was refused a number plate beginning N-PD because of the connection to the political party the [[National Democratic Party of Germany|NPD]].{{Citation needed|date=January 2010}} The combinations [[Starnberg (district)|STA]]-SI, [[Dithmarschen|HEI]]-L and [[Steinburg|IZ]]-AN are also avoided, to avoid association with [[Stasi]], with the [[Nazi salute]] and with NAZI backwards.

[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen mit Erkennungsnummer NS.jpg||thumb|200px|right|Example of banned combination (NS) which was issued accidentally.]]
Banned combinations also include the Nazi abbreviations HJ (''Hitlerjugend'', [[Hitler Youth]]), NS (''Nationalsozialismus'', [[Nazism|National Socialism]]), SA (''[[Sturmabteilung]]''), SS (''[[Schutzstaffel]]'') and KZ (''Konzentrationslager'', [[Internment|concentration camp]]). Some registration offices have overlooked this rule by mistake, however, and there are a few cars registered carrying prohibited codes, such as ''B-SS 12''. Some counties also allow these combinations if they are the initials of the owner (e.g., '''N'''orbert '''S'''chmidt might be able to get XX-NS 1234), but in this case, if the car is sold and re-registered in the same county by the new owner, the number can be changed (otherwise the number stays with the car until it registered in a different area). However, the combination ''HH'' (which could be interpreted as ''[[Nazi salute|Heil Hitler]]'') is used for the city of [[Hamburg]], first introduced in 1906. It stands for the city's title ''Hansestadt Hamburg'' ([[Hanseatic League|Hanseatic]] City of Hamburg).

===History===
The first German licence plates that had a lettering plan were issued from 1906 onwards. Berlin for example was using I A (I for Prussia), Munich II A (II for Bavaria), Stuttgart III A (III for [[Free People's State of Württemberg|Württemberg]]). Other German states used further Roman numbers such as IV ([[Republic of Baden|Baden]]), V ([[People's State of Hesse|Hesse]]), and VI ([[Alsace-Lorraine]]; now France). Many states used prefixes derived from the state names, such as B ([[Free State of Brunswick|Brunswick]]), HB (Bremen), HH (Hamburg), and HL ([[Free City of Lübeck|Lübeck]]), the latter three used again for the same entities since 1956. Other bigger cities: IV B Baden (Heidelberg, Mannheim, Karlsruhe, Freiburg, Lake Constance), II N cities of [[Nuremberg]] and [[Fürth]]. The Prussian provinces had the following prefixes: I E [[Province of Brandenburg]] (to a minor part now Poland), I C [[Province of East Prussia]] (now divided between Lithuania, Poland and Russia), I S [[Province of Hannover]], I T [[Province of Hesse-Nassau]] (Today Frankfurt, State of Hessen and neighboring counties), I L [[Province of Hohenzollern]], I Z [[Rhine Province]] (Cologne, Düsseldorf and other large cities in the Ruhr Area), I H [[Province of Pomerania (1815–1945)|Province of Pomerania]] (now prevailingly Poland), I Y [[Province of Posen]] (now Poland), I B Province of [[Posen-West Prussia]] (now Poland), I M [[Province of Saxony]], I P [[Province of Schleswig-Holstein]], I K [[Province of Silesia]] (now mostly Poland), I X [[Province of Westphalia]], and finally I D [[Province of West Prussia]] (now Poland).

During World War I the German Army was assigned the combination MK for "Militärkraftwagen des Deutschen Heeres", military vehicles of the German Army. After WWI, during the Weimar Republic, the German Army used RW for "Reichswehr".

During the Nazi regime (1933–1945) new combinations were issued: DR, [[Deutsche Reichsbahn]] (German state railway); OT, [[Organisation Todt]] (civil and military engineering); POL, Deutsche Polizei (police); RAD, [[Reichsarbeitsdienst]] (state labour service); RK, [[German Red Cross|Deutsches Rotes Kreuz]] (Red Cross); SS, [[Schutzstaffel]] ("protection squadron"); WH, [[Wehrmacht]] Heer (army); WL, Wehrmacht Luftwaffe (air force); WM, Wehrmacht Kriegsmarine (navy); WT, Wehrmacht Straßentransportdienst (army transport service).

From 1945 to 1956 there were lettering combinations assigned by the allied forces. Examples:
BY [[Bavaria|Bavaria (Bayern)]] 1946–1947, AB Bavaria (American Zone, Bavaria) 1948–1956, B Bavaria 1950–1956.
HE [[Hesse]] 1946–1947, AH Hesse (American Zone, Hesse) 1948–1956, H Hesse, 1950–1956.
AW Württemberg-Baden 1948–1956, W Württemberg-Baden, 1950–1956, WB Württemberg-Baden 1950–1956.
БM (=BM, for motor bikes) 1945–1946, ГФ (=GF; cars, lorries, and busses) Berlin 1945–1946, БГ (=BG; cars, lorries, and busses) Berlin 1945–1947, ГM (=GM, for motor bikes) Berlin 1945–1947, KB Berlin 1947–1948, GB East-Berlin 1948–1953, KB West-Berlin 1948-1956.
MGH Hamburg 1945, H Hamburg 1945–1947, HG Hamburg 1947, BH Hamburg 1948–1956.
BD Baden 1945–1949, FB Baden 1949–1956.
WT Württemberg-Hohenzollern 1945–1949, FW Württemberg-Hohenzollern 1949–1956.

In 1956 the current system was introduced in then West Germany, replacing the post-war system which was based on [[Allied Occupation Zones in Germany|occupation zones]].

As West German districts were extensively rearranged in the early 1970s, many prefix codes expired and new ones were created at that time. However, number plates issued before these rearrangements remain valid, providing the vehicle is still in use and has not been reregistered since. So it was still possible, if rare, to see a [[classic car]] with registration codes of administrative units that have not existed for over 30 years (e.g. EIN = [[Einbeck]]). Since late 2011 some districts allow reissuing on request of these expired prefix codes, e.g. instead of WES- in the district of Wesel, MO- as used for the former district of Moers.

When originally planned, the system included codes for districts in Eastern Germany which were to be reserved until [[German reunification|reunification]]. That included the territory of the [[German Democratic Republic|GDR]] as well as the territories [[Oder-Neisse line|annexed]] to [[Poland]] and the [[Soviet Union]] after [[World War II]], which West Germany's government still claimed in that era until about 1970. When reunification came in 1990, the reserved codes (e.g. P for [[Potsdam]]) were indeed issued to East German districts as originally planned and as they existed at that time. However, districts in East Germany were rearranged again in the mid-1990s, thus many of these codes have expired, but can likewise still be seen on older vehicles.

One example of a reserved code being reused before reunification was the letter L which was originally planned for [[Leipzig]], but was given to the newly formed [[Hesse|Hessian]] district [[Lahn-Dill-Kreis]] in the 1980s as hopes for reunification faded away. After the rather unexpected reunification the L was returned to the city of Leipzig and the Lahn-Dill-Kreis was issued with LDK instead after a transitional period when L was in use in both districts.

Another reserved code was G for [[Gera]]. In the 1980s the West German TV series "Der Fahnder"[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088517/] G was an imaginary large city in the [[Ruhrgebiet]] area.

===Typeface===
Modern German plates use a typeface called [[FE-Schrift]] ("fälschungserschwerende Schrift", tamper-hindering script). It is designed so that the ''O'' cannot be painted to look like a ''Q'', and vice versa; nor can the ''P'' be painted to resemble an ''R'', among other changes. This typeface can also more easily be read by [[optical character recognition]] software for [[automatic number plate recognition]] than the old [[DIN 1451]] script.

===Special codes===
Certain types of vehicle bear special codes:
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für historische Fahrzeuge (H-Kennzeichen).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Plate for vintage cars]]
* '''[[Classic car]]s''' (known in German by the [[pseudo-English]] expression ''Oldtimer'') can get an H (''historisch'', [[Antique vehicle registration|historic]]) at the end of the plate, such as ''[[Cologne|K]]-AA 100H'' in order to preserve the so-called "vehicle of cultural value" ("kraftfahrtechnisches Kulturgut"). It also includes a flat tax of appr. [[euro|€]]190 per year. It is popular to choose the digits so that they indicate the car's year of manufacture. The requirements for a vehicle for an H-Plate are:
**The first documented registration lies at least 30 years in the past.
**The car must be in mostly original and preservation worthy condition. Preservation worthy means a grade C by popular car grading standards. The older the car, the more signs of usage it can show. This purely concerns the car's appearance, the road worthiness is established by separate mandatory safety inspections. Universally accepted modifications include changes that benefit safety, such as seat belts and disc brakes, and environmental friendliness, such as catalytic converters and LPG conversions (if invisible from the outside). Further modifications that are generally accepted are those contemporary of the car's first registration (plus and minus 10 years, burden of proof lies with the owner through historic material such as photographs) and new paintjobs of any color, including two tone paint if originally offered and historic company logos, but no murals or custom patterns.
[[File:GERMANY, DACHAU motorcycle license plate seasonal - Flickr - woody1778a.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Seasonal number plate, registration valid from 1st March to 31st October of each year]]
* Cars (or more often, motorbikes) with '''seasonal number plates''' have two numbers at the end of the plate indicating the months between which they are registered to drive, with the licence being valid from the start of the upper month until the end of the lower month. This results in lower car taxes, as well lower insurance premiums.
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für Behördenfahrzeuge (Nummernbereich 3).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Official registered vehicle (here: fire brigade)]]
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für Behördenfahrzeuge (Nummernbereich 8).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Official registered vehicle for disaster relief]]
* Until the legal reforms of 2006, '''Official cars''' such as police, fire fighting and municipality vehicles did not carry a letter after the sticker, such as ''M-1234''. These included:
** vehicles of the district government: 1-199, 1000-1999, 10000-19999
** vehicles of the local government (for example: fire brigade): 200-299, 2000-2999, 20000-29999, 300-399
** police: 3000-3999, 7000-7999, 30000-39999, 70000-79999
** disaster relief (mostly changed "THW", see below): 8000-8999, 80000-89999

This style of plate is no longer issued, but many official vehicles which were registered before 2006 still carry this type of plate.

A similar style of issue is used by some municipalities to '''consular or diplomatic vehicles''' in the form Aaa-9NNn (example: D-921). Unlike the other style of diplomatic/consular plates issued in Berlin and Bonn, this plate does not indicate the nationality of the mission.

[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für steuerbefreite Fahrzeuge (grüne Schrift).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Plate for tax-exempt vehicles]]
* Vehicles which are '''exempt from vehicle taxes''' (for example [[ambulance]]s, [[tractor]]s, agricultural trailers, trailers for boats or trailers for gliders) have green print on a white background plate. Regular trailers for lorries can be exempted from tax if the owner agrees to pay an increased tax on the vehicle which tows the trailer. There is also a tax exemption for trailers for which the owner agrees to hand over his trailer without payment to the armed forces (if Germany is in a state of emergency or defence).
[[File:Deutsches Kurzzeit-KFZ-Kennzeichen.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Special temporary plate for vehicles in Germany (Kurzzeit-Kennzeichen)]]
* Vehicles which have '''not been registered''' (because they are for transfer within Germany) have to carry short-term plates valid only for five days. The code starts with the numbers ''04'', e.g. ''DD-04000'', and the plate has a yellow strip on the right showing when they are valid. The date is listed numerically, on three lines, reading day, month, year, with two digits each. The vehicle need not have a valid technical inspection, however it must be technically fit to be operated in public. Insurance premiums are quite high, appr. [[euro|€]]100 for the above-mentioned 5 days. Most insurance companies credit this premium if the car is registered as a normal car with the same insurance company after these 5 days.
[[File:Rotes DIN-Kennzeichen 06.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Special plate (red colour, old DIN-style) for dealer's cars for test drives. (Registration office: Würzburg)]]
* '''[[Car dealership|Car dealer]]s'''' plates are in red print on a white background, and the code begins with ''06''. Red plates may be attached to cars which are changing hands, such as the test run of unregistered cars, and the [[liability insurance]] is connected to the plate, not a specific car.
* '''Car collectors''': Red plates starting with the number 07 are reserved for collectors of vintage cars. Originally, vintage cars had a required minimum age of 20 years from first registering. Since April 2007 onwards the required minimum age has been 30 years. Plates issued under the old 20 years rule remained valid after this date. The collectors must get an official certificate of approval (such as no criminal records). They are allowed to use one set of plates on any of their cars under the condition that they keep a strict record of use. No day-to-day use of the cars is allowed. A valid official technical inspection is not mandatory but the cars have to be technical fit for use on public roads.
[[File:Deutsche Ausfuhr-Kfz-Kennzeichen (Export).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Special plate for vehicles to be exported (Ausfuhrkennzeichen)]]
[[File:License plate of Germany for export vehicles.png|thumb|200px|right|Former special plate for vehicles to be exported (Zollkennzeichen) - no longer in use. It was replaced by the Ausfuhrkennzeichen in the 1980s]]
*'''Export plates''' (also known as "Ausfuhrkennzeichen", customs plates) are used for exporting vehicles abroad. The plates are the only ones which do not have the blue Euro strip on the left and the owner does not have to be a German resident to register the car. The date on the red strip on the right hand side does not show the expiration date of the plate; instead it shows the expiration date of the vehicle insurance. After this date the vehicle must have left Germany.
[[File:Deutsches Diplomatenkennzeichen (Indonesien).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Diplomatic plate (Indonesian embassy in Berlin)]]
[[File:Licenseplate of limousine.png|thumb|200px|Plate of the German Chancellor]]
* '''Diplomatic plates''': plates of cars covered by [[diplomatic immunity]] have the digit ''0'' (Zero) on the left instead of the registration location code.
*'''Highest state offices:''' The [[President of Germany|President]] uses the license plate 0-1, the [[Chancellor of Germany (Federal Republic)|Chancellor]] uses 0-2, the [[Minister for Foreign Affairs (Germany)|Foreign Minister]] uses 0-3 and the ''First [[Secretary of State#Germany|State Secretary]] of the [[Foreign Office (Germany)|Foreign Office]]'' (i.e. the Foreign Minister's deputy) uses 0-4. The [[President of the Bundestag|President of the Parliament]] uses 1-1. This reflects the fact that the Parliament's President is not part of the executive branch but still ranks higher in (symbolic) importance than the Chancellor. These vehicles are tax-exempt and need not to be insured since the German government acts as insurer.
[[File:Deutsches Bundeswehr-Kfz-Kennzeichen.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Bundeswehr (armed forces)]]
* '''[[Bundeswehr|The military]]''' uses old style non-reflecting plates with a dash between the two circles. The German flag is shown, instead of the blue EU strip. Military plates use the letter ''Y'', rather than a city indicator (no German city name starts with a Y). After the ''Y'' comes a six-digit number (or five digits for motorcycles), for example ''Y-123456''. These vehicles are tax-exempt and need not to be insured since the German government acts as insurer. There is also no mandatory technical inspection required but the Armed Forces carry out a regular internal inspection on these vehicles similar to the official inspection.

* Military vehicles which are used by the '''[[Nato]] headquarters''' in Germany use the same design as the Y-plates except they carry the letter ''X'' followed by a four-digit number, for example ''X-1234''
[[File:Kfz-Kennzeichen THW.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Official registered vehicle for [[Technisches Hilfswerk]] (German Federal Agency for Technical Relief)]]
* Some branches of the '''federal government''' and '''[[States of Germany|federal state]] governments''' use the abbreviations of their names instead of a city code. Example: the [[Technisches Hilfswerk]] (German Federal Agency for Technical Relief) uses its abbreviation ''THW'', so the plates read ''THW-80000'', for example. All numbers on THW plates start either with the digit 8 or 9. Before the [[Deutsche Bundesbahn]] (''German National Railways'') and the [[Deutsche Bundespost|Deutsche '''B'''undes'''p'''ost]] (''Federal Post Office'') were privatised, they used the abbreviations ''DB'' and ''BP'' (e.g. ''DB-12345'', ''BP-12345''). The Wasser- und Schifffahrtsverwaltung des Bundes (''Federal Water and Ship Transport Authority'') uses '''BW''' followed by a digit identifying the region of the office (from 1=north to 7=south).
[[File:Deutsches Bundes-Kennzeichen BW6-602.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Wasser- und Schifffahrtsverwaltung des Bundes, here South Office in [[Würzburg]]]]
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für Bundespolizei.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Bundespolizei (Federal Police), code in use since 2005]]
* The '''[[German Federal Police|federal police]]''' uses the code ''BP'' instead of the local code. Before 2006 they used the code ''BG'' (former name: ''[[Bundesgrenzschutz|'''B'''undes'''g'''renzschutz]]'') (BG-#####), this old code remains still valid, only new vehicles will get the new "BP"-code.
* The '''[[North Rhine-Westphalia Police|Police]] of [[North Rhine-Westphalia]]''' uses ''NRW 4'', ''NRW 5'' and, for motorbikes, ''NRW 6'' as the local code. This is followed by a four-digit number (e.g. NRW 4-1960). ''4'', ''5'' and ''6'' stand for the State Ministry of the Interior.
*'''Light motorised vehicles''' such as mopeds and motorised wheelchairs are required to have a registration plate, see next section.

==Insurance plates==
[[File:Versicherungskennzeichen.jpg|thumb|Insurance plates; the colour of the letters is changed every year.]]
The ''{{lang|de|Versicherungskennzeichen}}'' ("insurance plate" ) used for mopeds and other small, low-power vehicles (such as vehicles for the physically handicapped, with a maximum speed of {{convert|50|km/h|disp=comma|abbr=on}}). The system is three digits on the top and three letters beneath. The number and the letters are chosen randomly so personalizing the plates is not possible. Plates are much smaller than the plates for normal cars and are only valid for one year from 1 March till the end of February the following year. Those plates are sold by insurance companies, so the fee included both the registration, and the cost of one year's insurance for the vehicle. There are four colours used: black, blue, green for normal plates, and red for temporary use, such as testing (very rare). The first three colours are changed every year in order to make it easy to see whether the vehicle has the correct plate and insurance.

:{| class="wikitable"
|+ Colours of the insurance plates from 1 March onwards of each year
! colspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | Colour
! colspan="9" style="text-align: center;" | Year
|-
| style="background-color: #0a0a0d;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 9005]] (''{{lang|de|Tiefschwarz}}'', Jet black)
| 1990
| 1993
| 1996
| 1999
| 2002
| 2005
| 2008
| 2011
| 2014
|-
| style="background-color: #3481b8;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 5012]] (''{{lang|de|Lichtblau}}'', Light blue)
| 1991
| 1994
| 1997
| 2000
| 2003
| 2006
| 2009
| 2012
| 2015
|-
| style="background-color: #3E753B;"| {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 6010]] (''{{lang|de|Grasgrün}}'', Grass green)
| 1992
| 1995
| 1998
| 2001
| 2004
| 2007
| 2010
| 2013
| 2016
|}

==Emission, safety test and registration sticker==

Emission test (front plate) and vehicle safety test (rear plate) stickers were also attached to the plate before 2010, in which year the emission sticker became obsolete as the emission test was incorporated into the safety test and was not performed separately anymore. The expiration date can be figured out as follows: The year is in the centre of the sticker, and the stickers are attached with the month of expiration pointing upwards. The black marking on the side (near the 12) thus makes it easy for the police to see the expiration month from a distance. Like a clock, the marking shows the same position of a number on the face of a clock. For example, the black marking is on the left side, so it is the ninth month (or 9 o'clock) and hence the expiry date is 30 September. The six possible colors code for the year when the next safety test is due and repeat once a six-year period has passed.

The lower sticker is the official seal of registration. It always carries the seal of the respective German ''{{lang|de|[[States of Germany|Bundesland]]}}'' with the city or district of issuance being added in print. Some seals carry the German ''{{lang|de|[[Coat of arms of Germany|Bundesadler]]}}'' instead of a Bundesland's seal, such as numberplates used on [[Federal Police (Germany)|Bundespolizei]] vehicles.

All these stickers are specially treated to be easily transferred onto the licence plates, but hard to be removed without damaging the plate itself, making them relatively counterfeit-proof.

Cars found in a public place where the owner did not pay insurance for more than three months (as reported to the police by the insurance company) may get '''''{{lang|de|entstempelt}}''''', that means, '''unstamped''': The police will remove the state's official seal using a scratching tool (mostly a screwdriver), leaving the plate without a valid seal, and it will be illegal to even leave that car parked on public ground, unless insurance is paid and plates are fitted with a new official seal.

Once a plate is invalid, the seal of registration is defaced by a qualified officer. After that, the plates are often sold to collectors on online shopping sites, such as [[eBay]].

When owners choose to deregister their vehicle the officer at the local authority will want to see the license plates with defaced seals on them as proof that no legal plate with this identifier can be found in public anymore. For this purpose special machines are available for use at the office. Once defaced the plates may only be used legally on public roads for the one ride back to the owner's place.
This is the recommended procedure for selling a car. Alternatively the seller may hand out their car with valid license plates and papers still in their name to the new owner thus giving them the responsibility to register the car in their name shortly. In a scenario without a proper sales contract the seller may become liable when the buyer commits criminal acts related to the car or plates and thus it is generally not recommended to sell used cars with license plates.

Motorcycles carry only the rear plate.

<gallery>
File:Plakette Abgassonderuntersuchung.png | Emission test sticker (before 2010)
File:Plakette Hauptuntersuchung.svg | Safety test sticker
File:Zulassungsplakette Coburg.png | Registration seal ([[Coburg]], Bavaria)
File:Kfz-Kennzeichen Deutschland - Toepfchensiegel.jpg | Safety test and registration seal ([[Fürth]], Bavaria)
</gallery>

[[File:Defacedgermanplate.JPG|thumb|200px|right|Example of a defaced plate — notice how the bottom seal is completely gone, due to scraping. From [[Kronach]].]]
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Colours of the emission test (before 2010) and vehicle safety test stickers
! colspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | Colour
! colspan="8" style="text-align: center;" | Year
|-
| style="background-color: #dd7907;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 2000]] (''{{lang|de|Gelborange}}'', Yellow-orange)
| —
| 1979
| 1983
| 1989
| 1995
| 2001
| 2007
| 2013
|-
| style="background-color: #2874b2;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 5015]] (''{{lang|de|Himmelblau}}'', Sky blue)
| —
| 1978
| 1984
| 1990
| 1996
| 2002
| 2008
| 2014
|-
| style="background-color: #d9c022;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 1012]] (''{{lang|de|Zitronengelb}}'', Lemon yellow)
| —
| 1977
| 1985
| 1991
| 1997
| 2003
| 2009
| 2015
|-
| style="background-color: #8f4e35;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 8004]] (''{{lang|de|Kupferbraun}}'', Copper brown)
| 1974
| 1980
| 1986
| 1992
| 1998
| 2004
| 2010
| 2016
|-
| style="background-color: #e1a6ad;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 3015]] (''{{lang|de|Hellrosa}}'', Light pink)
| 1975
| 1981
| 1987
| 1993
| 1999
| 2005
| 2011
| 2017
|-
| style="background-color: #48a43f;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 6018]] (''{{lang|de|Gelbgrün}}'', Yellow-green)
| 1976
| 1982
| 1988
| 1994
| 2000
| 2006
| 2012
| 2018
|}

==See also==
* [[Vehicle registration plates of the German Democratic Republic]]
* [[Vehicle registration plates of the United States Army in Germany]]

* ''[[:de:Liste aller Kfz-Kennzeichen der Bundesrepublik Deutschland|Liste aller Kfz-Kennzeichen der Bundesrepublik Deutschland]]'' {{de icon}} List of all registration codes issued under the current registration system
* ''[[:de:Liste der auslaufenden deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen|Liste der auslaufenden deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen]]'' {{de icon}} List of no longer issued registration codes
* ''[[:de:Liste der deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen (historisch)|Liste der deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen (historisch)]]'' {{de icon}} List of repealed registration codes
* ''[[:de:Liste der Kfz-Kennzeichen in Deutschland|Liste der Kfz-Kennzeichen in Deutschland]]'' {{de icon}} List of currently issued registration codes

==References==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|License plates of Germany}}
*[http://www.theplateman.com German Number Plates, Also shows how they are made]
*[http://www.kennzeichengeschichte.de History of German license plates]
*[http://www.hegis.de/fed__rep__of_germany.htm More information about German car number plates and their history]
*[http://www.europeanplates.com/german-city-codes German City Codes, Complete City Code List]
*[http://www.license-plates.appspot.com Application to find which region/place in Germany the vehicle originates]
*[http://www.platesmania.com/de/ Photos of license plates of Germany]

{{Vehicle registration plates of Europe}}

[[Category:Vehicle registration plates by country|Germany]]
[[Category:Road transport in Germany]]

Vehicle registration plates of Germany

2015-11-08T12:21:58Z

Harry8: wrong, see BO and BÖ

{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2014}}
'''German vehicle registration plates''' (''Kraftfahrzeug-Kennzeichen'' or, more colloquially, ''Nummernschilder'') indicate the place where the vehicle bearing them was once registered. Whenever German owners of a motor vehicle change their main place of residence within [[Germany]] or buy a car from a person living in a different city or [[Districts of Germany|county]] they have to have the vehicle documentation changed accordingly. In the process owners may opt for new license plates that reflect their place of residence or simply retain the old identifier and plates. The states of [[Hesse]], [[Schleswig-Holstein]], [[Brandenburg]], [[Saxony]], [[Thuringia]] and [[Northrhine-Westphalia]] were the first ones to create laws so that owners were not obliged anymore to change license plates if they were changing residence within the respective state. A nationwide law has since been passed by the federal government and it comes into effect on January 1, 2015.<ref>
{{cite web |url=http://www.vz-nrw.de/energie-und-verkehr#kfzkennzeichenhhauchfuerfrankfurter |title=Kfz-Kennzeichen: HH auch für Frankfurter |accessdate=2014-12-09 |author=Verbraucherzentrale Nordrhein-Westfalen e.V. |date=2014-12-02 }}
</ref> From this time on, it is generally not possible anymore to tell the owner's place of residence just from looking at the plates.

The option to be assigned temporary plates allows owners a financial saving in the case they have vehicles (e.g. motorcycles) which they intend to drive only during one particular part of the year. While temporary plates can only be used for the time printed on them and new ones have to be assigned and bought if the vehicle is supposed to be on public roads later on there is no need to renew regular plates periodically. German motor vehicle tax is paid independently of the license plates by annual direct debit from a bank account.

As of 2007, new number plates normally cost around €30, while the cost of de-registering a vehicle and re-registering it with new plates is between €10 and €40. The license plates themselves are not made by the registration office but by independent for-profit stores that are usually located in the same building as the registration office or close by. Upon successful registration the applicant is merely given a slip of paper with the assigned number that can be presented at any store that makes plates. Sometimes there are several stores in the vicinity of the registration office with prices for plates dropping the further the store is away from the registration office. Once the plates are made, which is a matter of minutes, the owner must return to the registration office with them, pay the costs for registration and then the required registration seal and safety test stickers are applied to the plates making them legal for use in traffic.

If ownership of a vehicle is permanently transferred to a new owner who lives in the same city/region then the registration number may remain unchanged. Administration fees are, however, still payable in respect of the necessary changes to the vehicle's official documentation. Many people however will change the license plates even if it is not necessary in order to personalize them.

==Format==
[[File:KFZmod.png|thumb|200px|right|The post-1994 German number plate format (FE-style)]]
[[File:Plate-KA-RR232.JPG|thumb|200px|right|The pre-1994 German number plate format (DIN-style), no longer issued but still in use.]]
[[File:Kfz-Kennzeichen in Deutschland.svg|thumb|300 px|Map of German districts and their license plate codes]]
The present German number plate format has been in use since 1994. As with many plates for countries within the [[European Union]], a blue strip on the left shows a shortened [[List of international vehicle registration codes|country code]] in white text ('''D''' for ''Deutschland'' = Germany) and the [[Flag of Europe]] (12 golden stars forming a circle on a blue background).

The rest of the license plate uses black print on a white background. Just after the country code strip is a one, two or three letter abbreviation, which represents the city or region where the car was registered, such as B for [[Berlin]]. These letters formerly coincide with the [[Districts of Germany|German districts]]. Since 2013 the letters were extended to former districts ([http://www.kfz.de/autokennzeichen/autokennzeichen_deutschland/ complete list]). In some cases an [[Urban districts of Germany|urban district]] and the surrounding non-urban district share the same letter code. Where this happens, the number of the following letters and digits is usually different. For example, the urban district of [[Straubing]] (SR) has one letter after the code (SR - A 123). The surrounding district [[Straubing-Bogen]] has two letters (SR - AB 123) after the code. However, these different systems are being used in fewer cases, as many cities that share their code with the surrounding rural districts have started using all codes for both districts without any distinction; the city of [[Regensburg]], for example, and the surrounding [[Regensburg (district)|rural district Regensburg]] used different systems only until 2007.

The number of letters in the city/region prefix code mostly reflects the size of the district. The basic idea was to even out the number of digits on all license plates, because the largest districts would have more digits after the prefix for more cars. The largest German cities generally only have one letter codes (B=[[Berlin]], M=[[Munich]], K=[[Cologne]] (''Köln''), F=[[Frankfurt]], L=[[Leipzig]], S=[[Stuttgart]]), most other districts in Germany have two or three letter codes. Therefore, cities or districts with fewer letters are generally assumed to be bigger and more important. Reflecting that, most districts tried to get a combination with fewer letters for their prefix code.

Districts in eastern Germany usually have more letters, for two reasons:
* Fewer people live in eastern German districts, so the number of cars registered is smaller and hence the use of three letter codes.
* With the introduction of the current system on 1 July 1956 in then West Germany including [[West Berlin|Berlin (West)]], letters had been reserved for all east German districts of that time. However, a lot of those districts were changed over the years, and in 1990 after [[German reunification]], many of the possible shorter combinations had already been used up in western Germany.

There are a number of exceptions e.g. Germany's second largest city [[Hamburg]] (HH, Hansestadt Hamburg, because of its historical membership in the [[Hanseatic League]], reflected already in its prefix used between 1906 and 1945). Similar is the case of the cities of [[Bremen]] and [[Bremerhaven]], forming the state [[Bremen (state)|Free Hanseatic City of Bremen]], sharing the common prefix HB (1906–1947, and again since 1956), differentiated by the number of letters and digits added.

In 1956 also [[Lübeck]] received its former prefix HL, already used between 1906 and 1937, when its statehood was abolished. In analogy to these three northwestern cities, but without historical examples of formerly issued prefixes, four northeastern Hanseatic cities, [[Greifswald]], [[Rostock]], [[Stralsund]] and [[Wismar]], chose the prefixes HGW, HRO, HST and HWI, since the shorter HG ([[Hochtaunuskreis]], capital: Bad Homburg vor der Höhe), HR ([[Schwalm-Eder-Kreis]], capital: [[Homberg (Efze)]]), HS ([[Kreis Heinsberg]]) and HW (Kreis Halle in Westphalia) were already taken by west German districts.

More west German districts have prefixes derived from the names of their capitals: [[Ammerland]] (WST, after Westerstede), [[Dithmarschen]] (HEI, after Heide in Dithmarschen), [[Harburg (district)|Harburg]] (WL, after Winsen upon Luhe), [[Herzogtum Lauenburg]] (RZ, after Ratzeburg) etc.

The letter "G" was reserved for the east German city of [[Gera]], although it is much smaller than the west German [[Gelsenkirchen]] ("GE"). The letter "L" had been reserved for Leipzig, but in 1977 it was assigned to the newly formed city of [[Lahn, Hesse|Lahn]], and the rural district [[Lahn-Dill-Kreis]]. This casts some light on how unlikely a reunification was regarded at that time. In 1990, Leipzig claimed back the letter "L", and it was reassigned, and Lahn-Dill-Kreis had to change to LDK.

The reason for this scheme is however not to display size or location, but simply to have enough combinations available within the maximum length of eight characters per plate.

After the location name there are the round vehicle safety test and registration seal stickers (see below) placed on top of each other. The registration sticker is the bottom one. For vehicles that are required to bear a front and rear plate the front plate nowadays only features the registration seal sticker. Before 2010, in which year the emission test became a part of the vehicle safety test, the hexagonal emission test sticker was placed above it. The stickers are followed by one or two usually random letters and one to four usually random numbers. The total quantity of letters and numbers on the plate is never higher than eight. Identifiers consisting of one letter with low numbers are normally reserved for motorcycle use since there is less space for plates on these vehicles.

A problem with this scheme is that the space between geographic identifier and random letters is a significant character and must be considered when writing down a number. For example, B MW 555 is not the same number as BM W 555. The confusion can be avoided by writing a hyphen after the city code, as in the old number plates, like B-MW 555. For this reason, the police will always radio the location name and spell out the next letters using the German [[German phonetic alphabet|telephone alphabet]], which varies somewhat from the English one. Thus, B MW 555 would be radioed as "[[Berlin]], Martha, Wilhelm, fünf-fünf-fünf" and BM W 555 as "[[Rhein-Erft-Kreis|Bergheim]], Wilhelm, fünf-fünf-fünf".

[[File:Toyota Celica Gr.A 002.JPG|thumb|The Köln-based Toyota Team Europe prepared Celica GT-Four rally car with Köln (Cologne) license plate. Note the plate starts with "K".]]

For an extra charge of €10.20 car owners can also register a personalized identifier. Car owners can only choose the numbers or letters instead of the random ones at the end, provided of course they are not yet taken and not a prohibited combination. For example, people living in the town of Pirna might choose ''PIR-AT 77'', "Pirat" being the [[German language|German]] for "pirate". [[Kiel]] is one of few places (others are Brake (capital of the district of [[Wesermarsch]]), Cham, Daun, Emden, Halle, Hamm, Heide, Herne, Hof, Kleve, Kusel, Lauf, Lünen, Pirna, Plön, Regen, Rehau, Selb, Ulm, Unna and Wesel) where the number plate can be the city name: 'KI-EL'. In most cases of personalized plates people choose their initials and a number reflecting their birthdate. In this fashion fictional Mrs. Ulrike Mustermann, born May 2, 1965 and living in Essen would choose 'E UM 2565' for her car. Note that dates are given in the format DDMMYY in Germany.
|
Germany includes diacritical marks in the letters of some codes, that is the letters Ö and Ü. Such a thing is rarely done in other European countries, but also appears on regular [[Vehicle registration plates of Bosnia and Herzegovina|Bosnian]], [[Vehicle registration plates of Croatia|Croatian]] and [[Vehicle registration plates of Serbia|Serbian]](letters Č, Š and Ž), [[Vehicle registration plates of Finland|Åland registration plates]] (letter Å), as well as on [[Vehicle registration plates of Sweden#Personal plates|Swedish]] (letters Å, Ä and Ö) and [[Vehicle registration plates of Denmark|Danish]] (letters Å, Æ and Ø) personal registration plates. The same holds for the letters O and Q, while the only pair of codes with the letters I and J is IL for Landkreis Ilmenau and JL for Landkreis Jerichower Land.

[[BMW]], owner of [[Mini (marque)|Mini]], registers all Mini press/marketing cars in the city of [[Minden]], which holds the code ''MI'', to get "MI-NI" number plates for the cars. BMW itself is based in Munich, yet "M-INI" plates are not possible to issue, as three letters after the district code are not permitted.

===Prohibited combinations===
Various combinations that could be considered politically unacceptable — mainly due to implications relating to [[Nazi Germany]] — are disallowed or otherwise avoided.<ref>[http://www.sueddeutsche.de/muenchen/behoerdenfehler-m-ah-ist-durchgerutscht-1.2683534 M-AH 8888 ist durchgerutscht] {{de icon}} ''[[Sueddeutsche Zeitung]]'', published: 9 October 2015, accessed: 9 October 2015</ref> The district [[Sächsische Schweiz]] uses the name of its main town, Pirna, in its code ''PIR'', to avoid the use of ''[[Schutzstaffel|SS]]'', the name of the paramilitary organization; similarly ''[[Sturmabteilung|SA]]'' is also unused. Although between 1945 and 1949 the French occupation force used the combination SA followed by the double-digit numbers 01 to 08 for the then seven rural districts in the [[Saar (protectorate)|Saar Protectorate]] and its capital [[Saarbrücken]]. In 2004 in [[Nuremberg]], a car owner was refused a number plate beginning N-PD because of the connection to the political party the [[National Democratic Party of Germany|NPD]].{{Citation needed|date=January 2010}} The combinations [[Starnberg (district)|STA]]-SI, [[Dithmarschen|HEI]]-L and [[Steinburg|IZ]]-AN are also avoided, to avoid association with [[Stasi]], with the [[Nazi salute]] and with NAZI backwards.

[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen mit Erkennungsnummer NS.jpg||thumb|200px|right|Example of banned combination (NS) which was issued accidentally.]]
Banned combinations also include the Nazi abbreviations HJ (''Hitlerjugend'', [[Hitler Youth]]), NS (''Nationalsozialismus'', [[Nazism|National Socialism]]), SA (''[[Sturmabteilung]]''), SS (''[[Schutzstaffel]]'') and KZ (''Konzentrationslager'', [[Internment|concentration camp]]). Some registration offices have overlooked this rule by mistake, however, and there are a few cars registered carrying prohibited codes, such as ''B-SS 12''. Some counties also allow these combinations if they are the initials of the owner (e.g., '''N'''orbert '''S'''chmidt might be able to get XX-NS 1234), but in this case, if the car is sold and re-registered in the same county by the new owner, the number can be changed (otherwise the number stays with the car until it registered in a different area). However, the combination ''HH'' (which could be interpreted as ''[[Nazi salute|Heil Hitler]]'') is used for the city of [[Hamburg]], first introduced in 1906. It stands for the city's title ''Hansestadt Hamburg'' ([[Hanseatic League|Hanseatic]] City of Hamburg).

===History===
The first German licence plates that had a lettering plan were issued from 1906 onwards. Berlin for example was using I A (I for Prussia), Munich II A (II for Bavaria), Stuttgart III A (III for [[Free People's State of Württemberg|Württemberg]]). Other German states used further Roman numbers such as IV ([[Republic of Baden|Baden]]), V ([[People's State of Hesse|Hesse]]), and VI ([[Alsace-Lorraine]]; now France). Many states used prefixes derived from the state names, such as B ([[Free State of Brunswick|Brunswick]]), HB (Bremen), HH (Hamburg), and HL ([[Free City of Lübeck|Lübeck]]), the latter three used again for the same entities since 1956. Other bigger cities: IV B Baden (Heidelberg, Mannheim, Karlsruhe, Freiburg, Lake Constance), II N cities of [[Nuremberg]] and [[Fürth]]. The Prussian provinces had the following prefixes: I E [[Province of Brandenburg]] (to a minor part now Poland), I C [[Province of East Prussia]] (now divided between Lithuania, Poland and Russia), I S [[Province of Hannover]], I T [[Province of Hesse-Nassau]] (Today Frankfurt, State of Hessen and neighboring counties), I L [[Province of Hohenzollern]], I Z [[Rhine Province]] (Cologne, Düsseldorf and other large cities in the Ruhr Area), I H [[Province of Pomerania (1815–1945)|Province of Pomerania]] (now prevailingly Poland), I Y [[Province of Posen]] (now Poland), I B Province of [[Posen-West Prussia]] (now Poland), I M [[Province of Saxony]], I P [[Province of Schleswig-Holstein]], I K [[Province of Silesia]] (now mostly Poland), I X [[Province of Westphalia]], and finally I D [[Province of West Prussia]] (now Poland).

During World War I the German Army was assigned the combination MK for "Militärkraftwagen des Deutschen Heeres", military vehicles of the German Army. After WWI, during the Weimar Republic, the German Army used RW for "Reichswehr".

During the Nazi regime (1933–1945) new combinations were issued: DR, [[Deutsche Reichsbahn]] (German state railway); OT, [[Organisation Todt]] (civil and military engineering); POL, Deutsche Polizei (police); RAD, [[Reichsarbeitsdienst]] (state labour service); RK, [[German Red Cross|Deutsches Rotes Kreuz]] (Red Cross); SS, [[Schutzstaffel]] ("protection squadron"); WH, [[Wehrmacht]] Heer (army); WL, Wehrmacht Luftwaffe (air force); WM, Wehrmacht Kriegsmarine (navy); WT, Wehrmacht Straßentransportdienst (army transport service).

From 1945 to 1956 there were lettering combinations assigned by the allied forces. Examples:
BY [[Bavaria|Bavaria (Bayern)]] 1946–1947, AB Bavaria (American Zone, Bavaria) 1948–1956, B Bavaria 1950–1956.
HE [[Hesse]] 1946–1947, AH Hesse (American Zone, Hesse) 1948–1956, H Hesse, 1950–1956.
AW Württemberg-Baden 1948–1956, W Württemberg-Baden, 1950–1956, WB Württemberg-Baden 1950–1956.
БM (=BM, for motor bikes) 1945–1946, ГФ (=GF; cars, lorries, and busses) Berlin 1945–1946, БГ (=BG; cars, lorries, and busses) Berlin 1945–1947, ГM (=GM, for motor bikes) Berlin 1945–1947, KB Berlin 1947–1948, GB East-Berlin 1948–1953, KB West-Berlin 1948-1956.
MGH Hamburg 1945, H Hamburg 1945–1947, HG Hamburg 1947, BH Hamburg 1948–1956.
BD Baden 1945–1949, FB Baden 1949–1956.
WT Württemberg-Hohenzollern 1945–1949, FW Württemberg-Hohenzollern 1949–1956.

In 1956 the current system was introduced in then West Germany, replacing the post-war system which was based on [[Allied Occupation Zones in Germany|occupation zones]].

As West German districts were extensively rearranged in the early 1970s, many prefix codes expired and new ones were created at that time. However, number plates issued before these rearrangements remain valid, providing the vehicle is still in use and has not been reregistered since. So it was still possible, if rare, to see a [[classic car]] with registration codes of administrative units that have not existed for over 30 years (e.g. EIN = [[Einbeck]]). Since late 2011 some districts allow reissuing on request of these expired prefix codes, e.g. instead of WES- in the district of Wesel, MO- as used for the former district of Moers.

When originally planned, the system included codes for districts in Eastern Germany which were to be reserved until [[German reunification|reunification]]. That included the territory of the [[German Democratic Republic|GDR]] as well as the territories [[Oder-Neisse line|annexed]] to [[Poland]] and the [[Soviet Union]] after [[World War II]], which West Germany's government still claimed in that era until about 1970. When reunification came in 1990, the reserved codes (e.g. P for [[Potsdam]]) were indeed issued to East German districts as originally planned and as they existed at that time. However, districts in East Germany were rearranged again in the mid-1990s, thus many of these codes have expired, but can likewise still be seen on older vehicles.

One example of a reserved code being reused before reunification was the letter L which was originally planned for [[Leipzig]], but was given to the newly formed [[Hesse|Hessian]] district [[Lahn-Dill-Kreis]] in the 1980s as hopes for reunification faded away. After the rather unexpected reunification the L was returned to the city of Leipzig and the Lahn-Dill-Kreis was issued with LDK instead after a transitional period when L was in use in both districts.

Another reserved code was G for [[Gera]]. In the 1980s the West German TV series "Der Fahnder"[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088517/] G was an imaginary large city in the [[Ruhrgebiet]] area.

===Typeface===
Modern German plates use a typeface called [[FE-Schrift]] ("fälschungserschwerende Schrift", tamper-hindering script). It is designed so that the ''O'' cannot be painted to look like a ''Q'', and vice versa; nor can the ''P'' be painted to resemble an ''R'', among other changes. This typeface can also more easily be read by [[optical character recognition]] software for [[automatic number plate recognition]] than the old [[DIN 1451]] script.

===Special codes===
Certain types of vehicle bear special codes:
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für historische Fahrzeuge (H-Kennzeichen).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Plate for vintage cars]]
* '''[[Classic car]]s''' (known in German by the [[pseudo-English]] expression ''Oldtimer'') can get an H (''historisch'', [[Antique vehicle registration|historic]]) at the end of the plate, such as ''[[Cologne|K]]-AA 100H'' in order to preserve the so-called "vehicle of cultural value" ("kraftfahrtechnisches Kulturgut"). It also includes a flat tax of appr. [[euro|€]]190 per year. It is popular to choose the digits so that they indicate the car's year of manufacture. The requirements for a vehicle for an H-Plate are:
**The first documented registration lies at least 30 years in the past.
**The car must be in mostly original and preservation worthy condition. Preservation worthy means a grade C by popular car grading standards. The older the car, the more signs of usage it can show. This purely concerns the car's appearance, the road worthiness is established by separate mandatory safety inspections. Universally accepted modifications include changes that benefit safety, such as seat belts and disc brakes, and environmental friendliness, such as catalytic converters and LPG conversions (if invisible from the outside). Further modifications that are generally accepted are those contemporary of the car's first registration (plus and minus 10 years, burden of proof lies with the owner through historic material such as photographs) and new paintjobs of any color, including two tone paint if originally offered and historic company logos, but no murals or custom patterns.
[[File:GERMANY, DACHAU motorcycle license plate seasonal - Flickr - woody1778a.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Seasonal number plate, registration valid from 1st March to 31st October of each year]]
* Cars (or more often, motorbikes) with '''seasonal number plates''' have two numbers at the end of the plate indicating the months between which they are registered to drive, with the licence being valid from the start of the upper month until the end of the lower month. This results in lower car taxes, as well lower insurance premiums.
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für Behördenfahrzeuge (Nummernbereich 3).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Official registered vehicle (here: fire brigade)]]
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für Behördenfahrzeuge (Nummernbereich 8).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Official registered vehicle for disaster relief]]
* Until the legal reforms of 2006, '''Official cars''' such as police, fire fighting and municipality vehicles did not carry a letter after the sticker, such as ''M-1234''. These included:
** vehicles of the district government: 1-199, 1000-1999, 10000-19999
** vehicles of the local government (for example: fire brigade): 200-299, 2000-2999, 20000-29999, 300-399
** police: 3000-3999, 7000-7999, 30000-39999, 70000-79999
** disaster relief (mostly changed "THW", see below): 8000-8999, 80000-89999

This style of plate is no longer issued, but many official vehicles which were registered before 2006 still carry this type of plate.

A similar style of issue is used by some municipalities to '''consular or diplomatic vehicles''' in the form Aaa-9NNn (example: D-921). Unlike the other style of diplomatic/consular plates issued in Berlin and Bonn, this plate does not indicate the nationality of the mission.

[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für steuerbefreite Fahrzeuge (grüne Schrift).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Plate for tax-exempt vehicles]]
* Vehicles which are '''exempt from vehicle taxes''' (for example [[ambulance]]s, [[tractor]]s, agricultural trailers, trailers for boats or trailers for gliders) have green print on a white background plate. Regular trailers for lorries can be exempted from tax if the owner agrees to pay an increased tax on the vehicle which tows the trailer. There is also a tax exemption for trailers for which the owner agrees to hand over his trailer without payment to the armed forces (if Germany is in a state of emergency or defence).
[[File:Deutsches Kurzzeit-KFZ-Kennzeichen.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Special temporary plate for vehicles in Germany (Kurzzeit-Kennzeichen)]]
* Vehicles which have '''not been registered''' (because they are for transfer within Germany) have to carry short-term plates valid only for five days. The code starts with the numbers ''04'', e.g. ''DD-04000'', and the plate has a yellow strip on the right showing when they are valid. The date is listed numerically, on three lines, reading day, month, year, with two digits each. The vehicle need not have a valid technical inspection, however it must be technically fit to be operated in public. Insurance premiums are quite high, appr. [[euro|€]]100 for the above-mentioned 5 days. Most insurance companies credit this premium if the car is registered as a normal car with the same insurance company after these 5 days.
[[File:Rotes DIN-Kennzeichen 06.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Special plate (red colour, old DIN-style) for dealer's cars for test drives. (Registration office: Würzburg)]]
* '''[[Car dealership|Car dealer]]s'''' plates are in red print on a white background, and the code begins with ''06''. Red plates may be attached to cars which are changing hands, such as the test run of unregistered cars, and the [[liability insurance]] is connected to the plate, not a specific car.
* '''Car collectors''': Red plates starting with the number 07 are reserved for collectors of vintage cars. Originally, vintage cars had a required minimum age of 20 years from first registering. Since April 2007 onwards the required minimum age has been 30 years. Plates issued under the old 20 years rule remained valid after this date. The collectors must get an official certificate of approval (such as no criminal records). They are allowed to use one set of plates on any of their cars under the condition that they keep a strict record of use. No day-to-day use of the cars is allowed. A valid official technical inspection is not mandatory but the cars have to be technical fit for use on public roads.
[[File:Deutsche Ausfuhr-Kfz-Kennzeichen (Export).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Special plate for vehicles to be exported (Ausfuhrkennzeichen)]]
[[File:License plate of Germany for export vehicles.png|thumb|200px|right|Former special plate for vehicles to be exported (Zollkennzeichen) - no longer in use. It was replaced by the Ausfuhrkennzeichen in the 1980s]]
*'''Export plates''' (also known as "Ausfuhrkennzeichen", customs plates) are used for exporting vehicles abroad. The plates are the only ones which do not have the blue Euro strip on the left and the owner does not have to be a German resident to register the car. The date on the red strip on the right hand side does not show the expiration date of the plate; instead it shows the expiration date of the vehicle insurance. After this date the vehicle must have left Germany.
[[File:Deutsches Diplomatenkennzeichen (Indonesien).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Diplomatic plate (Indonesian embassy in Berlin)]]
[[File:Licenseplate of limousine.png|thumb|200px|Plate of the German Chancellor]]
* '''Diplomatic plates''': plates of cars covered by [[diplomatic immunity]] have the digit ''0'' (Zero) on the left instead of the registration location code.
*'''Highest state offices:''' The [[President of Germany|President]] uses the license plate 0-1, the [[Chancellor of Germany (Federal Republic)|Chancellor]] uses 0-2, the [[Minister for Foreign Affairs (Germany)|Foreign Minister]] uses 0-3 and the ''First [[Secretary of State#Germany|State Secretary]] of the [[Foreign Office (Germany)|Foreign Office]]'' (i.e. the Foreign Minister's deputy) uses 0-4. The [[President of the Bundestag|President of the Parliament]] uses 1-1. This reflects the fact that the Parliament's President is not part of the executive branch but still ranks higher in (symbolic) importance than the Chancellor. These vehicles are tax-exempt and need not to be insured since the German government acts as insurer.
[[File:Deutsches Bundeswehr-Kfz-Kennzeichen.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Bundeswehr (armed forces)]]
* '''[[Bundeswehr|The military]]''' uses old style non-reflecting plates with a dash between the two circles. The German flag is shown, instead of the blue EU strip. Military plates use the letter ''Y'', rather than a city indicator (no German city name starts with a Y). After the ''Y'' comes a six-digit number (or five digits for motorcycles), for example ''Y-123456''. These vehicles are tax-exempt and need not to be insured since the German government acts as insurer. There is also no mandatory technical inspection required but the Armed Forces carry out a regular internal inspection on these vehicles similar to the official inspection.

* Military vehicles which are used by the '''[[Nato]] headquarters''' in Germany use the same design as the Y-plates except they carry the letter ''X'' followed by a four-digit number, for example ''X-1234''
[[File:Kfz-Kennzeichen THW.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Official registered vehicle for [[Technisches Hilfswerk]] (German Federal Agency for Technical Relief)]]
* Some branches of the '''federal government''' and '''[[States of Germany|federal state]] governments''' use the abbreviations of their names instead of a city code. Example: the [[Technisches Hilfswerk]] (German Federal Agency for Technical Relief) uses its abbreviation ''THW'', so the plates read ''THW-80000'', for example. All numbers on THW plates start either with the digit 8 or 9. Before the [[Deutsche Bundesbahn]] (''German National Railways'') and the [[Deutsche Bundespost|Deutsche '''B'''undes'''p'''ost]] (''Federal Post Office'') were privatised, they used the abbreviations ''DB'' and ''BP'' (e.g. ''DB-12345'', ''BP-12345''). The Wasser- und Schifffahrtsverwaltung des Bundes (''Federal Water and Ship Transport Authority'') uses '''BW''' followed by a digit identifying the region of the office (from 1=north to 7=south).
[[File:Deutsches Bundes-Kennzeichen BW6-602.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Wasser- und Schifffahrtsverwaltung des Bundes, here South Office in [[Würzburg]]]]
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für Bundespolizei.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Bundespolizei (Federal Police), code in use since 2005]]
* The '''[[German Federal Police|federal police]]''' uses the code ''BP'' instead of the local code. Before 2006 they used the code ''BG'' (former name: ''[[Bundesgrenzschutz|'''B'''undes'''g'''renzschutz]]'') (BG-#####), this old code remains still valid, only new vehicles will get the new "BP"-code.
* The '''[[North Rhine-Westphalia Police|Police]] of [[North Rhine-Westphalia]]''' uses ''NRW 4'', ''NRW 5'' and, for motorbikes, ''NRW 6'' as the local code. This is followed by a four-digit number (e.g. NRW 4-1960). ''4'', ''5'' and ''6'' stand for the State Ministry of the Interior.
*'''Light motorised vehicles''' such as mopeds and motorised wheelchairs are required to have a registration plate, see next section.

==Insurance plates==
[[File:Versicherungskennzeichen.jpg|thumb|Insurance plates; the colour of the letters is changed every year.]]
The ''{{lang|de|Versicherungskennzeichen}}'' ("insurance plate" ) used for mopeds and other small, low-power vehicles (such as vehicles for the physically handicapped, with a maximum speed of {{convert|50|km/h|disp=comma|abbr=on}}). The system is three digits on the top and three letters beneath. The number and the letters are chosen randomly so personalizing the plates is not possible. Plates are much smaller than the plates for normal cars and are only valid for one year from 1 March till the end of February the following year. Those plates are sold by insurance companies, so the fee included both the registration, and the cost of one year's insurance for the vehicle. There are four colours used: black, blue, green for normal plates, and red for temporary use, such as testing (very rare). The first three colours are changed every year in order to make it easy to see whether the vehicle has the correct plate and insurance.

:{| class="wikitable"
|+ Colours of the insurance plates from 1 March onwards of each year
! colspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | Colour
! colspan="9" style="text-align: center;" | Year
|-
| style="background-color: #0a0a0d;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 9005]] (''{{lang|de|Tiefschwarz}}'', Jet black)
| 1990
| 1993
| 1996
| 1999
| 2002
| 2005
| 2008
| 2011
| 2014
|-
| style="background-color: #3481b8;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 5012]] (''{{lang|de|Lichtblau}}'', Light blue)
| 1991
| 1994
| 1997
| 2000
| 2003
| 2006
| 2009
| 2012
| 2015
|-
| style="background-color: #3E753B;"| {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 6010]] (''{{lang|de|Grasgrün}}'', Grass green)
| 1992
| 1995
| 1998
| 2001
| 2004
| 2007
| 2010
| 2013
| 2016
|}

==Emission, safety test and registration sticker==

Emission test (front plate) and vehicle safety test (rear plate) stickers were also attached to the plate before 2010, in which year the emission sticker became obsolete as the emission test was incorporated into the safety test and was not performed separately anymore. The expiration date can be figured out as follows: The year is in the centre of the sticker, and the stickers are attached with the month of expiration pointing upwards. The black marking on the side (near the 12) thus makes it easy for the police to see the expiration month from a distance. Like a clock, the marking shows the same position of a number on the face of a clock. For example, the black marking is on the left side, so it is the ninth month (or 9 o'clock) and hence the expiry date is 30 September. The six possible colors code for the year when the next safety test is due and repeat once a six-year period has passed.

The lower sticker is the official seal of registration. It always carries the seal of the respective German ''{{lang|de|[[States of Germany|Bundesland]]}}'' with the city or district of issuance being added in print. Some seals carry the German ''{{lang|de|[[Coat of arms of Germany|Bundesadler]]}}'' instead of a Bundesland's seal, such as numberplates used on [[Federal Police (Germany)|Bundespolizei]] vehicles.

All these stickers are specially treated to be easily transferred onto the licence plates, but hard to be removed without damaging the plate itself, making them relatively counterfeit-proof.

Cars found in a public place where the owner did not pay insurance for more than three months (as reported to the police by the insurance company) may get '''''{{lang|de|entstempelt}}''''', that means, '''unstamped''': The police will remove the state's official seal using a scratching tool (mostly a screwdriver), leaving the plate without a valid seal, and it will be illegal to even leave that car parked on public ground, unless insurance is paid and plates are fitted with a new official seal.

Once a plate is invalid, the seal of registration is defaced by a qualified officer. After that, the plates are often sold to collectors on online shopping sites, such as [[eBay]].

When owners choose to deregister their vehicle the officer at the local authority will want to see the license plates with defaced seals on them as proof that no legal plate with this identifier can be found in public anymore. For this purpose special machines are available for use at the office. Once defaced the plates may only be used legally on public roads for the one ride back to the owner's place.
This is the recommended procedure for selling a car. Alternatively the seller may hand out their car with valid license plates and papers still in their name to the new owner thus giving them the responsibility to register the car in their name shortly. In a scenario without a proper sales contract the seller may become liable when the buyer commits criminal acts related to the car or plates and thus it is generally not recommended to sell used cars with license plates.

Motorcycles carry only the rear plate.

<gallery>
File:Plakette Abgassonderuntersuchung.png | Emission test sticker (before 2010)
File:Plakette Hauptuntersuchung.svg | Safety test sticker
File:Zulassungsplakette Coburg.png | Registration seal ([[Coburg]], Bavaria)
File:Kfz-Kennzeichen Deutschland - Toepfchensiegel.jpg | Safety test and registration seal ([[Fürth]], Bavaria)
</gallery>

[[File:Defacedgermanplate.JPG|thumb|200px|right|Example of a defaced plate — notice how the bottom seal is completely gone, due to scraping. From [[Kronach]].]]
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Colours of the emission test (before 2010) and vehicle safety test stickers
! colspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | Colour
! colspan="8" style="text-align: center;" | Year
|-
| style="background-color: #dd7907;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 2000]] (''{{lang|de|Gelborange}}'', Yellow-orange)
| —
| 1979
| 1983
| 1989
| 1995
| 2001
| 2007
| 2013
|-
| style="background-color: #2874b2;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 5015]] (''{{lang|de|Himmelblau}}'', Sky blue)
| —
| 1978
| 1984
| 1990
| 1996
| 2002
| 2008
| 2014
|-
| style="background-color: #d9c022;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 1012]] (''{{lang|de|Zitronengelb}}'', Lemon yellow)
| —
| 1977
| 1985
| 1991
| 1997
| 2003
| 2009
| 2015
|-
| style="background-color: #8f4e35;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 8004]] (''{{lang|de|Kupferbraun}}'', Copper brown)
| 1974
| 1980
| 1986
| 1992
| 1998
| 2004
| 2010
| 2016
|-
| style="background-color: #e1a6ad;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 3015]] (''{{lang|de|Hellrosa}}'', Light pink)
| 1975
| 1981
| 1987
| 1993
| 1999
| 2005
| 2011
| 2017
|-
| style="background-color: #48a43f;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 6018]] (''{{lang|de|Gelbgrün}}'', Yellow-green)
| 1976
| 1982
| 1988
| 1994
| 2000
| 2006
| 2012
| 2018
|}

==See also==
* [[Vehicle registration plates of the German Democratic Republic]]
* [[Vehicle registration plates of the United States Army in Germany]]

* ''[[:de:Liste aller Kfz-Kennzeichen der Bundesrepublik Deutschland|Liste aller Kfz-Kennzeichen der Bundesrepublik Deutschland]]'' {{de icon}} List of all registration codes issued under the current registration system
* ''[[:de:Liste der auslaufenden deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen|Liste der auslaufenden deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen]]'' {{de icon}} List of no longer issued registration codes
* ''[[:de:Liste der deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen (historisch)|Liste der deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen (historisch)]]'' {{de icon}} List of repealed registration codes
* ''[[:de:Liste der Kfz-Kennzeichen in Deutschland|Liste der Kfz-Kennzeichen in Deutschland]]'' {{de icon}} List of currently issued registration codes

==References==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|License plates of Germany}}
*[http://www.theplateman.com German Number Plates, Also shows how they are made]
*[http://www.kennzeichengeschichte.de History of German license plates]
*[http://www.hegis.de/fed__rep__of_germany.htm More information about German car number plates and their history]
*[http://www.europeanplates.com/german-city-codes German City Codes, Complete City Code List]
*[http://www.license-plates.appspot.com Application to find which region/place in Germany the vehicle originates]
*[http://www.platesmania.com/de/ Photos of license plates of Germany]

{{Vehicle registration plates of Europe}}

[[Category:Vehicle registration plates by country|Germany]]
[[Category:Road transport in Germany]]

Vehicle registration plates of Germany

2015-11-08T12:21:07Z

Harry8: Ä only existed in SÄK for Säckingen. The last car with SÄK has been registered in 1972.

{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2014}}
'''German vehicle registration plates''' (''Kraftfahrzeug-Kennzeichen'' or, more colloquially, ''Nummernschilder'') indicate the place where the vehicle bearing them was once registered. Whenever German owners of a motor vehicle change their main place of residence within [[Germany]] or buy a car from a person living in a different city or [[Districts of Germany|county]] they have to have the vehicle documentation changed accordingly. In the process owners may opt for new license plates that reflect their place of residence or simply retain the old identifier and plates. The states of [[Hesse]], [[Schleswig-Holstein]], [[Brandenburg]], [[Saxony]], [[Thuringia]] and [[Northrhine-Westphalia]] were the first ones to create laws so that owners were not obliged anymore to change license plates if they were changing residence within the respective state. A nationwide law has since been passed by the federal government and it comes into effect on January 1, 2015.<ref>
{{cite web |url=http://www.vz-nrw.de/energie-und-verkehr#kfzkennzeichenhhauchfuerfrankfurter |title=Kfz-Kennzeichen: HH auch für Frankfurter |accessdate=2014-12-09 |author=Verbraucherzentrale Nordrhein-Westfalen e.V. |date=2014-12-02 }}
</ref> From this time on, it is generally not possible anymore to tell the owner's place of residence just from looking at the plates.

The option to be assigned temporary plates allows owners a financial saving in the case they have vehicles (e.g. motorcycles) which they intend to drive only during one particular part of the year. While temporary plates can only be used for the time printed on them and new ones have to be assigned and bought if the vehicle is supposed to be on public roads later on there is no need to renew regular plates periodically. German motor vehicle tax is paid independently of the license plates by annual direct debit from a bank account.

As of 2007, new number plates normally cost around €30, while the cost of de-registering a vehicle and re-registering it with new plates is between €10 and €40. The license plates themselves are not made by the registration office but by independent for-profit stores that are usually located in the same building as the registration office or close by. Upon successful registration the applicant is merely given a slip of paper with the assigned number that can be presented at any store that makes plates. Sometimes there are several stores in the vicinity of the registration office with prices for plates dropping the further the store is away from the registration office. Once the plates are made, which is a matter of minutes, the owner must return to the registration office with them, pay the costs for registration and then the required registration seal and safety test stickers are applied to the plates making them legal for use in traffic.

If ownership of a vehicle is permanently transferred to a new owner who lives in the same city/region then the registration number may remain unchanged. Administration fees are, however, still payable in respect of the necessary changes to the vehicle's official documentation. Many people however will change the license plates even if it is not necessary in order to personalize them.

==Format==
[[File:KFZmod.png|thumb|200px|right|The post-1994 German number plate format (FE-style)]]
[[File:Plate-KA-RR232.JPG|thumb|200px|right|The pre-1994 German number plate format (DIN-style), no longer issued but still in use.]]
[[File:Kfz-Kennzeichen in Deutschland.svg|thumb|300 px|Map of German districts and their license plate codes]]
The present German number plate format has been in use since 1994. As with many plates for countries within the [[European Union]], a blue strip on the left shows a shortened [[List of international vehicle registration codes|country code]] in white text ('''D''' for ''Deutschland'' = Germany) and the [[Flag of Europe]] (12 golden stars forming a circle on a blue background).

The rest of the license plate uses black print on a white background. Just after the country code strip is a one, two or three letter abbreviation, which represents the city or region where the car was registered, such as B for [[Berlin]]. These letters formerly coincide with the [[Districts of Germany|German districts]]. Since 2013 the letters were extended to former districts ([http://www.kfz.de/autokennzeichen/autokennzeichen_deutschland/ complete list]). In some cases an [[Urban districts of Germany|urban district]] and the surrounding non-urban district share the same letter code. Where this happens, the number of the following letters and digits is usually different. For example, the urban district of [[Straubing]] (SR) has one letter after the code (SR - A 123). The surrounding district [[Straubing-Bogen]] has two letters (SR - AB 123) after the code. However, these different systems are being used in fewer cases, as many cities that share their code with the surrounding rural districts have started using all codes for both districts without any distinction; the city of [[Regensburg]], for example, and the surrounding [[Regensburg (district)|rural district Regensburg]] used different systems only until 2007.

The number of letters in the city/region prefix code mostly reflects the size of the district. The basic idea was to even out the number of digits on all license plates, because the largest districts would have more digits after the prefix for more cars. The largest German cities generally only have one letter codes (B=[[Berlin]], M=[[Munich]], K=[[Cologne]] (''Köln''), F=[[Frankfurt]], L=[[Leipzig]], S=[[Stuttgart]]), most other districts in Germany have two or three letter codes. Therefore, cities or districts with fewer letters are generally assumed to be bigger and more important. Reflecting that, most districts tried to get a combination with fewer letters for their prefix code.

Districts in eastern Germany usually have more letters, for two reasons:
* Fewer people live in eastern German districts, so the number of cars registered is smaller and hence the use of three letter codes.
* With the introduction of the current system on 1 July 1956 in then West Germany including [[West Berlin|Berlin (West)]], letters had been reserved for all east German districts of that time. However, a lot of those districts were changed over the years, and in 1990 after [[German reunification]], many of the possible shorter combinations had already been used up in western Germany.

There are a number of exceptions e.g. Germany's second largest city [[Hamburg]] (HH, Hansestadt Hamburg, because of its historical membership in the [[Hanseatic League]], reflected already in its prefix used between 1906 and 1945). Similar is the case of the cities of [[Bremen]] and [[Bremerhaven]], forming the state [[Bremen (state)|Free Hanseatic City of Bremen]], sharing the common prefix HB (1906–1947, and again since 1956), differentiated by the number of letters and digits added.

In 1956 also [[Lübeck]] received its former prefix HL, already used between 1906 and 1937, when its statehood was abolished. In analogy to these three northwestern cities, but without historical examples of formerly issued prefixes, four northeastern Hanseatic cities, [[Greifswald]], [[Rostock]], [[Stralsund]] and [[Wismar]], chose the prefixes HGW, HRO, HST and HWI, since the shorter HG ([[Hochtaunuskreis]], capital: Bad Homburg vor der Höhe), HR ([[Schwalm-Eder-Kreis]], capital: [[Homberg (Efze)]]), HS ([[Kreis Heinsberg]]) and HW (Kreis Halle in Westphalia) were already taken by west German districts.

More west German districts have prefixes derived from the names of their capitals: [[Ammerland]] (WST, after Westerstede), [[Dithmarschen]] (HEI, after Heide in Dithmarschen), [[Harburg (district)|Harburg]] (WL, after Winsen upon Luhe), [[Herzogtum Lauenburg]] (RZ, after Ratzeburg) etc.

The letter "G" was reserved for the east German city of [[Gera]], although it is much smaller than the west German [[Gelsenkirchen]] ("GE"). The letter "L" had been reserved for Leipzig, but in 1977 it was assigned to the newly formed city of [[Lahn, Hesse|Lahn]], and the rural district [[Lahn-Dill-Kreis]]. This casts some light on how unlikely a reunification was regarded at that time. In 1990, Leipzig claimed back the letter "L", and it was reassigned, and Lahn-Dill-Kreis had to change to LDK.

The reason for this scheme is however not to display size or location, but simply to have enough combinations available within the maximum length of eight characters per plate.

After the location name there are the round vehicle safety test and registration seal stickers (see below) placed on top of each other. The registration sticker is the bottom one. For vehicles that are required to bear a front and rear plate the front plate nowadays only features the registration seal sticker. Before 2010, in which year the emission test became a part of the vehicle safety test, the hexagonal emission test sticker was placed above it. The stickers are followed by one or two usually random letters and one to four usually random numbers. The total quantity of letters and numbers on the plate is never higher than eight. Identifiers consisting of one letter with low numbers are normally reserved for motorcycle use since there is less space for plates on these vehicles.

A problem with this scheme is that the space between geographic identifier and random letters is a significant character and must be considered when writing down a number. For example, B MW 555 is not the same number as BM W 555. The confusion can be avoided by writing a hyphen after the city code, as in the old number plates, like B-MW 555. For this reason, the police will always radio the location name and spell out the next letters using the German [[German phonetic alphabet|telephone alphabet]], which varies somewhat from the English one. Thus, B MW 555 would be radioed as "[[Berlin]], Martha, Wilhelm, fünf-fünf-fünf" and BM W 555 as "[[Rhein-Erft-Kreis|Bergheim]], Wilhelm, fünf-fünf-fünf".

[[File:Toyota Celica Gr.A 002.JPG|thumb|The Köln-based Toyota Team Europe prepared Celica GT-Four rally car with Köln (Cologne) license plate. Note the plate starts with "K".]]

For an extra charge of €10.20 car owners can also register a personalized identifier. Car owners can only choose the numbers or letters instead of the random ones at the end, provided of course they are not yet taken and not a prohibited combination. For example, people living in the town of Pirna might choose ''PIR-AT 77'', "Pirat" being the [[German language|German]] for "pirate". [[Kiel]] is one of few places (others are Brake (capital of the district of [[Wesermarsch]]), Cham, Daun, Emden, Halle, Hamm, Heide, Herne, Hof, Kleve, Kusel, Lauf, Lünen, Pirna, Plön, Regen, Rehau, Selb, Ulm, Unna and Wesel) where the number plate can be the city name: 'KI-EL'. In most cases of personalized plates people choose their initials and a number reflecting their birthdate. In this fashion fictional Mrs. Ulrike Mustermann, born May 2, 1965 and living in Essen would choose 'E UM 2565' for her car. Note that dates are given in the format DDMMYY in Germany.
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Germany includes diacritical marks in the letters of some codes, that is the letters Ö and Ü. Such a thing is rarely done in other European countries, but also appears on regular [[Vehicle registration plates of Bosnia and Herzegovina|Bosnian]], [[Vehicle registration plates of Croatia|Croatian]] and [[Vehicle registration plates of Serbia|Serbian]](letters Č, Š and Ž), [[Vehicle registration plates of Finland|Åland registration plates]] (letter Å), as well as on [[Vehicle registration plates of Sweden#Personal plates|Swedish]] (letters Å, Ä and Ö) and [[Vehicle registration plates of Denmark|Danish]] (letters Å, Æ and Ø) personal registration plates. However, in Germany there are no two codes where the only difference is that one letter O and Ö or U and Ü. The same holds for the letters O and Q, while the only pair of codes with the letters I and J is IL for Landkreis Ilmenau and JL for Landkreis Jerichower Land.

[[BMW]], owner of [[Mini (marque)|Mini]], registers all Mini press/marketing cars in the city of [[Minden]], which holds the code ''MI'', to get "MI-NI" number plates for the cars. BMW itself is based in Munich, yet "M-INI" plates are not possible to issue, as three letters after the district code are not permitted.

===Prohibited combinations===
Various combinations that could be considered politically unacceptable — mainly due to implications relating to [[Nazi Germany]] — are disallowed or otherwise avoided.<ref>[http://www.sueddeutsche.de/muenchen/behoerdenfehler-m-ah-ist-durchgerutscht-1.2683534 M-AH 8888 ist durchgerutscht] {{de icon}} ''[[Sueddeutsche Zeitung]]'', published: 9 October 2015, accessed: 9 October 2015</ref> The district [[Sächsische Schweiz]] uses the name of its main town, Pirna, in its code ''PIR'', to avoid the use of ''[[Schutzstaffel|SS]]'', the name of the paramilitary organization; similarly ''[[Sturmabteilung|SA]]'' is also unused. Although between 1945 and 1949 the French occupation force used the combination SA followed by the double-digit numbers 01 to 08 for the then seven rural districts in the [[Saar (protectorate)|Saar Protectorate]] and its capital [[Saarbrücken]]. In 2004 in [[Nuremberg]], a car owner was refused a number plate beginning N-PD because of the connection to the political party the [[National Democratic Party of Germany|NPD]].{{Citation needed|date=January 2010}} The combinations [[Starnberg (district)|STA]]-SI, [[Dithmarschen|HEI]]-L and [[Steinburg|IZ]]-AN are also avoided, to avoid association with [[Stasi]], with the [[Nazi salute]] and with NAZI backwards.

[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen mit Erkennungsnummer NS.jpg||thumb|200px|right|Example of banned combination (NS) which was issued accidentally.]]
Banned combinations also include the Nazi abbreviations HJ (''Hitlerjugend'', [[Hitler Youth]]), NS (''Nationalsozialismus'', [[Nazism|National Socialism]]), SA (''[[Sturmabteilung]]''), SS (''[[Schutzstaffel]]'') and KZ (''Konzentrationslager'', [[Internment|concentration camp]]). Some registration offices have overlooked this rule by mistake, however, and there are a few cars registered carrying prohibited codes, such as ''B-SS 12''. Some counties also allow these combinations if they are the initials of the owner (e.g., '''N'''orbert '''S'''chmidt might be able to get XX-NS 1234), but in this case, if the car is sold and re-registered in the same county by the new owner, the number can be changed (otherwise the number stays with the car until it registered in a different area). However, the combination ''HH'' (which could be interpreted as ''[[Nazi salute|Heil Hitler]]'') is used for the city of [[Hamburg]], first introduced in 1906. It stands for the city's title ''Hansestadt Hamburg'' ([[Hanseatic League|Hanseatic]] City of Hamburg).

===History===
The first German licence plates that had a lettering plan were issued from 1906 onwards. Berlin for example was using I A (I for Prussia), Munich II A (II for Bavaria), Stuttgart III A (III for [[Free People's State of Württemberg|Württemberg]]). Other German states used further Roman numbers such as IV ([[Republic of Baden|Baden]]), V ([[People's State of Hesse|Hesse]]), and VI ([[Alsace-Lorraine]]; now France). Many states used prefixes derived from the state names, such as B ([[Free State of Brunswick|Brunswick]]), HB (Bremen), HH (Hamburg), and HL ([[Free City of Lübeck|Lübeck]]), the latter three used again for the same entities since 1956. Other bigger cities: IV B Baden (Heidelberg, Mannheim, Karlsruhe, Freiburg, Lake Constance), II N cities of [[Nuremberg]] and [[Fürth]]. The Prussian provinces had the following prefixes: I E [[Province of Brandenburg]] (to a minor part now Poland), I C [[Province of East Prussia]] (now divided between Lithuania, Poland and Russia), I S [[Province of Hannover]], I T [[Province of Hesse-Nassau]] (Today Frankfurt, State of Hessen and neighboring counties), I L [[Province of Hohenzollern]], I Z [[Rhine Province]] (Cologne, Düsseldorf and other large cities in the Ruhr Area), I H [[Province of Pomerania (1815–1945)|Province of Pomerania]] (now prevailingly Poland), I Y [[Province of Posen]] (now Poland), I B Province of [[Posen-West Prussia]] (now Poland), I M [[Province of Saxony]], I P [[Province of Schleswig-Holstein]], I K [[Province of Silesia]] (now mostly Poland), I X [[Province of Westphalia]], and finally I D [[Province of West Prussia]] (now Poland).

During World War I the German Army was assigned the combination MK for "Militärkraftwagen des Deutschen Heeres", military vehicles of the German Army. After WWI, during the Weimar Republic, the German Army used RW for "Reichswehr".

During the Nazi regime (1933–1945) new combinations were issued: DR, [[Deutsche Reichsbahn]] (German state railway); OT, [[Organisation Todt]] (civil and military engineering); POL, Deutsche Polizei (police); RAD, [[Reichsarbeitsdienst]] (state labour service); RK, [[German Red Cross|Deutsches Rotes Kreuz]] (Red Cross); SS, [[Schutzstaffel]] ("protection squadron"); WH, [[Wehrmacht]] Heer (army); WL, Wehrmacht Luftwaffe (air force); WM, Wehrmacht Kriegsmarine (navy); WT, Wehrmacht Straßentransportdienst (army transport service).

From 1945 to 1956 there were lettering combinations assigned by the allied forces. Examples:
BY [[Bavaria|Bavaria (Bayern)]] 1946–1947, AB Bavaria (American Zone, Bavaria) 1948–1956, B Bavaria 1950–1956.
HE [[Hesse]] 1946–1947, AH Hesse (American Zone, Hesse) 1948–1956, H Hesse, 1950–1956.
AW Württemberg-Baden 1948–1956, W Württemberg-Baden, 1950–1956, WB Württemberg-Baden 1950–1956.
БM (=BM, for motor bikes) 1945–1946, ГФ (=GF; cars, lorries, and busses) Berlin 1945–1946, БГ (=BG; cars, lorries, and busses) Berlin 1945–1947, ГM (=GM, for motor bikes) Berlin 1945–1947, KB Berlin 1947–1948, GB East-Berlin 1948–1953, KB West-Berlin 1948-1956.
MGH Hamburg 1945, H Hamburg 1945–1947, HG Hamburg 1947, BH Hamburg 1948–1956.
BD Baden 1945–1949, FB Baden 1949–1956.
WT Württemberg-Hohenzollern 1945–1949, FW Württemberg-Hohenzollern 1949–1956.

In 1956 the current system was introduced in then West Germany, replacing the post-war system which was based on [[Allied Occupation Zones in Germany|occupation zones]].

As West German districts were extensively rearranged in the early 1970s, many prefix codes expired and new ones were created at that time. However, number plates issued before these rearrangements remain valid, providing the vehicle is still in use and has not been reregistered since. So it was still possible, if rare, to see a [[classic car]] with registration codes of administrative units that have not existed for over 30 years (e.g. EIN = [[Einbeck]]). Since late 2011 some districts allow reissuing on request of these expired prefix codes, e.g. instead of WES- in the district of Wesel, MO- as used for the former district of Moers.

When originally planned, the system included codes for districts in Eastern Germany which were to be reserved until [[German reunification|reunification]]. That included the territory of the [[German Democratic Republic|GDR]] as well as the territories [[Oder-Neisse line|annexed]] to [[Poland]] and the [[Soviet Union]] after [[World War II]], which West Germany's government still claimed in that era until about 1970. When reunification came in 1990, the reserved codes (e.g. P for [[Potsdam]]) were indeed issued to East German districts as originally planned and as they existed at that time. However, districts in East Germany were rearranged again in the mid-1990s, thus many of these codes have expired, but can likewise still be seen on older vehicles.

One example of a reserved code being reused before reunification was the letter L which was originally planned for [[Leipzig]], but was given to the newly formed [[Hesse|Hessian]] district [[Lahn-Dill-Kreis]] in the 1980s as hopes for reunification faded away. After the rather unexpected reunification the L was returned to the city of Leipzig and the Lahn-Dill-Kreis was issued with LDK instead after a transitional period when L was in use in both districts.

Another reserved code was G for [[Gera]]. In the 1980s the West German TV series "Der Fahnder"[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088517/] G was an imaginary large city in the [[Ruhrgebiet]] area.

===Typeface===
Modern German plates use a typeface called [[FE-Schrift]] ("fälschungserschwerende Schrift", tamper-hindering script). It is designed so that the ''O'' cannot be painted to look like a ''Q'', and vice versa; nor can the ''P'' be painted to resemble an ''R'', among other changes. This typeface can also more easily be read by [[optical character recognition]] software for [[automatic number plate recognition]] than the old [[DIN 1451]] script.

===Special codes===
Certain types of vehicle bear special codes:
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für historische Fahrzeuge (H-Kennzeichen).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Plate for vintage cars]]
* '''[[Classic car]]s''' (known in German by the [[pseudo-English]] expression ''Oldtimer'') can get an H (''historisch'', [[Antique vehicle registration|historic]]) at the end of the plate, such as ''[[Cologne|K]]-AA 100H'' in order to preserve the so-called "vehicle of cultural value" ("kraftfahrtechnisches Kulturgut"). It also includes a flat tax of appr. [[euro|€]]190 per year. It is popular to choose the digits so that they indicate the car's year of manufacture. The requirements for a vehicle for an H-Plate are:
**The first documented registration lies at least 30 years in the past.
**The car must be in mostly original and preservation worthy condition. Preservation worthy means a grade C by popular car grading standards. The older the car, the more signs of usage it can show. This purely concerns the car's appearance, the road worthiness is established by separate mandatory safety inspections. Universally accepted modifications include changes that benefit safety, such as seat belts and disc brakes, and environmental friendliness, such as catalytic converters and LPG conversions (if invisible from the outside). Further modifications that are generally accepted are those contemporary of the car's first registration (plus and minus 10 years, burden of proof lies with the owner through historic material such as photographs) and new paintjobs of any color, including two tone paint if originally offered and historic company logos, but no murals or custom patterns.
[[File:GERMANY, DACHAU motorcycle license plate seasonal - Flickr - woody1778a.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Seasonal number plate, registration valid from 1st March to 31st October of each year]]
* Cars (or more often, motorbikes) with '''seasonal number plates''' have two numbers at the end of the plate indicating the months between which they are registered to drive, with the licence being valid from the start of the upper month until the end of the lower month. This results in lower car taxes, as well lower insurance premiums.
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für Behördenfahrzeuge (Nummernbereich 3).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Official registered vehicle (here: fire brigade)]]
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für Behördenfahrzeuge (Nummernbereich 8).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Official registered vehicle for disaster relief]]
* Until the legal reforms of 2006, '''Official cars''' such as police, fire fighting and municipality vehicles did not carry a letter after the sticker, such as ''M-1234''. These included:
** vehicles of the district government: 1-199, 1000-1999, 10000-19999
** vehicles of the local government (for example: fire brigade): 200-299, 2000-2999, 20000-29999, 300-399
** police: 3000-3999, 7000-7999, 30000-39999, 70000-79999
** disaster relief (mostly changed "THW", see below): 8000-8999, 80000-89999

This style of plate is no longer issued, but many official vehicles which were registered before 2006 still carry this type of plate.

A similar style of issue is used by some municipalities to '''consular or diplomatic vehicles''' in the form Aaa-9NNn (example: D-921). Unlike the other style of diplomatic/consular plates issued in Berlin and Bonn, this plate does not indicate the nationality of the mission.

[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für steuerbefreite Fahrzeuge (grüne Schrift).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Plate for tax-exempt vehicles]]
* Vehicles which are '''exempt from vehicle taxes''' (for example [[ambulance]]s, [[tractor]]s, agricultural trailers, trailers for boats or trailers for gliders) have green print on a white background plate. Regular trailers for lorries can be exempted from tax if the owner agrees to pay an increased tax on the vehicle which tows the trailer. There is also a tax exemption for trailers for which the owner agrees to hand over his trailer without payment to the armed forces (if Germany is in a state of emergency or defence).
[[File:Deutsches Kurzzeit-KFZ-Kennzeichen.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Special temporary plate for vehicles in Germany (Kurzzeit-Kennzeichen)]]
* Vehicles which have '''not been registered''' (because they are for transfer within Germany) have to carry short-term plates valid only for five days. The code starts with the numbers ''04'', e.g. ''DD-04000'', and the plate has a yellow strip on the right showing when they are valid. The date is listed numerically, on three lines, reading day, month, year, with two digits each. The vehicle need not have a valid technical inspection, however it must be technically fit to be operated in public. Insurance premiums are quite high, appr. [[euro|€]]100 for the above-mentioned 5 days. Most insurance companies credit this premium if the car is registered as a normal car with the same insurance company after these 5 days.
[[File:Rotes DIN-Kennzeichen 06.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Special plate (red colour, old DIN-style) for dealer's cars for test drives. (Registration office: Würzburg)]]
* '''[[Car dealership|Car dealer]]s'''' plates are in red print on a white background, and the code begins with ''06''. Red plates may be attached to cars which are changing hands, such as the test run of unregistered cars, and the [[liability insurance]] is connected to the plate, not a specific car.
* '''Car collectors''': Red plates starting with the number 07 are reserved for collectors of vintage cars. Originally, vintage cars had a required minimum age of 20 years from first registering. Since April 2007 onwards the required minimum age has been 30 years. Plates issued under the old 20 years rule remained valid after this date. The collectors must get an official certificate of approval (such as no criminal records). They are allowed to use one set of plates on any of their cars under the condition that they keep a strict record of use. No day-to-day use of the cars is allowed. A valid official technical inspection is not mandatory but the cars have to be technical fit for use on public roads.
[[File:Deutsche Ausfuhr-Kfz-Kennzeichen (Export).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Special plate for vehicles to be exported (Ausfuhrkennzeichen)]]
[[File:License plate of Germany for export vehicles.png|thumb|200px|right|Former special plate for vehicles to be exported (Zollkennzeichen) - no longer in use. It was replaced by the Ausfuhrkennzeichen in the 1980s]]
*'''Export plates''' (also known as "Ausfuhrkennzeichen", customs plates) are used for exporting vehicles abroad. The plates are the only ones which do not have the blue Euro strip on the left and the owner does not have to be a German resident to register the car. The date on the red strip on the right hand side does not show the expiration date of the plate; instead it shows the expiration date of the vehicle insurance. After this date the vehicle must have left Germany.
[[File:Deutsches Diplomatenkennzeichen (Indonesien).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Diplomatic plate (Indonesian embassy in Berlin)]]
[[File:Licenseplate of limousine.png|thumb|200px|Plate of the German Chancellor]]
* '''Diplomatic plates''': plates of cars covered by [[diplomatic immunity]] have the digit ''0'' (Zero) on the left instead of the registration location code.
*'''Highest state offices:''' The [[President of Germany|President]] uses the license plate 0-1, the [[Chancellor of Germany (Federal Republic)|Chancellor]] uses 0-2, the [[Minister for Foreign Affairs (Germany)|Foreign Minister]] uses 0-3 and the ''First [[Secretary of State#Germany|State Secretary]] of the [[Foreign Office (Germany)|Foreign Office]]'' (i.e. the Foreign Minister's deputy) uses 0-4. The [[President of the Bundestag|President of the Parliament]] uses 1-1. This reflects the fact that the Parliament's President is not part of the executive branch but still ranks higher in (symbolic) importance than the Chancellor. These vehicles are tax-exempt and need not to be insured since the German government acts as insurer.
[[File:Deutsches Bundeswehr-Kfz-Kennzeichen.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Bundeswehr (armed forces)]]
* '''[[Bundeswehr|The military]]''' uses old style non-reflecting plates with a dash between the two circles. The German flag is shown, instead of the blue EU strip. Military plates use the letter ''Y'', rather than a city indicator (no German city name starts with a Y). After the ''Y'' comes a six-digit number (or five digits for motorcycles), for example ''Y-123456''. These vehicles are tax-exempt and need not to be insured since the German government acts as insurer. There is also no mandatory technical inspection required but the Armed Forces carry out a regular internal inspection on these vehicles similar to the official inspection.

* Military vehicles which are used by the '''[[Nato]] headquarters''' in Germany use the same design as the Y-plates except they carry the letter ''X'' followed by a four-digit number, for example ''X-1234''
[[File:Kfz-Kennzeichen THW.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Official registered vehicle for [[Technisches Hilfswerk]] (German Federal Agency for Technical Relief)]]
* Some branches of the '''federal government''' and '''[[States of Germany|federal state]] governments''' use the abbreviations of their names instead of a city code. Example: the [[Technisches Hilfswerk]] (German Federal Agency for Technical Relief) uses its abbreviation ''THW'', so the plates read ''THW-80000'', for example. All numbers on THW plates start either with the digit 8 or 9. Before the [[Deutsche Bundesbahn]] (''German National Railways'') and the [[Deutsche Bundespost|Deutsche '''B'''undes'''p'''ost]] (''Federal Post Office'') were privatised, they used the abbreviations ''DB'' and ''BP'' (e.g. ''DB-12345'', ''BP-12345''). The Wasser- und Schifffahrtsverwaltung des Bundes (''Federal Water and Ship Transport Authority'') uses '''BW''' followed by a digit identifying the region of the office (from 1=north to 7=south).
[[File:Deutsches Bundes-Kennzeichen BW6-602.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Wasser- und Schifffahrtsverwaltung des Bundes, here South Office in [[Würzburg]]]]
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für Bundespolizei.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Bundespolizei (Federal Police), code in use since 2005]]
* The '''[[German Federal Police|federal police]]''' uses the code ''BP'' instead of the local code. Before 2006 they used the code ''BG'' (former name: ''[[Bundesgrenzschutz|'''B'''undes'''g'''renzschutz]]'') (BG-#####), this old code remains still valid, only new vehicles will get the new "BP"-code.
* The '''[[North Rhine-Westphalia Police|Police]] of [[North Rhine-Westphalia]]''' uses ''NRW 4'', ''NRW 5'' and, for motorbikes, ''NRW 6'' as the local code. This is followed by a four-digit number (e.g. NRW 4-1960). ''4'', ''5'' and ''6'' stand for the State Ministry of the Interior.
*'''Light motorised vehicles''' such as mopeds and motorised wheelchairs are required to have a registration plate, see next section.

==Insurance plates==
[[File:Versicherungskennzeichen.jpg|thumb|Insurance plates; the colour of the letters is changed every year.]]
The ''{{lang|de|Versicherungskennzeichen}}'' ("insurance plate" ) used for mopeds and other small, low-power vehicles (such as vehicles for the physically handicapped, with a maximum speed of {{convert|50|km/h|disp=comma|abbr=on}}). The system is three digits on the top and three letters beneath. The number and the letters are chosen randomly so personalizing the plates is not possible. Plates are much smaller than the plates for normal cars and are only valid for one year from 1 March till the end of February the following year. Those plates are sold by insurance companies, so the fee included both the registration, and the cost of one year's insurance for the vehicle. There are four colours used: black, blue, green for normal plates, and red for temporary use, such as testing (very rare). The first three colours are changed every year in order to make it easy to see whether the vehicle has the correct plate and insurance.

:{| class="wikitable"
|+ Colours of the insurance plates from 1 March onwards of each year
! colspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | Colour
! colspan="9" style="text-align: center;" | Year
|-
| style="background-color: #0a0a0d;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 9005]] (''{{lang|de|Tiefschwarz}}'', Jet black)
| 1990
| 1993
| 1996
| 1999
| 2002
| 2005
| 2008
| 2011
| 2014
|-
| style="background-color: #3481b8;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 5012]] (''{{lang|de|Lichtblau}}'', Light blue)
| 1991
| 1994
| 1997
| 2000
| 2003
| 2006
| 2009
| 2012
| 2015
|-
| style="background-color: #3E753B;"| {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 6010]] (''{{lang|de|Grasgrün}}'', Grass green)
| 1992
| 1995
| 1998
| 2001
| 2004
| 2007
| 2010
| 2013
| 2016
|}

==Emission, safety test and registration sticker==

Emission test (front plate) and vehicle safety test (rear plate) stickers were also attached to the plate before 2010, in which year the emission sticker became obsolete as the emission test was incorporated into the safety test and was not performed separately anymore. The expiration date can be figured out as follows: The year is in the centre of the sticker, and the stickers are attached with the month of expiration pointing upwards. The black marking on the side (near the 12) thus makes it easy for the police to see the expiration month from a distance. Like a clock, the marking shows the same position of a number on the face of a clock. For example, the black marking is on the left side, so it is the ninth month (or 9 o'clock) and hence the expiry date is 30 September. The six possible colors code for the year when the next safety test is due and repeat once a six-year period has passed.

The lower sticker is the official seal of registration. It always carries the seal of the respective German ''{{lang|de|[[States of Germany|Bundesland]]}}'' with the city or district of issuance being added in print. Some seals carry the German ''{{lang|de|[[Coat of arms of Germany|Bundesadler]]}}'' instead of a Bundesland's seal, such as numberplates used on [[Federal Police (Germany)|Bundespolizei]] vehicles.

All these stickers are specially treated to be easily transferred onto the licence plates, but hard to be removed without damaging the plate itself, making them relatively counterfeit-proof.

Cars found in a public place where the owner did not pay insurance for more than three months (as reported to the police by the insurance company) may get '''''{{lang|de|entstempelt}}''''', that means, '''unstamped''': The police will remove the state's official seal using a scratching tool (mostly a screwdriver), leaving the plate without a valid seal, and it will be illegal to even leave that car parked on public ground, unless insurance is paid and plates are fitted with a new official seal.

Once a plate is invalid, the seal of registration is defaced by a qualified officer. After that, the plates are often sold to collectors on online shopping sites, such as [[eBay]].

When owners choose to deregister their vehicle the officer at the local authority will want to see the license plates with defaced seals on them as proof that no legal plate with this identifier can be found in public anymore. For this purpose special machines are available for use at the office. Once defaced the plates may only be used legally on public roads for the one ride back to the owner's place.
This is the recommended procedure for selling a car. Alternatively the seller may hand out their car with valid license plates and papers still in their name to the new owner thus giving them the responsibility to register the car in their name shortly. In a scenario without a proper sales contract the seller may become liable when the buyer commits criminal acts related to the car or plates and thus it is generally not recommended to sell used cars with license plates.

Motorcycles carry only the rear plate.

<gallery>
File:Plakette Abgassonderuntersuchung.png | Emission test sticker (before 2010)
File:Plakette Hauptuntersuchung.svg | Safety test sticker
File:Zulassungsplakette Coburg.png | Registration seal ([[Coburg]], Bavaria)
File:Kfz-Kennzeichen Deutschland - Toepfchensiegel.jpg | Safety test and registration seal ([[Fürth]], Bavaria)
</gallery>

[[File:Defacedgermanplate.JPG|thumb|200px|right|Example of a defaced plate — notice how the bottom seal is completely gone, due to scraping. From [[Kronach]].]]
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Colours of the emission test (before 2010) and vehicle safety test stickers
! colspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | Colour
! colspan="8" style="text-align: center;" | Year
|-
| style="background-color: #dd7907;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 2000]] (''{{lang|de|Gelborange}}'', Yellow-orange)
| —
| 1979
| 1983
| 1989
| 1995
| 2001
| 2007
| 2013
|-
| style="background-color: #2874b2;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 5015]] (''{{lang|de|Himmelblau}}'', Sky blue)
| —
| 1978
| 1984
| 1990
| 1996
| 2002
| 2008
| 2014
|-
| style="background-color: #d9c022;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 1012]] (''{{lang|de|Zitronengelb}}'', Lemon yellow)
| —
| 1977
| 1985
| 1991
| 1997
| 2003
| 2009
| 2015
|-
| style="background-color: #8f4e35;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 8004]] (''{{lang|de|Kupferbraun}}'', Copper brown)
| 1974
| 1980
| 1986
| 1992
| 1998
| 2004
| 2010
| 2016
|-
| style="background-color: #e1a6ad;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 3015]] (''{{lang|de|Hellrosa}}'', Light pink)
| 1975
| 1981
| 1987
| 1993
| 1999
| 2005
| 2011
| 2017
|-
| style="background-color: #48a43f;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 6018]] (''{{lang|de|Gelbgrün}}'', Yellow-green)
| 1976
| 1982
| 1988
| 1994
| 2000
| 2006
| 2012
| 2018
|}

==See also==
* [[Vehicle registration plates of the German Democratic Republic]]
* [[Vehicle registration plates of the United States Army in Germany]]

* ''[[:de:Liste aller Kfz-Kennzeichen der Bundesrepublik Deutschland|Liste aller Kfz-Kennzeichen der Bundesrepublik Deutschland]]'' {{de icon}} List of all registration codes issued under the current registration system
* ''[[:de:Liste der auslaufenden deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen|Liste der auslaufenden deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen]]'' {{de icon}} List of no longer issued registration codes
* ''[[:de:Liste der deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen (historisch)|Liste der deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen (historisch)]]'' {{de icon}} List of repealed registration codes
* ''[[:de:Liste der Kfz-Kennzeichen in Deutschland|Liste der Kfz-Kennzeichen in Deutschland]]'' {{de icon}} List of currently issued registration codes

==References==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|License plates of Germany}}
*[http://www.theplateman.com German Number Plates, Also shows how they are made]
*[http://www.kennzeichengeschichte.de History of German license plates]
*[http://www.hegis.de/fed__rep__of_germany.htm More information about German car number plates and their history]
*[http://www.europeanplates.com/german-city-codes German City Codes, Complete City Code List]
*[http://www.license-plates.appspot.com Application to find which region/place in Germany the vehicle originates]
*[http://www.platesmania.com/de/ Photos of license plates of Germany]

{{Vehicle registration plates of Europe}}

[[Category:Vehicle registration plates by country|Germany]]
[[Category:Road transport in Germany]]

Vehicle registration plates of Germany

2015-11-08T12:13:31Z

Harry8: + Rehau, Selb

{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2014}}
'''German vehicle registration plates''' (''Kraftfahrzeug-Kennzeichen'' or, more colloquially, ''Nummernschilder'') indicate the place where the vehicle bearing them was once registered. Whenever German owners of a motor vehicle change their main place of residence within [[Germany]] or buy a car from a person living in a different city or [[Districts of Germany|county]] they have to have the vehicle documentation changed accordingly. In the process owners may opt for new license plates that reflect their place of residence or simply retain the old identifier and plates. The states of [[Hesse]], [[Schleswig-Holstein]], [[Brandenburg]], [[Saxony]], [[Thuringia]] and [[Northrhine-Westphalia]] were the first ones to create laws so that owners were not obliged anymore to change license plates if they were changing residence within the respective state. A nationwide law has since been passed by the federal government and it comes into effect on January 1, 2015.<ref>
{{cite web |url=http://www.vz-nrw.de/energie-und-verkehr#kfzkennzeichenhhauchfuerfrankfurter |title=Kfz-Kennzeichen: HH auch für Frankfurter |accessdate=2014-12-09 |author=Verbraucherzentrale Nordrhein-Westfalen e.V. |date=2014-12-02 }}
</ref> From this time on, it is generally not possible anymore to tell the owner's place of residence just from looking at the plates.

The option to be assigned temporary plates allows owners a financial saving in the case they have vehicles (e.g. motorcycles) which they intend to drive only during one particular part of the year. While temporary plates can only be used for the time printed on them and new ones have to be assigned and bought if the vehicle is supposed to be on public roads later on there is no need to renew regular plates periodically. German motor vehicle tax is paid independently of the license plates by annual direct debit from a bank account.

As of 2007, new number plates normally cost around €30, while the cost of de-registering a vehicle and re-registering it with new plates is between €10 and €40. The license plates themselves are not made by the registration office but by independent for-profit stores that are usually located in the same building as the registration office or close by. Upon successful registration the applicant is merely given a slip of paper with the assigned number that can be presented at any store that makes plates. Sometimes there are several stores in the vicinity of the registration office with prices for plates dropping the further the store is away from the registration office. Once the plates are made, which is a matter of minutes, the owner must return to the registration office with them, pay the costs for registration and then the required registration seal and safety test stickers are applied to the plates making them legal for use in traffic.

If ownership of a vehicle is permanently transferred to a new owner who lives in the same city/region then the registration number may remain unchanged. Administration fees are, however, still payable in respect of the necessary changes to the vehicle's official documentation. Many people however will change the license plates even if it is not necessary in order to personalize them.

==Format==
[[File:KFZmod.png|thumb|200px|right|The post-1994 German number plate format (FE-style)]]
[[File:Plate-KA-RR232.JPG|thumb|200px|right|The pre-1994 German number plate format (DIN-style), no longer issued but still in use.]]
[[File:Kfz-Kennzeichen in Deutschland.svg|thumb|300 px|Map of German districts and their license plate codes]]
The present German number plate format has been in use since 1994. As with many plates for countries within the [[European Union]], a blue strip on the left shows a shortened [[List of international vehicle registration codes|country code]] in white text ('''D''' for ''Deutschland'' = Germany) and the [[Flag of Europe]] (12 golden stars forming a circle on a blue background).

The rest of the license plate uses black print on a white background. Just after the country code strip is a one, two or three letter abbreviation, which represents the city or region where the car was registered, such as B for [[Berlin]]. These letters formerly coincide with the [[Districts of Germany|German districts]]. Since 2013 the letters were extended to former districts ([http://www.kfz.de/autokennzeichen/autokennzeichen_deutschland/ complete list]). In some cases an [[Urban districts of Germany|urban district]] and the surrounding non-urban district share the same letter code. Where this happens, the number of the following letters and digits is usually different. For example, the urban district of [[Straubing]] (SR) has one letter after the code (SR - A 123). The surrounding district [[Straubing-Bogen]] has two letters (SR - AB 123) after the code. However, these different systems are being used in fewer cases, as many cities that share their code with the surrounding rural districts have started using all codes for both districts without any distinction; the city of [[Regensburg]], for example, and the surrounding [[Regensburg (district)|rural district Regensburg]] used different systems only until 2007.

The number of letters in the city/region prefix code mostly reflects the size of the district. The basic idea was to even out the number of digits on all license plates, because the largest districts would have more digits after the prefix for more cars. The largest German cities generally only have one letter codes (B=[[Berlin]], M=[[Munich]], K=[[Cologne]] (''Köln''), F=[[Frankfurt]], L=[[Leipzig]], S=[[Stuttgart]]), most other districts in Germany have two or three letter codes. Therefore, cities or districts with fewer letters are generally assumed to be bigger and more important. Reflecting that, most districts tried to get a combination with fewer letters for their prefix code.

Districts in eastern Germany usually have more letters, for two reasons:
* Fewer people live in eastern German districts, so the number of cars registered is smaller and hence the use of three letter codes.
* With the introduction of the current system on 1 July 1956 in then West Germany including [[West Berlin|Berlin (West)]], letters had been reserved for all east German districts of that time. However, a lot of those districts were changed over the years, and in 1990 after [[German reunification]], many of the possible shorter combinations had already been used up in western Germany.

There are a number of exceptions e.g. Germany's second largest city [[Hamburg]] (HH, Hansestadt Hamburg, because of its historical membership in the [[Hanseatic League]], reflected already in its prefix used between 1906 and 1945). Similar is the case of the cities of [[Bremen]] and [[Bremerhaven]], forming the state [[Bremen (state)|Free Hanseatic City of Bremen]], sharing the common prefix HB (1906–1947, and again since 1956), differentiated by the number of letters and digits added.

In 1956 also [[Lübeck]] received its former prefix HL, already used between 1906 and 1937, when its statehood was abolished. In analogy to these three northwestern cities, but without historical examples of formerly issued prefixes, four northeastern Hanseatic cities, [[Greifswald]], [[Rostock]], [[Stralsund]] and [[Wismar]], chose the prefixes HGW, HRO, HST and HWI, since the shorter HG ([[Hochtaunuskreis]], capital: Bad Homburg vor der Höhe), HR ([[Schwalm-Eder-Kreis]], capital: [[Homberg (Efze)]]), HS ([[Kreis Heinsberg]]) and HW (Kreis Halle in Westphalia) were already taken by west German districts.

More west German districts have prefixes derived from the names of their capitals: [[Ammerland]] (WST, after Westerstede), [[Dithmarschen]] (HEI, after Heide in Dithmarschen), [[Harburg (district)|Harburg]] (WL, after Winsen upon Luhe), [[Herzogtum Lauenburg]] (RZ, after Ratzeburg) etc.

The letter "G" was reserved for the east German city of [[Gera]], although it is much smaller than the west German [[Gelsenkirchen]] ("GE"). The letter "L" had been reserved for Leipzig, but in 1977 it was assigned to the newly formed city of [[Lahn, Hesse|Lahn]], and the rural district [[Lahn-Dill-Kreis]]. This casts some light on how unlikely a reunification was regarded at that time. In 1990, Leipzig claimed back the letter "L", and it was reassigned, and Lahn-Dill-Kreis had to change to LDK.

The reason for this scheme is however not to display size or location, but simply to have enough combinations available within the maximum length of eight characters per plate.

After the location name there are the round vehicle safety test and registration seal stickers (see below) placed on top of each other. The registration sticker is the bottom one. For vehicles that are required to bear a front and rear plate the front plate nowadays only features the registration seal sticker. Before 2010, in which year the emission test became a part of the vehicle safety test, the hexagonal emission test sticker was placed above it. The stickers are followed by one or two usually random letters and one to four usually random numbers. The total quantity of letters and numbers on the plate is never higher than eight. Identifiers consisting of one letter with low numbers are normally reserved for motorcycle use since there is less space for plates on these vehicles.

A problem with this scheme is that the space between geographic identifier and random letters is a significant character and must be considered when writing down a number. For example, B MW 555 is not the same number as BM W 555. The confusion can be avoided by writing a hyphen after the city code, as in the old number plates, like B-MW 555. For this reason, the police will always radio the location name and spell out the next letters using the German [[German phonetic alphabet|telephone alphabet]], which varies somewhat from the English one. Thus, B MW 555 would be radioed as "[[Berlin]], Martha, Wilhelm, fünf-fünf-fünf" and BM W 555 as "[[Rhein-Erft-Kreis|Bergheim]], Wilhelm, fünf-fünf-fünf".

[[File:Toyota Celica Gr.A 002.JPG|thumb|The Köln-based Toyota Team Europe prepared Celica GT-Four rally car with Köln (Cologne) license plate. Note the plate starts with "K".]]

For an extra charge of €10.20 car owners can also register a personalized identifier. Car owners can only choose the numbers or letters instead of the random ones at the end, provided of course they are not yet taken and not a prohibited combination. For example, people living in the town of Pirna might choose ''PIR-AT 77'', "Pirat" being the [[German language|German]] for "pirate". [[Kiel]] is one of few places (others are Brake (capital of the district of [[Wesermarsch]]), Cham, Daun, Emden, Halle, Hamm, Heide, Herne, Hof, Kleve, Kusel, Lauf, Lünen, Pirna, Plön, Regen, Rehau, Selb, Ulm, Unna and Wesel) where the number plate can be the city name: 'KI-EL'. In most cases of personalized plates people choose their initials and a number reflecting their birthdate. In this fashion fictional Mrs. Ulrike Mustermann, born May 2, 1965 and living in Essen would choose 'E UM 2565' for her car. Note that dates are given in the format DDMMYY in Germany.
|
Germany includes diacritical marks in the letters of some codes, that is the letters Ä, Ö and Ü. Such a thing is rarely done in other European countries, but also appears on regular [[Vehicle registration plates of Bosnia and Herzegovina|Bosnian]], [[Vehicle registration plates of Croatia|Croatian]] and [[Vehicle registration plates of Serbia|Serbian]](letters Č, Š and Ž), [[Vehicle registration plates of Finland|Åland registration plates]] (letter Å), as well as on [[Vehicle registration plates of Sweden#Personal plates|Swedish]] (letters Å, Ä and Ö) and [[Vehicle registration plates of Denmark|Danish]] (letters Å, Æ and Ø) personal registration plates. However, in Germany there are no two codes where the only difference is that one letter is A and Ä, O and Ö or U and Ü. The same holds for the letters O and Q, while the only pair of codes with the letters I and J is IL for Landkreis Ilmenau and JL for Landkreis Jerichower Land.

[[BMW]], owner of [[Mini (marque)|Mini]], registers all Mini press/marketing cars in the city of [[Minden]], which holds the code ''MI'', to get "MI-NI" number plates for the cars. BMW itself is based in Munich, yet "M-INI" plates are not possible to issue, as three letters after the district code are not permitted.

===Prohibited combinations===
Various combinations that could be considered politically unacceptable — mainly due to implications relating to [[Nazi Germany]] — are disallowed or otherwise avoided.<ref>[http://www.sueddeutsche.de/muenchen/behoerdenfehler-m-ah-ist-durchgerutscht-1.2683534 M-AH 8888 ist durchgerutscht] {{de icon}} ''[[Sueddeutsche Zeitung]]'', published: 9 October 2015, accessed: 9 October 2015</ref> The district [[Sächsische Schweiz]] uses the name of its main town, Pirna, in its code ''PIR'', to avoid the use of ''[[Schutzstaffel|SS]]'', the name of the paramilitary organization; similarly ''[[Sturmabteilung|SA]]'' is also unused. Although between 1945 and 1949 the French occupation force used the combination SA followed by the double-digit numbers 01 to 08 for the then seven rural districts in the [[Saar (protectorate)|Saar Protectorate]] and its capital [[Saarbrücken]]. In 2004 in [[Nuremberg]], a car owner was refused a number plate beginning N-PD because of the connection to the political party the [[National Democratic Party of Germany|NPD]].{{Citation needed|date=January 2010}} The combinations [[Starnberg (district)|STA]]-SI, [[Dithmarschen|HEI]]-L and [[Steinburg|IZ]]-AN are also avoided, to avoid association with [[Stasi]], with the [[Nazi salute]] and with NAZI backwards.

[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen mit Erkennungsnummer NS.jpg||thumb|200px|right|Example of banned combination (NS) which was issued accidentally.]]
Banned combinations also include the Nazi abbreviations HJ (''Hitlerjugend'', [[Hitler Youth]]), NS (''Nationalsozialismus'', [[Nazism|National Socialism]]), SA (''[[Sturmabteilung]]''), SS (''[[Schutzstaffel]]'') and KZ (''Konzentrationslager'', [[Internment|concentration camp]]). Some registration offices have overlooked this rule by mistake, however, and there are a few cars registered carrying prohibited codes, such as ''B-SS 12''. Some counties also allow these combinations if they are the initials of the owner (e.g., '''N'''orbert '''S'''chmidt might be able to get XX-NS 1234), but in this case, if the car is sold and re-registered in the same county by the new owner, the number can be changed (otherwise the number stays with the car until it registered in a different area). However, the combination ''HH'' (which could be interpreted as ''[[Nazi salute|Heil Hitler]]'') is used for the city of [[Hamburg]], first introduced in 1906. It stands for the city's title ''Hansestadt Hamburg'' ([[Hanseatic League|Hanseatic]] City of Hamburg).

===History===
The first German licence plates that had a lettering plan were issued from 1906 onwards. Berlin for example was using I A (I for Prussia), Munich II A (II for Bavaria), Stuttgart III A (III for [[Free People's State of Württemberg|Württemberg]]). Other German states used further Roman numbers such as IV ([[Republic of Baden|Baden]]), V ([[People's State of Hesse|Hesse]]), and VI ([[Alsace-Lorraine]]; now France). Many states used prefixes derived from the state names, such as B ([[Free State of Brunswick|Brunswick]]), HB (Bremen), HH (Hamburg), and HL ([[Free City of Lübeck|Lübeck]]), the latter three used again for the same entities since 1956. Other bigger cities: IV B Baden (Heidelberg, Mannheim, Karlsruhe, Freiburg, Lake Constance), II N cities of [[Nuremberg]] and [[Fürth]]. The Prussian provinces had the following prefixes: I E [[Province of Brandenburg]] (to a minor part now Poland), I C [[Province of East Prussia]] (now divided between Lithuania, Poland and Russia), I S [[Province of Hannover]], I T [[Province of Hesse-Nassau]] (Today Frankfurt, State of Hessen and neighboring counties), I L [[Province of Hohenzollern]], I Z [[Rhine Province]] (Cologne, Düsseldorf and other large cities in the Ruhr Area), I H [[Province of Pomerania (1815–1945)|Province of Pomerania]] (now prevailingly Poland), I Y [[Province of Posen]] (now Poland), I B Province of [[Posen-West Prussia]] (now Poland), I M [[Province of Saxony]], I P [[Province of Schleswig-Holstein]], I K [[Province of Silesia]] (now mostly Poland), I X [[Province of Westphalia]], and finally I D [[Province of West Prussia]] (now Poland).

During World War I the German Army was assigned the combination MK for "Militärkraftwagen des Deutschen Heeres", military vehicles of the German Army. After WWI, during the Weimar Republic, the German Army used RW for "Reichswehr".

During the Nazi regime (1933–1945) new combinations were issued: DR, [[Deutsche Reichsbahn]] (German state railway); OT, [[Organisation Todt]] (civil and military engineering); POL, Deutsche Polizei (police); RAD, [[Reichsarbeitsdienst]] (state labour service); RK, [[German Red Cross|Deutsches Rotes Kreuz]] (Red Cross); SS, [[Schutzstaffel]] ("protection squadron"); WH, [[Wehrmacht]] Heer (army); WL, Wehrmacht Luftwaffe (air force); WM, Wehrmacht Kriegsmarine (navy); WT, Wehrmacht Straßentransportdienst (army transport service).

From 1945 to 1956 there were lettering combinations assigned by the allied forces. Examples:
BY [[Bavaria|Bavaria (Bayern)]] 1946–1947, AB Bavaria (American Zone, Bavaria) 1948–1956, B Bavaria 1950–1956.
HE [[Hesse]] 1946–1947, AH Hesse (American Zone, Hesse) 1948–1956, H Hesse, 1950–1956.
AW Württemberg-Baden 1948–1956, W Württemberg-Baden, 1950–1956, WB Württemberg-Baden 1950–1956.
БM (=BM, for motor bikes) 1945–1946, ГФ (=GF; cars, lorries, and busses) Berlin 1945–1946, БГ (=BG; cars, lorries, and busses) Berlin 1945–1947, ГM (=GM, for motor bikes) Berlin 1945–1947, KB Berlin 1947–1948, GB East-Berlin 1948–1953, KB West-Berlin 1948-1956.
MGH Hamburg 1945, H Hamburg 1945–1947, HG Hamburg 1947, BH Hamburg 1948–1956.
BD Baden 1945–1949, FB Baden 1949–1956.
WT Württemberg-Hohenzollern 1945–1949, FW Württemberg-Hohenzollern 1949–1956.

In 1956 the current system was introduced in then West Germany, replacing the post-war system which was based on [[Allied Occupation Zones in Germany|occupation zones]].

As West German districts were extensively rearranged in the early 1970s, many prefix codes expired and new ones were created at that time. However, number plates issued before these rearrangements remain valid, providing the vehicle is still in use and has not been reregistered since. So it was still possible, if rare, to see a [[classic car]] with registration codes of administrative units that have not existed for over 30 years (e.g. EIN = [[Einbeck]]). Since late 2011 some districts allow reissuing on request of these expired prefix codes, e.g. instead of WES- in the district of Wesel, MO- as used for the former district of Moers.

When originally planned, the system included codes for districts in Eastern Germany which were to be reserved until [[German reunification|reunification]]. That included the territory of the [[German Democratic Republic|GDR]] as well as the territories [[Oder-Neisse line|annexed]] to [[Poland]] and the [[Soviet Union]] after [[World War II]], which West Germany's government still claimed in that era until about 1970. When reunification came in 1990, the reserved codes (e.g. P for [[Potsdam]]) were indeed issued to East German districts as originally planned and as they existed at that time. However, districts in East Germany were rearranged again in the mid-1990s, thus many of these codes have expired, but can likewise still be seen on older vehicles.

One example of a reserved code being reused before reunification was the letter L which was originally planned for [[Leipzig]], but was given to the newly formed [[Hesse|Hessian]] district [[Lahn-Dill-Kreis]] in the 1980s as hopes for reunification faded away. After the rather unexpected reunification the L was returned to the city of Leipzig and the Lahn-Dill-Kreis was issued with LDK instead after a transitional period when L was in use in both districts.

Another reserved code was G for [[Gera]]. In the 1980s the West German TV series "Der Fahnder"[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088517/] G was an imaginary large city in the [[Ruhrgebiet]] area.

===Typeface===
Modern German plates use a typeface called [[FE-Schrift]] ("fälschungserschwerende Schrift", tamper-hindering script). It is designed so that the ''O'' cannot be painted to look like a ''Q'', and vice versa; nor can the ''P'' be painted to resemble an ''R'', among other changes. This typeface can also more easily be read by [[optical character recognition]] software for [[automatic number plate recognition]] than the old [[DIN 1451]] script.

===Special codes===
Certain types of vehicle bear special codes:
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für historische Fahrzeuge (H-Kennzeichen).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Plate for vintage cars]]
* '''[[Classic car]]s''' (known in German by the [[pseudo-English]] expression ''Oldtimer'') can get an H (''historisch'', [[Antique vehicle registration|historic]]) at the end of the plate, such as ''[[Cologne|K]]-AA 100H'' in order to preserve the so-called "vehicle of cultural value" ("kraftfahrtechnisches Kulturgut"). It also includes a flat tax of appr. [[euro|€]]190 per year. It is popular to choose the digits so that they indicate the car's year of manufacture. The requirements for a vehicle for an H-Plate are:
**The first documented registration lies at least 30 years in the past.
**The car must be in mostly original and preservation worthy condition. Preservation worthy means a grade C by popular car grading standards. The older the car, the more signs of usage it can show. This purely concerns the car's appearance, the road worthiness is established by separate mandatory safety inspections. Universally accepted modifications include changes that benefit safety, such as seat belts and disc brakes, and environmental friendliness, such as catalytic converters and LPG conversions (if invisible from the outside). Further modifications that are generally accepted are those contemporary of the car's first registration (plus and minus 10 years, burden of proof lies with the owner through historic material such as photographs) and new paintjobs of any color, including two tone paint if originally offered and historic company logos, but no murals or custom patterns.
[[File:GERMANY, DACHAU motorcycle license plate seasonal - Flickr - woody1778a.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Seasonal number plate, registration valid from 1st March to 31st October of each year]]
* Cars (or more often, motorbikes) with '''seasonal number plates''' have two numbers at the end of the plate indicating the months between which they are registered to drive, with the licence being valid from the start of the upper month until the end of the lower month. This results in lower car taxes, as well lower insurance premiums.
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für Behördenfahrzeuge (Nummernbereich 3).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Official registered vehicle (here: fire brigade)]]
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für Behördenfahrzeuge (Nummernbereich 8).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Official registered vehicle for disaster relief]]
* Until the legal reforms of 2006, '''Official cars''' such as police, fire fighting and municipality vehicles did not carry a letter after the sticker, such as ''M-1234''. These included:
** vehicles of the district government: 1-199, 1000-1999, 10000-19999
** vehicles of the local government (for example: fire brigade): 200-299, 2000-2999, 20000-29999, 300-399
** police: 3000-3999, 7000-7999, 30000-39999, 70000-79999
** disaster relief (mostly changed "THW", see below): 8000-8999, 80000-89999

This style of plate is no longer issued, but many official vehicles which were registered before 2006 still carry this type of plate.

A similar style of issue is used by some municipalities to '''consular or diplomatic vehicles''' in the form Aaa-9NNn (example: D-921). Unlike the other style of diplomatic/consular plates issued in Berlin and Bonn, this plate does not indicate the nationality of the mission.

[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für steuerbefreite Fahrzeuge (grüne Schrift).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Plate for tax-exempt vehicles]]
* Vehicles which are '''exempt from vehicle taxes''' (for example [[ambulance]]s, [[tractor]]s, agricultural trailers, trailers for boats or trailers for gliders) have green print on a white background plate. Regular trailers for lorries can be exempted from tax if the owner agrees to pay an increased tax on the vehicle which tows the trailer. There is also a tax exemption for trailers for which the owner agrees to hand over his trailer without payment to the armed forces (if Germany is in a state of emergency or defence).
[[File:Deutsches Kurzzeit-KFZ-Kennzeichen.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Special temporary plate for vehicles in Germany (Kurzzeit-Kennzeichen)]]
* Vehicles which have '''not been registered''' (because they are for transfer within Germany) have to carry short-term plates valid only for five days. The code starts with the numbers ''04'', e.g. ''DD-04000'', and the plate has a yellow strip on the right showing when they are valid. The date is listed numerically, on three lines, reading day, month, year, with two digits each. The vehicle need not have a valid technical inspection, however it must be technically fit to be operated in public. Insurance premiums are quite high, appr. [[euro|€]]100 for the above-mentioned 5 days. Most insurance companies credit this premium if the car is registered as a normal car with the same insurance company after these 5 days.
[[File:Rotes DIN-Kennzeichen 06.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Special plate (red colour, old DIN-style) for dealer's cars for test drives. (Registration office: Würzburg)]]
* '''[[Car dealership|Car dealer]]s'''' plates are in red print on a white background, and the code begins with ''06''. Red plates may be attached to cars which are changing hands, such as the test run of unregistered cars, and the [[liability insurance]] is connected to the plate, not a specific car.
* '''Car collectors''': Red plates starting with the number 07 are reserved for collectors of vintage cars. Originally, vintage cars had a required minimum age of 20 years from first registering. Since April 2007 onwards the required minimum age has been 30 years. Plates issued under the old 20 years rule remained valid after this date. The collectors must get an official certificate of approval (such as no criminal records). They are allowed to use one set of plates on any of their cars under the condition that they keep a strict record of use. No day-to-day use of the cars is allowed. A valid official technical inspection is not mandatory but the cars have to be technical fit for use on public roads.
[[File:Deutsche Ausfuhr-Kfz-Kennzeichen (Export).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Special plate for vehicles to be exported (Ausfuhrkennzeichen)]]
[[File:License plate of Germany for export vehicles.png|thumb|200px|right|Former special plate for vehicles to be exported (Zollkennzeichen) - no longer in use. It was replaced by the Ausfuhrkennzeichen in the 1980s]]
*'''Export plates''' (also known as "Ausfuhrkennzeichen", customs plates) are used for exporting vehicles abroad. The plates are the only ones which do not have the blue Euro strip on the left and the owner does not have to be a German resident to register the car. The date on the red strip on the right hand side does not show the expiration date of the plate; instead it shows the expiration date of the vehicle insurance. After this date the vehicle must have left Germany.
[[File:Deutsches Diplomatenkennzeichen (Indonesien).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Diplomatic plate (Indonesian embassy in Berlin)]]
[[File:Licenseplate of limousine.png|thumb|200px|Plate of the German Chancellor]]
* '''Diplomatic plates''': plates of cars covered by [[diplomatic immunity]] have the digit ''0'' (Zero) on the left instead of the registration location code.
*'''Highest state offices:''' The [[President of Germany|President]] uses the license plate 0-1, the [[Chancellor of Germany (Federal Republic)|Chancellor]] uses 0-2, the [[Minister for Foreign Affairs (Germany)|Foreign Minister]] uses 0-3 and the ''First [[Secretary of State#Germany|State Secretary]] of the [[Foreign Office (Germany)|Foreign Office]]'' (i.e. the Foreign Minister's deputy) uses 0-4. The [[President of the Bundestag|President of the Parliament]] uses 1-1. This reflects the fact that the Parliament's President is not part of the executive branch but still ranks higher in (symbolic) importance than the Chancellor. These vehicles are tax-exempt and need not to be insured since the German government acts as insurer.
[[File:Deutsches Bundeswehr-Kfz-Kennzeichen.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Bundeswehr (armed forces)]]
* '''[[Bundeswehr|The military]]''' uses old style non-reflecting plates with a dash between the two circles. The German flag is shown, instead of the blue EU strip. Military plates use the letter ''Y'', rather than a city indicator (no German city name starts with a Y). After the ''Y'' comes a six-digit number (or five digits for motorcycles), for example ''Y-123456''. These vehicles are tax-exempt and need not to be insured since the German government acts as insurer. There is also no mandatory technical inspection required but the Armed Forces carry out a regular internal inspection on these vehicles similar to the official inspection.

* Military vehicles which are used by the '''[[Nato]] headquarters''' in Germany use the same design as the Y-plates except they carry the letter ''X'' followed by a four-digit number, for example ''X-1234''
[[File:Kfz-Kennzeichen THW.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Official registered vehicle for [[Technisches Hilfswerk]] (German Federal Agency for Technical Relief)]]
* Some branches of the '''federal government''' and '''[[States of Germany|federal state]] governments''' use the abbreviations of their names instead of a city code. Example: the [[Technisches Hilfswerk]] (German Federal Agency for Technical Relief) uses its abbreviation ''THW'', so the plates read ''THW-80000'', for example. All numbers on THW plates start either with the digit 8 or 9. Before the [[Deutsche Bundesbahn]] (''German National Railways'') and the [[Deutsche Bundespost|Deutsche '''B'''undes'''p'''ost]] (''Federal Post Office'') were privatised, they used the abbreviations ''DB'' and ''BP'' (e.g. ''DB-12345'', ''BP-12345''). The Wasser- und Schifffahrtsverwaltung des Bundes (''Federal Water and Ship Transport Authority'') uses '''BW''' followed by a digit identifying the region of the office (from 1=north to 7=south).
[[File:Deutsches Bundes-Kennzeichen BW6-602.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Wasser- und Schifffahrtsverwaltung des Bundes, here South Office in [[Würzburg]]]]
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für Bundespolizei.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Bundespolizei (Federal Police), code in use since 2005]]
* The '''[[German Federal Police|federal police]]''' uses the code ''BP'' instead of the local code. Before 2006 they used the code ''BG'' (former name: ''[[Bundesgrenzschutz|'''B'''undes'''g'''renzschutz]]'') (BG-#####), this old code remains still valid, only new vehicles will get the new "BP"-code.
* The '''[[North Rhine-Westphalia Police|Police]] of [[North Rhine-Westphalia]]''' uses ''NRW 4'', ''NRW 5'' and, for motorbikes, ''NRW 6'' as the local code. This is followed by a four-digit number (e.g. NRW 4-1960). ''4'', ''5'' and ''6'' stand for the State Ministry of the Interior.
*'''Light motorised vehicles''' such as mopeds and motorised wheelchairs are required to have a registration plate, see next section.

==Insurance plates==
[[File:Versicherungskennzeichen.jpg|thumb|Insurance plates; the colour of the letters is changed every year.]]
The ''{{lang|de|Versicherungskennzeichen}}'' ("insurance plate" ) used for mopeds and other small, low-power vehicles (such as vehicles for the physically handicapped, with a maximum speed of {{convert|50|km/h|disp=comma|abbr=on}}). The system is three digits on the top and three letters beneath. The number and the letters are chosen randomly so personalizing the plates is not possible. Plates are much smaller than the plates for normal cars and are only valid for one year from 1 March till the end of February the following year. Those plates are sold by insurance companies, so the fee included both the registration, and the cost of one year's insurance for the vehicle. There are four colours used: black, blue, green for normal plates, and red for temporary use, such as testing (very rare). The first three colours are changed every year in order to make it easy to see whether the vehicle has the correct plate and insurance.

:{| class="wikitable"
|+ Colours of the insurance plates from 1 March onwards of each year
! colspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | Colour
! colspan="9" style="text-align: center;" | Year
|-
| style="background-color: #0a0a0d;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 9005]] (''{{lang|de|Tiefschwarz}}'', Jet black)
| 1990
| 1993
| 1996
| 1999
| 2002
| 2005
| 2008
| 2011
| 2014
|-
| style="background-color: #3481b8;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 5012]] (''{{lang|de|Lichtblau}}'', Light blue)
| 1991
| 1994
| 1997
| 2000
| 2003
| 2006
| 2009
| 2012
| 2015
|-
| style="background-color: #3E753B;"| {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 6010]] (''{{lang|de|Grasgrün}}'', Grass green)
| 1992
| 1995
| 1998
| 2001
| 2004
| 2007
| 2010
| 2013
| 2016
|}

==Emission, safety test and registration sticker==

Emission test (front plate) and vehicle safety test (rear plate) stickers were also attached to the plate before 2010, in which year the emission sticker became obsolete as the emission test was incorporated into the safety test and was not performed separately anymore. The expiration date can be figured out as follows: The year is in the centre of the sticker, and the stickers are attached with the month of expiration pointing upwards. The black marking on the side (near the 12) thus makes it easy for the police to see the expiration month from a distance. Like a clock, the marking shows the same position of a number on the face of a clock. For example, the black marking is on the left side, so it is the ninth month (or 9 o'clock) and hence the expiry date is 30 September. The six possible colors code for the year when the next safety test is due and repeat once a six-year period has passed.

The lower sticker is the official seal of registration. It always carries the seal of the respective German ''{{lang|de|[[States of Germany|Bundesland]]}}'' with the city or district of issuance being added in print. Some seals carry the German ''{{lang|de|[[Coat of arms of Germany|Bundesadler]]}}'' instead of a Bundesland's seal, such as numberplates used on [[Federal Police (Germany)|Bundespolizei]] vehicles.

All these stickers are specially treated to be easily transferred onto the licence plates, but hard to be removed without damaging the plate itself, making them relatively counterfeit-proof.

Cars found in a public place where the owner did not pay insurance for more than three months (as reported to the police by the insurance company) may get '''''{{lang|de|entstempelt}}''''', that means, '''unstamped''': The police will remove the state's official seal using a scratching tool (mostly a screwdriver), leaving the plate without a valid seal, and it will be illegal to even leave that car parked on public ground, unless insurance is paid and plates are fitted with a new official seal.

Once a plate is invalid, the seal of registration is defaced by a qualified officer. After that, the plates are often sold to collectors on online shopping sites, such as [[eBay]].

When owners choose to deregister their vehicle the officer at the local authority will want to see the license plates with defaced seals on them as proof that no legal plate with this identifier can be found in public anymore. For this purpose special machines are available for use at the office. Once defaced the plates may only be used legally on public roads for the one ride back to the owner's place.
This is the recommended procedure for selling a car. Alternatively the seller may hand out their car with valid license plates and papers still in their name to the new owner thus giving them the responsibility to register the car in their name shortly. In a scenario without a proper sales contract the seller may become liable when the buyer commits criminal acts related to the car or plates and thus it is generally not recommended to sell used cars with license plates.

Motorcycles carry only the rear plate.

<gallery>
File:Plakette Abgassonderuntersuchung.png | Emission test sticker (before 2010)
File:Plakette Hauptuntersuchung.svg | Safety test sticker
File:Zulassungsplakette Coburg.png | Registration seal ([[Coburg]], Bavaria)
File:Kfz-Kennzeichen Deutschland - Toepfchensiegel.jpg | Safety test and registration seal ([[Fürth]], Bavaria)
</gallery>

[[File:Defacedgermanplate.JPG|thumb|200px|right|Example of a defaced plate — notice how the bottom seal is completely gone, due to scraping. From [[Kronach]].]]
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Colours of the emission test (before 2010) and vehicle safety test stickers
! colspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | Colour
! colspan="8" style="text-align: center;" | Year
|-
| style="background-color: #dd7907;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 2000]] (''{{lang|de|Gelborange}}'', Yellow-orange)
| —
| 1979
| 1983
| 1989
| 1995
| 2001
| 2007
| 2013
|-
| style="background-color: #2874b2;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 5015]] (''{{lang|de|Himmelblau}}'', Sky blue)
| —
| 1978
| 1984
| 1990
| 1996
| 2002
| 2008
| 2014
|-
| style="background-color: #d9c022;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 1012]] (''{{lang|de|Zitronengelb}}'', Lemon yellow)
| —
| 1977
| 1985
| 1991
| 1997
| 2003
| 2009
| 2015
|-
| style="background-color: #8f4e35;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 8004]] (''{{lang|de|Kupferbraun}}'', Copper brown)
| 1974
| 1980
| 1986
| 1992
| 1998
| 2004
| 2010
| 2016
|-
| style="background-color: #e1a6ad;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 3015]] (''{{lang|de|Hellrosa}}'', Light pink)
| 1975
| 1981
| 1987
| 1993
| 1999
| 2005
| 2011
| 2017
|-
| style="background-color: #48a43f;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 6018]] (''{{lang|de|Gelbgrün}}'', Yellow-green)
| 1976
| 1982
| 1988
| 1994
| 2000
| 2006
| 2012
| 2018
|}

==See also==
* [[Vehicle registration plates of the German Democratic Republic]]
* [[Vehicle registration plates of the United States Army in Germany]]

* ''[[:de:Liste aller Kfz-Kennzeichen der Bundesrepublik Deutschland|Liste aller Kfz-Kennzeichen der Bundesrepublik Deutschland]]'' {{de icon}} List of all registration codes issued under the current registration system
* ''[[:de:Liste der auslaufenden deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen|Liste der auslaufenden deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen]]'' {{de icon}} List of no longer issued registration codes
* ''[[:de:Liste der deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen (historisch)|Liste der deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen (historisch)]]'' {{de icon}} List of repealed registration codes
* ''[[:de:Liste der Kfz-Kennzeichen in Deutschland|Liste der Kfz-Kennzeichen in Deutschland]]'' {{de icon}} List of currently issued registration codes

==References==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|License plates of Germany}}
*[http://www.theplateman.com German Number Plates, Also shows how they are made]
*[http://www.kennzeichengeschichte.de History of German license plates]
*[http://www.hegis.de/fed__rep__of_germany.htm More information about German car number plates and their history]
*[http://www.europeanplates.com/german-city-codes German City Codes, Complete City Code List]
*[http://www.license-plates.appspot.com Application to find which region/place in Germany the vehicle originates]
*[http://www.platesmania.com/de/ Photos of license plates of Germany]

{{Vehicle registration plates of Europe}}

[[Category:Vehicle registration plates by country|Germany]]
[[Category:Road transport in Germany]]

Vehicle registration plates of Germany

2015-11-08T12:12:35Z

Harry8: + Lünen

{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2014}}
'''German vehicle registration plates''' (''Kraftfahrzeug-Kennzeichen'' or, more colloquially, ''Nummernschilder'') indicate the place where the vehicle bearing them was once registered. Whenever German owners of a motor vehicle change their main place of residence within [[Germany]] or buy a car from a person living in a different city or [[Districts of Germany|county]] they have to have the vehicle documentation changed accordingly. In the process owners may opt for new license plates that reflect their place of residence or simply retain the old identifier and plates. The states of [[Hesse]], [[Schleswig-Holstein]], [[Brandenburg]], [[Saxony]], [[Thuringia]] and [[Northrhine-Westphalia]] were the first ones to create laws so that owners were not obliged anymore to change license plates if they were changing residence within the respective state. A nationwide law has since been passed by the federal government and it comes into effect on January 1, 2015.<ref>
{{cite web |url=http://www.vz-nrw.de/energie-und-verkehr#kfzkennzeichenhhauchfuerfrankfurter |title=Kfz-Kennzeichen: HH auch für Frankfurter |accessdate=2014-12-09 |author=Verbraucherzentrale Nordrhein-Westfalen e.V. |date=2014-12-02 }}
</ref> From this time on, it is generally not possible anymore to tell the owner's place of residence just from looking at the plates.

The option to be assigned temporary plates allows owners a financial saving in the case they have vehicles (e.g. motorcycles) which they intend to drive only during one particular part of the year. While temporary plates can only be used for the time printed on them and new ones have to be assigned and bought if the vehicle is supposed to be on public roads later on there is no need to renew regular plates periodically. German motor vehicle tax is paid independently of the license plates by annual direct debit from a bank account.

As of 2007, new number plates normally cost around €30, while the cost of de-registering a vehicle and re-registering it with new plates is between €10 and €40. The license plates themselves are not made by the registration office but by independent for-profit stores that are usually located in the same building as the registration office or close by. Upon successful registration the applicant is merely given a slip of paper with the assigned number that can be presented at any store that makes plates. Sometimes there are several stores in the vicinity of the registration office with prices for plates dropping the further the store is away from the registration office. Once the plates are made, which is a matter of minutes, the owner must return to the registration office with them, pay the costs for registration and then the required registration seal and safety test stickers are applied to the plates making them legal for use in traffic.

If ownership of a vehicle is permanently transferred to a new owner who lives in the same city/region then the registration number may remain unchanged. Administration fees are, however, still payable in respect of the necessary changes to the vehicle's official documentation. Many people however will change the license plates even if it is not necessary in order to personalize them.

==Format==
[[File:KFZmod.png|thumb|200px|right|The post-1994 German number plate format (FE-style)]]
[[File:Plate-KA-RR232.JPG|thumb|200px|right|The pre-1994 German number plate format (DIN-style), no longer issued but still in use.]]
[[File:Kfz-Kennzeichen in Deutschland.svg|thumb|300 px|Map of German districts and their license plate codes]]
The present German number plate format has been in use since 1994. As with many plates for countries within the [[European Union]], a blue strip on the left shows a shortened [[List of international vehicle registration codes|country code]] in white text ('''D''' for ''Deutschland'' = Germany) and the [[Flag of Europe]] (12 golden stars forming a circle on a blue background).

The rest of the license plate uses black print on a white background. Just after the country code strip is a one, two or three letter abbreviation, which represents the city or region where the car was registered, such as B for [[Berlin]]. These letters formerly coincide with the [[Districts of Germany|German districts]]. Since 2013 the letters were extended to former districts ([http://www.kfz.de/autokennzeichen/autokennzeichen_deutschland/ complete list]). In some cases an [[Urban districts of Germany|urban district]] and the surrounding non-urban district share the same letter code. Where this happens, the number of the following letters and digits is usually different. For example, the urban district of [[Straubing]] (SR) has one letter after the code (SR - A 123). The surrounding district [[Straubing-Bogen]] has two letters (SR - AB 123) after the code. However, these different systems are being used in fewer cases, as many cities that share their code with the surrounding rural districts have started using all codes for both districts without any distinction; the city of [[Regensburg]], for example, and the surrounding [[Regensburg (district)|rural district Regensburg]] used different systems only until 2007.

The number of letters in the city/region prefix code mostly reflects the size of the district. The basic idea was to even out the number of digits on all license plates, because the largest districts would have more digits after the prefix for more cars. The largest German cities generally only have one letter codes (B=[[Berlin]], M=[[Munich]], K=[[Cologne]] (''Köln''), F=[[Frankfurt]], L=[[Leipzig]], S=[[Stuttgart]]), most other districts in Germany have two or three letter codes. Therefore, cities or districts with fewer letters are generally assumed to be bigger and more important. Reflecting that, most districts tried to get a combination with fewer letters for their prefix code.

Districts in eastern Germany usually have more letters, for two reasons:
* Fewer people live in eastern German districts, so the number of cars registered is smaller and hence the use of three letter codes.
* With the introduction of the current system on 1 July 1956 in then West Germany including [[West Berlin|Berlin (West)]], letters had been reserved for all east German districts of that time. However, a lot of those districts were changed over the years, and in 1990 after [[German reunification]], many of the possible shorter combinations had already been used up in western Germany.

There are a number of exceptions e.g. Germany's second largest city [[Hamburg]] (HH, Hansestadt Hamburg, because of its historical membership in the [[Hanseatic League]], reflected already in its prefix used between 1906 and 1945). Similar is the case of the cities of [[Bremen]] and [[Bremerhaven]], forming the state [[Bremen (state)|Free Hanseatic City of Bremen]], sharing the common prefix HB (1906–1947, and again since 1956), differentiated by the number of letters and digits added.

In 1956 also [[Lübeck]] received its former prefix HL, already used between 1906 and 1937, when its statehood was abolished. In analogy to these three northwestern cities, but without historical examples of formerly issued prefixes, four northeastern Hanseatic cities, [[Greifswald]], [[Rostock]], [[Stralsund]] and [[Wismar]], chose the prefixes HGW, HRO, HST and HWI, since the shorter HG ([[Hochtaunuskreis]], capital: Bad Homburg vor der Höhe), HR ([[Schwalm-Eder-Kreis]], capital: [[Homberg (Efze)]]), HS ([[Kreis Heinsberg]]) and HW (Kreis Halle in Westphalia) were already taken by west German districts.

More west German districts have prefixes derived from the names of their capitals: [[Ammerland]] (WST, after Westerstede), [[Dithmarschen]] (HEI, after Heide in Dithmarschen), [[Harburg (district)|Harburg]] (WL, after Winsen upon Luhe), [[Herzogtum Lauenburg]] (RZ, after Ratzeburg) etc.

The letter "G" was reserved for the east German city of [[Gera]], although it is much smaller than the west German [[Gelsenkirchen]] ("GE"). The letter "L" had been reserved for Leipzig, but in 1977 it was assigned to the newly formed city of [[Lahn, Hesse|Lahn]], and the rural district [[Lahn-Dill-Kreis]]. This casts some light on how unlikely a reunification was regarded at that time. In 1990, Leipzig claimed back the letter "L", and it was reassigned, and Lahn-Dill-Kreis had to change to LDK.

The reason for this scheme is however not to display size or location, but simply to have enough combinations available within the maximum length of eight characters per plate.

After the location name there are the round vehicle safety test and registration seal stickers (see below) placed on top of each other. The registration sticker is the bottom one. For vehicles that are required to bear a front and rear plate the front plate nowadays only features the registration seal sticker. Before 2010, in which year the emission test became a part of the vehicle safety test, the hexagonal emission test sticker was placed above it. The stickers are followed by one or two usually random letters and one to four usually random numbers. The total quantity of letters and numbers on the plate is never higher than eight. Identifiers consisting of one letter with low numbers are normally reserved for motorcycle use since there is less space for plates on these vehicles.

A problem with this scheme is that the space between geographic identifier and random letters is a significant character and must be considered when writing down a number. For example, B MW 555 is not the same number as BM W 555. The confusion can be avoided by writing a hyphen after the city code, as in the old number plates, like B-MW 555. For this reason, the police will always radio the location name and spell out the next letters using the German [[German phonetic alphabet|telephone alphabet]], which varies somewhat from the English one. Thus, B MW 555 would be radioed as "[[Berlin]], Martha, Wilhelm, fünf-fünf-fünf" and BM W 555 as "[[Rhein-Erft-Kreis|Bergheim]], Wilhelm, fünf-fünf-fünf".

[[File:Toyota Celica Gr.A 002.JPG|thumb|The Köln-based Toyota Team Europe prepared Celica GT-Four rally car with Köln (Cologne) license plate. Note the plate starts with "K".]]

For an extra charge of €10.20 car owners can also register a personalized identifier. Car owners can only choose the numbers or letters instead of the random ones at the end, provided of course they are not yet taken and not a prohibited combination. For example, people living in the town of Pirna might choose ''PIR-AT 77'', "Pirat" being the [[German language|German]] for "pirate". [[Kiel]] is one of few places (others are Brake (capital of the district of [[Wesermarsch]]), Cham, Daun, Emden, Halle, Hamm, Heide, Herne, Hof, Kleve, Kusel, Lauf, Lünen, Pirna, Plön, Regen, Ulm, Unna and Wesel) where the number plate can be the city name: 'KI-EL'. In most cases of personalized plates people choose their initials and a number reflecting their birthdate. In this fashion fictional Mrs. Ulrike Mustermann, born May 2, 1965 and living in Essen would choose 'E UM 2565' for her car. Note that dates are given in the format DDMMYY in Germany.
|
Germany includes diacritical marks in the letters of some codes, that is the letters Ä, Ö and Ü. Such a thing is rarely done in other European countries, but also appears on regular [[Vehicle registration plates of Bosnia and Herzegovina|Bosnian]], [[Vehicle registration plates of Croatia|Croatian]] and [[Vehicle registration plates of Serbia|Serbian]](letters Č, Š and Ž), [[Vehicle registration plates of Finland|Åland registration plates]] (letter Å), as well as on [[Vehicle registration plates of Sweden#Personal plates|Swedish]] (letters Å, Ä and Ö) and [[Vehicle registration plates of Denmark|Danish]] (letters Å, Æ and Ø) personal registration plates. However, in Germany there are no two codes where the only difference is that one letter is A and Ä, O and Ö or U and Ü. The same holds for the letters O and Q, while the only pair of codes with the letters I and J is IL for Landkreis Ilmenau and JL for Landkreis Jerichower Land.

[[BMW]], owner of [[Mini (marque)|Mini]], registers all Mini press/marketing cars in the city of [[Minden]], which holds the code ''MI'', to get "MI-NI" number plates for the cars. BMW itself is based in Munich, yet "M-INI" plates are not possible to issue, as three letters after the district code are not permitted.

===Prohibited combinations===
Various combinations that could be considered politically unacceptable — mainly due to implications relating to [[Nazi Germany]] — are disallowed or otherwise avoided.<ref>[http://www.sueddeutsche.de/muenchen/behoerdenfehler-m-ah-ist-durchgerutscht-1.2683534 M-AH 8888 ist durchgerutscht] {{de icon}} ''[[Sueddeutsche Zeitung]]'', published: 9 October 2015, accessed: 9 October 2015</ref> The district [[Sächsische Schweiz]] uses the name of its main town, Pirna, in its code ''PIR'', to avoid the use of ''[[Schutzstaffel|SS]]'', the name of the paramilitary organization; similarly ''[[Sturmabteilung|SA]]'' is also unused. Although between 1945 and 1949 the French occupation force used the combination SA followed by the double-digit numbers 01 to 08 for the then seven rural districts in the [[Saar (protectorate)|Saar Protectorate]] and its capital [[Saarbrücken]]. In 2004 in [[Nuremberg]], a car owner was refused a number plate beginning N-PD because of the connection to the political party the [[National Democratic Party of Germany|NPD]].{{Citation needed|date=January 2010}} The combinations [[Starnberg (district)|STA]]-SI, [[Dithmarschen|HEI]]-L and [[Steinburg|IZ]]-AN are also avoided, to avoid association with [[Stasi]], with the [[Nazi salute]] and with NAZI backwards.

[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen mit Erkennungsnummer NS.jpg||thumb|200px|right|Example of banned combination (NS) which was issued accidentally.]]
Banned combinations also include the Nazi abbreviations HJ (''Hitlerjugend'', [[Hitler Youth]]), NS (''Nationalsozialismus'', [[Nazism|National Socialism]]), SA (''[[Sturmabteilung]]''), SS (''[[Schutzstaffel]]'') and KZ (''Konzentrationslager'', [[Internment|concentration camp]]). Some registration offices have overlooked this rule by mistake, however, and there are a few cars registered carrying prohibited codes, such as ''B-SS 12''. Some counties also allow these combinations if they are the initials of the owner (e.g., '''N'''orbert '''S'''chmidt might be able to get XX-NS 1234), but in this case, if the car is sold and re-registered in the same county by the new owner, the number can be changed (otherwise the number stays with the car until it registered in a different area). However, the combination ''HH'' (which could be interpreted as ''[[Nazi salute|Heil Hitler]]'') is used for the city of [[Hamburg]], first introduced in 1906. It stands for the city's title ''Hansestadt Hamburg'' ([[Hanseatic League|Hanseatic]] City of Hamburg).

===History===
The first German licence plates that had a lettering plan were issued from 1906 onwards. Berlin for example was using I A (I for Prussia), Munich II A (II for Bavaria), Stuttgart III A (III for [[Free People's State of Württemberg|Württemberg]]). Other German states used further Roman numbers such as IV ([[Republic of Baden|Baden]]), V ([[People's State of Hesse|Hesse]]), and VI ([[Alsace-Lorraine]]; now France). Many states used prefixes derived from the state names, such as B ([[Free State of Brunswick|Brunswick]]), HB (Bremen), HH (Hamburg), and HL ([[Free City of Lübeck|Lübeck]]), the latter three used again for the same entities since 1956. Other bigger cities: IV B Baden (Heidelberg, Mannheim, Karlsruhe, Freiburg, Lake Constance), II N cities of [[Nuremberg]] and [[Fürth]]. The Prussian provinces had the following prefixes: I E [[Province of Brandenburg]] (to a minor part now Poland), I C [[Province of East Prussia]] (now divided between Lithuania, Poland and Russia), I S [[Province of Hannover]], I T [[Province of Hesse-Nassau]] (Today Frankfurt, State of Hessen and neighboring counties), I L [[Province of Hohenzollern]], I Z [[Rhine Province]] (Cologne, Düsseldorf and other large cities in the Ruhr Area), I H [[Province of Pomerania (1815–1945)|Province of Pomerania]] (now prevailingly Poland), I Y [[Province of Posen]] (now Poland), I B Province of [[Posen-West Prussia]] (now Poland), I M [[Province of Saxony]], I P [[Province of Schleswig-Holstein]], I K [[Province of Silesia]] (now mostly Poland), I X [[Province of Westphalia]], and finally I D [[Province of West Prussia]] (now Poland).

During World War I the German Army was assigned the combination MK for "Militärkraftwagen des Deutschen Heeres", military vehicles of the German Army. After WWI, during the Weimar Republic, the German Army used RW for "Reichswehr".

During the Nazi regime (1933–1945) new combinations were issued: DR, [[Deutsche Reichsbahn]] (German state railway); OT, [[Organisation Todt]] (civil and military engineering); POL, Deutsche Polizei (police); RAD, [[Reichsarbeitsdienst]] (state labour service); RK, [[German Red Cross|Deutsches Rotes Kreuz]] (Red Cross); SS, [[Schutzstaffel]] ("protection squadron"); WH, [[Wehrmacht]] Heer (army); WL, Wehrmacht Luftwaffe (air force); WM, Wehrmacht Kriegsmarine (navy); WT, Wehrmacht Straßentransportdienst (army transport service).

From 1945 to 1956 there were lettering combinations assigned by the allied forces. Examples:
BY [[Bavaria|Bavaria (Bayern)]] 1946–1947, AB Bavaria (American Zone, Bavaria) 1948–1956, B Bavaria 1950–1956.
HE [[Hesse]] 1946–1947, AH Hesse (American Zone, Hesse) 1948–1956, H Hesse, 1950–1956.
AW Württemberg-Baden 1948–1956, W Württemberg-Baden, 1950–1956, WB Württemberg-Baden 1950–1956.
БM (=BM, for motor bikes) 1945–1946, ГФ (=GF; cars, lorries, and busses) Berlin 1945–1946, БГ (=BG; cars, lorries, and busses) Berlin 1945–1947, ГM (=GM, for motor bikes) Berlin 1945–1947, KB Berlin 1947–1948, GB East-Berlin 1948–1953, KB West-Berlin 1948-1956.
MGH Hamburg 1945, H Hamburg 1945–1947, HG Hamburg 1947, BH Hamburg 1948–1956.
BD Baden 1945–1949, FB Baden 1949–1956.
WT Württemberg-Hohenzollern 1945–1949, FW Württemberg-Hohenzollern 1949–1956.

In 1956 the current system was introduced in then West Germany, replacing the post-war system which was based on [[Allied Occupation Zones in Germany|occupation zones]].

As West German districts were extensively rearranged in the early 1970s, many prefix codes expired and new ones were created at that time. However, number plates issued before these rearrangements remain valid, providing the vehicle is still in use and has not been reregistered since. So it was still possible, if rare, to see a [[classic car]] with registration codes of administrative units that have not existed for over 30 years (e.g. EIN = [[Einbeck]]). Since late 2011 some districts allow reissuing on request of these expired prefix codes, e.g. instead of WES- in the district of Wesel, MO- as used for the former district of Moers.

When originally planned, the system included codes for districts in Eastern Germany which were to be reserved until [[German reunification|reunification]]. That included the territory of the [[German Democratic Republic|GDR]] as well as the territories [[Oder-Neisse line|annexed]] to [[Poland]] and the [[Soviet Union]] after [[World War II]], which West Germany's government still claimed in that era until about 1970. When reunification came in 1990, the reserved codes (e.g. P for [[Potsdam]]) were indeed issued to East German districts as originally planned and as they existed at that time. However, districts in East Germany were rearranged again in the mid-1990s, thus many of these codes have expired, but can likewise still be seen on older vehicles.

One example of a reserved code being reused before reunification was the letter L which was originally planned for [[Leipzig]], but was given to the newly formed [[Hesse|Hessian]] district [[Lahn-Dill-Kreis]] in the 1980s as hopes for reunification faded away. After the rather unexpected reunification the L was returned to the city of Leipzig and the Lahn-Dill-Kreis was issued with LDK instead after a transitional period when L was in use in both districts.

Another reserved code was G for [[Gera]]. In the 1980s the West German TV series "Der Fahnder"[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088517/] G was an imaginary large city in the [[Ruhrgebiet]] area.

===Typeface===
Modern German plates use a typeface called [[FE-Schrift]] ("fälschungserschwerende Schrift", tamper-hindering script). It is designed so that the ''O'' cannot be painted to look like a ''Q'', and vice versa; nor can the ''P'' be painted to resemble an ''R'', among other changes. This typeface can also more easily be read by [[optical character recognition]] software for [[automatic number plate recognition]] than the old [[DIN 1451]] script.

===Special codes===
Certain types of vehicle bear special codes:
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für historische Fahrzeuge (H-Kennzeichen).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Plate for vintage cars]]
* '''[[Classic car]]s''' (known in German by the [[pseudo-English]] expression ''Oldtimer'') can get an H (''historisch'', [[Antique vehicle registration|historic]]) at the end of the plate, such as ''[[Cologne|K]]-AA 100H'' in order to preserve the so-called "vehicle of cultural value" ("kraftfahrtechnisches Kulturgut"). It also includes a flat tax of appr. [[euro|€]]190 per year. It is popular to choose the digits so that they indicate the car's year of manufacture. The requirements for a vehicle for an H-Plate are:
**The first documented registration lies at least 30 years in the past.
**The car must be in mostly original and preservation worthy condition. Preservation worthy means a grade C by popular car grading standards. The older the car, the more signs of usage it can show. This purely concerns the car's appearance, the road worthiness is established by separate mandatory safety inspections. Universally accepted modifications include changes that benefit safety, such as seat belts and disc brakes, and environmental friendliness, such as catalytic converters and LPG conversions (if invisible from the outside). Further modifications that are generally accepted are those contemporary of the car's first registration (plus and minus 10 years, burden of proof lies with the owner through historic material such as photographs) and new paintjobs of any color, including two tone paint if originally offered and historic company logos, but no murals or custom patterns.
[[File:GERMANY, DACHAU motorcycle license plate seasonal - Flickr - woody1778a.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Seasonal number plate, registration valid from 1st March to 31st October of each year]]
* Cars (or more often, motorbikes) with '''seasonal number plates''' have two numbers at the end of the plate indicating the months between which they are registered to drive, with the licence being valid from the start of the upper month until the end of the lower month. This results in lower car taxes, as well lower insurance premiums.
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für Behördenfahrzeuge (Nummernbereich 3).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Official registered vehicle (here: fire brigade)]]
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für Behördenfahrzeuge (Nummernbereich 8).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Official registered vehicle for disaster relief]]
* Until the legal reforms of 2006, '''Official cars''' such as police, fire fighting and municipality vehicles did not carry a letter after the sticker, such as ''M-1234''. These included:
** vehicles of the district government: 1-199, 1000-1999, 10000-19999
** vehicles of the local government (for example: fire brigade): 200-299, 2000-2999, 20000-29999, 300-399
** police: 3000-3999, 7000-7999, 30000-39999, 70000-79999
** disaster relief (mostly changed "THW", see below): 8000-8999, 80000-89999

This style of plate is no longer issued, but many official vehicles which were registered before 2006 still carry this type of plate.

A similar style of issue is used by some municipalities to '''consular or diplomatic vehicles''' in the form Aaa-9NNn (example: D-921). Unlike the other style of diplomatic/consular plates issued in Berlin and Bonn, this plate does not indicate the nationality of the mission.

[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für steuerbefreite Fahrzeuge (grüne Schrift).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Plate for tax-exempt vehicles]]
* Vehicles which are '''exempt from vehicle taxes''' (for example [[ambulance]]s, [[tractor]]s, agricultural trailers, trailers for boats or trailers for gliders) have green print on a white background plate. Regular trailers for lorries can be exempted from tax if the owner agrees to pay an increased tax on the vehicle which tows the trailer. There is also a tax exemption for trailers for which the owner agrees to hand over his trailer without payment to the armed forces (if Germany is in a state of emergency or defence).
[[File:Deutsches Kurzzeit-KFZ-Kennzeichen.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Special temporary plate for vehicles in Germany (Kurzzeit-Kennzeichen)]]
* Vehicles which have '''not been registered''' (because they are for transfer within Germany) have to carry short-term plates valid only for five days. The code starts with the numbers ''04'', e.g. ''DD-04000'', and the plate has a yellow strip on the right showing when they are valid. The date is listed numerically, on three lines, reading day, month, year, with two digits each. The vehicle need not have a valid technical inspection, however it must be technically fit to be operated in public. Insurance premiums are quite high, appr. [[euro|€]]100 for the above-mentioned 5 days. Most insurance companies credit this premium if the car is registered as a normal car with the same insurance company after these 5 days.
[[File:Rotes DIN-Kennzeichen 06.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Special plate (red colour, old DIN-style) for dealer's cars for test drives. (Registration office: Würzburg)]]
* '''[[Car dealership|Car dealer]]s'''' plates are in red print on a white background, and the code begins with ''06''. Red plates may be attached to cars which are changing hands, such as the test run of unregistered cars, and the [[liability insurance]] is connected to the plate, not a specific car.
* '''Car collectors''': Red plates starting with the number 07 are reserved for collectors of vintage cars. Originally, vintage cars had a required minimum age of 20 years from first registering. Since April 2007 onwards the required minimum age has been 30 years. Plates issued under the old 20 years rule remained valid after this date. The collectors must get an official certificate of approval (such as no criminal records). They are allowed to use one set of plates on any of their cars under the condition that they keep a strict record of use. No day-to-day use of the cars is allowed. A valid official technical inspection is not mandatory but the cars have to be technical fit for use on public roads.
[[File:Deutsche Ausfuhr-Kfz-Kennzeichen (Export).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Special plate for vehicles to be exported (Ausfuhrkennzeichen)]]
[[File:License plate of Germany for export vehicles.png|thumb|200px|right|Former special plate for vehicles to be exported (Zollkennzeichen) - no longer in use. It was replaced by the Ausfuhrkennzeichen in the 1980s]]
*'''Export plates''' (also known as "Ausfuhrkennzeichen", customs plates) are used for exporting vehicles abroad. The plates are the only ones which do not have the blue Euro strip on the left and the owner does not have to be a German resident to register the car. The date on the red strip on the right hand side does not show the expiration date of the plate; instead it shows the expiration date of the vehicle insurance. After this date the vehicle must have left Germany.
[[File:Deutsches Diplomatenkennzeichen (Indonesien).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Diplomatic plate (Indonesian embassy in Berlin)]]
[[File:Licenseplate of limousine.png|thumb|200px|Plate of the German Chancellor]]
* '''Diplomatic plates''': plates of cars covered by [[diplomatic immunity]] have the digit ''0'' (Zero) on the left instead of the registration location code.
*'''Highest state offices:''' The [[President of Germany|President]] uses the license plate 0-1, the [[Chancellor of Germany (Federal Republic)|Chancellor]] uses 0-2, the [[Minister for Foreign Affairs (Germany)|Foreign Minister]] uses 0-3 and the ''First [[Secretary of State#Germany|State Secretary]] of the [[Foreign Office (Germany)|Foreign Office]]'' (i.e. the Foreign Minister's deputy) uses 0-4. The [[President of the Bundestag|President of the Parliament]] uses 1-1. This reflects the fact that the Parliament's President is not part of the executive branch but still ranks higher in (symbolic) importance than the Chancellor. These vehicles are tax-exempt and need not to be insured since the German government acts as insurer.
[[File:Deutsches Bundeswehr-Kfz-Kennzeichen.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Bundeswehr (armed forces)]]
* '''[[Bundeswehr|The military]]''' uses old style non-reflecting plates with a dash between the two circles. The German flag is shown, instead of the blue EU strip. Military plates use the letter ''Y'', rather than a city indicator (no German city name starts with a Y). After the ''Y'' comes a six-digit number (or five digits for motorcycles), for example ''Y-123456''. These vehicles are tax-exempt and need not to be insured since the German government acts as insurer. There is also no mandatory technical inspection required but the Armed Forces carry out a regular internal inspection on these vehicles similar to the official inspection.

* Military vehicles which are used by the '''[[Nato]] headquarters''' in Germany use the same design as the Y-plates except they carry the letter ''X'' followed by a four-digit number, for example ''X-1234''
[[File:Kfz-Kennzeichen THW.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Official registered vehicle for [[Technisches Hilfswerk]] (German Federal Agency for Technical Relief)]]
* Some branches of the '''federal government''' and '''[[States of Germany|federal state]] governments''' use the abbreviations of their names instead of a city code. Example: the [[Technisches Hilfswerk]] (German Federal Agency for Technical Relief) uses its abbreviation ''THW'', so the plates read ''THW-80000'', for example. All numbers on THW plates start either with the digit 8 or 9. Before the [[Deutsche Bundesbahn]] (''German National Railways'') and the [[Deutsche Bundespost|Deutsche '''B'''undes'''p'''ost]] (''Federal Post Office'') were privatised, they used the abbreviations ''DB'' and ''BP'' (e.g. ''DB-12345'', ''BP-12345''). The Wasser- und Schifffahrtsverwaltung des Bundes (''Federal Water and Ship Transport Authority'') uses '''BW''' followed by a digit identifying the region of the office (from 1=north to 7=south).
[[File:Deutsches Bundes-Kennzeichen BW6-602.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Wasser- und Schifffahrtsverwaltung des Bundes, here South Office in [[Würzburg]]]]
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für Bundespolizei.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Bundespolizei (Federal Police), code in use since 2005]]
* The '''[[German Federal Police|federal police]]''' uses the code ''BP'' instead of the local code. Before 2006 they used the code ''BG'' (former name: ''[[Bundesgrenzschutz|'''B'''undes'''g'''renzschutz]]'') (BG-#####), this old code remains still valid, only new vehicles will get the new "BP"-code.
* The '''[[North Rhine-Westphalia Police|Police]] of [[North Rhine-Westphalia]]''' uses ''NRW 4'', ''NRW 5'' and, for motorbikes, ''NRW 6'' as the local code. This is followed by a four-digit number (e.g. NRW 4-1960). ''4'', ''5'' and ''6'' stand for the State Ministry of the Interior.
*'''Light motorised vehicles''' such as mopeds and motorised wheelchairs are required to have a registration plate, see next section.

==Insurance plates==
[[File:Versicherungskennzeichen.jpg|thumb|Insurance plates; the colour of the letters is changed every year.]]
The ''{{lang|de|Versicherungskennzeichen}}'' ("insurance plate" ) used for mopeds and other small, low-power vehicles (such as vehicles for the physically handicapped, with a maximum speed of {{convert|50|km/h|disp=comma|abbr=on}}). The system is three digits on the top and three letters beneath. The number and the letters are chosen randomly so personalizing the plates is not possible. Plates are much smaller than the plates for normal cars and are only valid for one year from 1 March till the end of February the following year. Those plates are sold by insurance companies, so the fee included both the registration, and the cost of one year's insurance for the vehicle. There are four colours used: black, blue, green for normal plates, and red for temporary use, such as testing (very rare). The first three colours are changed every year in order to make it easy to see whether the vehicle has the correct plate and insurance.

:{| class="wikitable"
|+ Colours of the insurance plates from 1 March onwards of each year
! colspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | Colour
! colspan="9" style="text-align: center;" | Year
|-
| style="background-color: #0a0a0d;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 9005]] (''{{lang|de|Tiefschwarz}}'', Jet black)
| 1990
| 1993
| 1996
| 1999
| 2002
| 2005
| 2008
| 2011
| 2014
|-
| style="background-color: #3481b8;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 5012]] (''{{lang|de|Lichtblau}}'', Light blue)
| 1991
| 1994
| 1997
| 2000
| 2003
| 2006
| 2009
| 2012
| 2015
|-
| style="background-color: #3E753B;"| {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 6010]] (''{{lang|de|Grasgrün}}'', Grass green)
| 1992
| 1995
| 1998
| 2001
| 2004
| 2007
| 2010
| 2013
| 2016
|}

==Emission, safety test and registration sticker==

Emission test (front plate) and vehicle safety test (rear plate) stickers were also attached to the plate before 2010, in which year the emission sticker became obsolete as the emission test was incorporated into the safety test and was not performed separately anymore. The expiration date can be figured out as follows: The year is in the centre of the sticker, and the stickers are attached with the month of expiration pointing upwards. The black marking on the side (near the 12) thus makes it easy for the police to see the expiration month from a distance. Like a clock, the marking shows the same position of a number on the face of a clock. For example, the black marking is on the left side, so it is the ninth month (or 9 o'clock) and hence the expiry date is 30 September. The six possible colors code for the year when the next safety test is due and repeat once a six-year period has passed.

The lower sticker is the official seal of registration. It always carries the seal of the respective German ''{{lang|de|[[States of Germany|Bundesland]]}}'' with the city or district of issuance being added in print. Some seals carry the German ''{{lang|de|[[Coat of arms of Germany|Bundesadler]]}}'' instead of a Bundesland's seal, such as numberplates used on [[Federal Police (Germany)|Bundespolizei]] vehicles.

All these stickers are specially treated to be easily transferred onto the licence plates, but hard to be removed without damaging the plate itself, making them relatively counterfeit-proof.

Cars found in a public place where the owner did not pay insurance for more than three months (as reported to the police by the insurance company) may get '''''{{lang|de|entstempelt}}''''', that means, '''unstamped''': The police will remove the state's official seal using a scratching tool (mostly a screwdriver), leaving the plate without a valid seal, and it will be illegal to even leave that car parked on public ground, unless insurance is paid and plates are fitted with a new official seal.

Once a plate is invalid, the seal of registration is defaced by a qualified officer. After that, the plates are often sold to collectors on online shopping sites, such as [[eBay]].

When owners choose to deregister their vehicle the officer at the local authority will want to see the license plates with defaced seals on them as proof that no legal plate with this identifier can be found in public anymore. For this purpose special machines are available for use at the office. Once defaced the plates may only be used legally on public roads for the one ride back to the owner's place.
This is the recommended procedure for selling a car. Alternatively the seller may hand out their car with valid license plates and papers still in their name to the new owner thus giving them the responsibility to register the car in their name shortly. In a scenario without a proper sales contract the seller may become liable when the buyer commits criminal acts related to the car or plates and thus it is generally not recommended to sell used cars with license plates.

Motorcycles carry only the rear plate.

<gallery>
File:Plakette Abgassonderuntersuchung.png | Emission test sticker (before 2010)
File:Plakette Hauptuntersuchung.svg | Safety test sticker
File:Zulassungsplakette Coburg.png | Registration seal ([[Coburg]], Bavaria)
File:Kfz-Kennzeichen Deutschland - Toepfchensiegel.jpg | Safety test and registration seal ([[Fürth]], Bavaria)
</gallery>

[[File:Defacedgermanplate.JPG|thumb|200px|right|Example of a defaced plate — notice how the bottom seal is completely gone, due to scraping. From [[Kronach]].]]
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Colours of the emission test (before 2010) and vehicle safety test stickers
! colspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | Colour
! colspan="8" style="text-align: center;" | Year
|-
| style="background-color: #dd7907;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 2000]] (''{{lang|de|Gelborange}}'', Yellow-orange)
| —
| 1979
| 1983
| 1989
| 1995
| 2001
| 2007
| 2013
|-
| style="background-color: #2874b2;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 5015]] (''{{lang|de|Himmelblau}}'', Sky blue)
| —
| 1978
| 1984
| 1990
| 1996
| 2002
| 2008
| 2014
|-
| style="background-color: #d9c022;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 1012]] (''{{lang|de|Zitronengelb}}'', Lemon yellow)
| —
| 1977
| 1985
| 1991
| 1997
| 2003
| 2009
| 2015
|-
| style="background-color: #8f4e35;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 8004]] (''{{lang|de|Kupferbraun}}'', Copper brown)
| 1974
| 1980
| 1986
| 1992
| 1998
| 2004
| 2010
| 2016
|-
| style="background-color: #e1a6ad;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 3015]] (''{{lang|de|Hellrosa}}'', Light pink)
| 1975
| 1981
| 1987
| 1993
| 1999
| 2005
| 2011
| 2017
|-
| style="background-color: #48a43f;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 6018]] (''{{lang|de|Gelbgrün}}'', Yellow-green)
| 1976
| 1982
| 1988
| 1994
| 2000
| 2006
| 2012
| 2018
|}

==See also==
* [[Vehicle registration plates of the German Democratic Republic]]
* [[Vehicle registration plates of the United States Army in Germany]]

* ''[[:de:Liste aller Kfz-Kennzeichen der Bundesrepublik Deutschland|Liste aller Kfz-Kennzeichen der Bundesrepublik Deutschland]]'' {{de icon}} List of all registration codes issued under the current registration system
* ''[[:de:Liste der auslaufenden deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen|Liste der auslaufenden deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen]]'' {{de icon}} List of no longer issued registration codes
* ''[[:de:Liste der deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen (historisch)|Liste der deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen (historisch)]]'' {{de icon}} List of repealed registration codes
* ''[[:de:Liste der Kfz-Kennzeichen in Deutschland|Liste der Kfz-Kennzeichen in Deutschland]]'' {{de icon}} List of currently issued registration codes

==References==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|License plates of Germany}}
*[http://www.theplateman.com German Number Plates, Also shows how they are made]
*[http://www.kennzeichengeschichte.de History of German license plates]
*[http://www.hegis.de/fed__rep__of_germany.htm More information about German car number plates and their history]
*[http://www.europeanplates.com/german-city-codes German City Codes, Complete City Code List]
*[http://www.license-plates.appspot.com Application to find which region/place in Germany the vehicle originates]
*[http://www.platesmania.com/de/ Photos of license plates of Germany]

{{Vehicle registration plates of Europe}}

[[Category:Vehicle registration plates by country|Germany]]
[[Category:Road transport in Germany]]

Vehicle registration plates of Germany

2015-11-08T12:08:50Z

Harry8: city of Lahn

{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2014}}
'''German vehicle registration plates''' (''Kraftfahrzeug-Kennzeichen'' or, more colloquially, ''Nummernschilder'') indicate the place where the vehicle bearing them was once registered. Whenever German owners of a motor vehicle change their main place of residence within [[Germany]] or buy a car from a person living in a different city or [[Districts of Germany|county]] they have to have the vehicle documentation changed accordingly. In the process owners may opt for new license plates that reflect their place of residence or simply retain the old identifier and plates. The states of [[Hesse]], [[Schleswig-Holstein]], [[Brandenburg]], [[Saxony]], [[Thuringia]] and [[Northrhine-Westphalia]] were the first ones to create laws so that owners were not obliged anymore to change license plates if they were changing residence within the respective state. A nationwide law has since been passed by the federal government and it comes into effect on January 1, 2015.<ref>
{{cite web |url=http://www.vz-nrw.de/energie-und-verkehr#kfzkennzeichenhhauchfuerfrankfurter |title=Kfz-Kennzeichen: HH auch für Frankfurter |accessdate=2014-12-09 |author=Verbraucherzentrale Nordrhein-Westfalen e.V. |date=2014-12-02 }}
</ref> From this time on, it is generally not possible anymore to tell the owner's place of residence just from looking at the plates.

The option to be assigned temporary plates allows owners a financial saving in the case they have vehicles (e.g. motorcycles) which they intend to drive only during one particular part of the year. While temporary plates can only be used for the time printed on them and new ones have to be assigned and bought if the vehicle is supposed to be on public roads later on there is no need to renew regular plates periodically. German motor vehicle tax is paid independently of the license plates by annual direct debit from a bank account.

As of 2007, new number plates normally cost around €30, while the cost of de-registering a vehicle and re-registering it with new plates is between €10 and €40. The license plates themselves are not made by the registration office but by independent for-profit stores that are usually located in the same building as the registration office or close by. Upon successful registration the applicant is merely given a slip of paper with the assigned number that can be presented at any store that makes plates. Sometimes there are several stores in the vicinity of the registration office with prices for plates dropping the further the store is away from the registration office. Once the plates are made, which is a matter of minutes, the owner must return to the registration office with them, pay the costs for registration and then the required registration seal and safety test stickers are applied to the plates making them legal for use in traffic.

If ownership of a vehicle is permanently transferred to a new owner who lives in the same city/region then the registration number may remain unchanged. Administration fees are, however, still payable in respect of the necessary changes to the vehicle's official documentation. Many people however will change the license plates even if it is not necessary in order to personalize them.

==Format==
[[File:KFZmod.png|thumb|200px|right|The post-1994 German number plate format (FE-style)]]
[[File:Plate-KA-RR232.JPG|thumb|200px|right|The pre-1994 German number plate format (DIN-style), no longer issued but still in use.]]
[[File:Kfz-Kennzeichen in Deutschland.svg|thumb|300 px|Map of German districts and their license plate codes]]
The present German number plate format has been in use since 1994. As with many plates for countries within the [[European Union]], a blue strip on the left shows a shortened [[List of international vehicle registration codes|country code]] in white text ('''D''' for ''Deutschland'' = Germany) and the [[Flag of Europe]] (12 golden stars forming a circle on a blue background).

The rest of the license plate uses black print on a white background. Just after the country code strip is a one, two or three letter abbreviation, which represents the city or region where the car was registered, such as B for [[Berlin]]. These letters formerly coincide with the [[Districts of Germany|German districts]]. Since 2013 the letters were extended to former districts ([http://www.kfz.de/autokennzeichen/autokennzeichen_deutschland/ complete list]). In some cases an [[Urban districts of Germany|urban district]] and the surrounding non-urban district share the same letter code. Where this happens, the number of the following letters and digits is usually different. For example, the urban district of [[Straubing]] (SR) has one letter after the code (SR - A 123). The surrounding district [[Straubing-Bogen]] has two letters (SR - AB 123) after the code. However, these different systems are being used in fewer cases, as many cities that share their code with the surrounding rural districts have started using all codes for both districts without any distinction; the city of [[Regensburg]], for example, and the surrounding [[Regensburg (district)|rural district Regensburg]] used different systems only until 2007.

The number of letters in the city/region prefix code mostly reflects the size of the district. The basic idea was to even out the number of digits on all license plates, because the largest districts would have more digits after the prefix for more cars. The largest German cities generally only have one letter codes (B=[[Berlin]], M=[[Munich]], K=[[Cologne]] (''Köln''), F=[[Frankfurt]], L=[[Leipzig]], S=[[Stuttgart]]), most other districts in Germany have two or three letter codes. Therefore, cities or districts with fewer letters are generally assumed to be bigger and more important. Reflecting that, most districts tried to get a combination with fewer letters for their prefix code.

Districts in eastern Germany usually have more letters, for two reasons:
* Fewer people live in eastern German districts, so the number of cars registered is smaller and hence the use of three letter codes.
* With the introduction of the current system on 1 July 1956 in then West Germany including [[West Berlin|Berlin (West)]], letters had been reserved for all east German districts of that time. However, a lot of those districts were changed over the years, and in 1990 after [[German reunification]], many of the possible shorter combinations had already been used up in western Germany.

There are a number of exceptions e.g. Germany's second largest city [[Hamburg]] (HH, Hansestadt Hamburg, because of its historical membership in the [[Hanseatic League]], reflected already in its prefix used between 1906 and 1945). Similar is the case of the cities of [[Bremen]] and [[Bremerhaven]], forming the state [[Bremen (state)|Free Hanseatic City of Bremen]], sharing the common prefix HB (1906–1947, and again since 1956), differentiated by the number of letters and digits added.

In 1956 also [[Lübeck]] received its former prefix HL, already used between 1906 and 1937, when its statehood was abolished. In analogy to these three northwestern cities, but without historical examples of formerly issued prefixes, four northeastern Hanseatic cities, [[Greifswald]], [[Rostock]], [[Stralsund]] and [[Wismar]], chose the prefixes HGW, HRO, HST and HWI, since the shorter HG ([[Hochtaunuskreis]], capital: Bad Homburg vor der Höhe), HR ([[Schwalm-Eder-Kreis]], capital: [[Homberg (Efze)]]), HS ([[Kreis Heinsberg]]) and HW (Kreis Halle in Westphalia) were already taken by west German districts.

More west German districts have prefixes derived from the names of their capitals: [[Ammerland]] (WST, after Westerstede), [[Dithmarschen]] (HEI, after Heide in Dithmarschen), [[Harburg (district)|Harburg]] (WL, after Winsen upon Luhe), [[Herzogtum Lauenburg]] (RZ, after Ratzeburg) etc.

The letter "G" was reserved for the east German city of [[Gera]], although it is much smaller than the west German [[Gelsenkirchen]] ("GE"). The letter "L" had been reserved for Leipzig, but in 1977 it was assigned to the newly formed city of [[Lahn, Hesse|Lahn]], and the rural district [[Lahn-Dill-Kreis]]. This casts some light on how unlikely a reunification was regarded at that time. In 1990, Leipzig claimed back the letter "L", and it was reassigned, and Lahn-Dill-Kreis had to change to LDK.

The reason for this scheme is however not to display size or location, but simply to have enough combinations available within the maximum length of eight characters per plate.

After the location name there are the round vehicle safety test and registration seal stickers (see below) placed on top of each other. The registration sticker is the bottom one. For vehicles that are required to bear a front and rear plate the front plate nowadays only features the registration seal sticker. Before 2010, in which year the emission test became a part of the vehicle safety test, the hexagonal emission test sticker was placed above it. The stickers are followed by one or two usually random letters and one to four usually random numbers. The total quantity of letters and numbers on the plate is never higher than eight. Identifiers consisting of one letter with low numbers are normally reserved for motorcycle use since there is less space for plates on these vehicles.

A problem with this scheme is that the space between geographic identifier and random letters is a significant character and must be considered when writing down a number. For example, B MW 555 is not the same number as BM W 555. The confusion can be avoided by writing a hyphen after the city code, as in the old number plates, like B-MW 555. For this reason, the police will always radio the location name and spell out the next letters using the German [[German phonetic alphabet|telephone alphabet]], which varies somewhat from the English one. Thus, B MW 555 would be radioed as "[[Berlin]], Martha, Wilhelm, fünf-fünf-fünf" and BM W 555 as "[[Rhein-Erft-Kreis|Bergheim]], Wilhelm, fünf-fünf-fünf".

[[File:Toyota Celica Gr.A 002.JPG|thumb|The Köln-based Toyota Team Europe prepared Celica GT-Four rally car with Köln (Cologne) license plate. Note the plate starts with "K".]]

For an extra charge of €10.20 car owners can also register a personalized identifier. Car owners can only choose the numbers or letters instead of the random ones at the end, provided of course they are not yet taken and not a prohibited combination. For example, people living in the town of Pirna might choose ''PIR-AT 77'', "Pirat" being the [[German language|German]] for "pirate". [[Kiel]] is one of few places (others are Brake (capital of the district of [[Wesermarsch]]), Cham, Daun, Emden, Halle, Hamm, Heide, Herne, Hof, Kleve, Kusel, Lauf, Pirna, Plön, Regen, Ulm, Unna and Wesel) where the number plate can be the city name: 'KI-EL'. In most cases of personalized plates people choose their initials and a number reflecting their birthdate. In this fashion fictional Mrs. Ulrike Mustermann, born May 2, 1965 and living in Essen would choose 'E UM 2565' for her car. Note that dates are given in the format DDMMYY in Germany.
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Germany includes diacritical marks in the letters of some codes, that is the letters Ä, Ö and Ü. Such a thing is rarely done in other European countries, but also appears on regular [[Vehicle registration plates of Bosnia and Herzegovina|Bosnian]], [[Vehicle registration plates of Croatia|Croatian]] and [[Vehicle registration plates of Serbia|Serbian]](letters Č, Š and Ž), [[Vehicle registration plates of Finland|Åland registration plates]] (letter Å), as well as on [[Vehicle registration plates of Sweden#Personal plates|Swedish]] (letters Å, Ä and Ö) and [[Vehicle registration plates of Denmark|Danish]] (letters Å, Æ and Ø) personal registration plates. However, in Germany there are no two codes where the only difference is that one letter is A and Ä, O and Ö or U and Ü. The same holds for the letters O and Q, while the only pair of codes with the letters I and J is IL for Landkreis Ilmenau and JL for Landkreis Jerichower Land.

[[BMW]], owner of [[Mini (marque)|Mini]], registers all Mini press/marketing cars in the city of [[Minden]], which holds the code ''MI'', to get "MI-NI" number plates for the cars. BMW itself is based in Munich, yet "M-INI" plates are not possible to issue, as three letters after the district code are not permitted.

===Prohibited combinations===
Various combinations that could be considered politically unacceptable — mainly due to implications relating to [[Nazi Germany]] — are disallowed or otherwise avoided.<ref>[http://www.sueddeutsche.de/muenchen/behoerdenfehler-m-ah-ist-durchgerutscht-1.2683534 M-AH 8888 ist durchgerutscht] {{de icon}} ''[[Sueddeutsche Zeitung]]'', published: 9 October 2015, accessed: 9 October 2015</ref> The district [[Sächsische Schweiz]] uses the name of its main town, Pirna, in its code ''PIR'', to avoid the use of ''[[Schutzstaffel|SS]]'', the name of the paramilitary organization; similarly ''[[Sturmabteilung|SA]]'' is also unused. Although between 1945 and 1949 the French occupation force used the combination SA followed by the double-digit numbers 01 to 08 for the then seven rural districts in the [[Saar (protectorate)|Saar Protectorate]] and its capital [[Saarbrücken]]. In 2004 in [[Nuremberg]], a car owner was refused a number plate beginning N-PD because of the connection to the political party the [[National Democratic Party of Germany|NPD]].{{Citation needed|date=January 2010}} The combinations [[Starnberg (district)|STA]]-SI, [[Dithmarschen|HEI]]-L and [[Steinburg|IZ]]-AN are also avoided, to avoid association with [[Stasi]], with the [[Nazi salute]] and with NAZI backwards.

[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen mit Erkennungsnummer NS.jpg||thumb|200px|right|Example of banned combination (NS) which was issued accidentally.]]
Banned combinations also include the Nazi abbreviations HJ (''Hitlerjugend'', [[Hitler Youth]]), NS (''Nationalsozialismus'', [[Nazism|National Socialism]]), SA (''[[Sturmabteilung]]''), SS (''[[Schutzstaffel]]'') and KZ (''Konzentrationslager'', [[Internment|concentration camp]]). Some registration offices have overlooked this rule by mistake, however, and there are a few cars registered carrying prohibited codes, such as ''B-SS 12''. Some counties also allow these combinations if they are the initials of the owner (e.g., '''N'''orbert '''S'''chmidt might be able to get XX-NS 1234), but in this case, if the car is sold and re-registered in the same county by the new owner, the number can be changed (otherwise the number stays with the car until it registered in a different area). However, the combination ''HH'' (which could be interpreted as ''[[Nazi salute|Heil Hitler]]'') is used for the city of [[Hamburg]], first introduced in 1906. It stands for the city's title ''Hansestadt Hamburg'' ([[Hanseatic League|Hanseatic]] City of Hamburg).

===History===
The first German licence plates that had a lettering plan were issued from 1906 onwards. Berlin for example was using I A (I for Prussia), Munich II A (II for Bavaria), Stuttgart III A (III for [[Free People's State of Württemberg|Württemberg]]). Other German states used further Roman numbers such as IV ([[Republic of Baden|Baden]]), V ([[People's State of Hesse|Hesse]]), and VI ([[Alsace-Lorraine]]; now France). Many states used prefixes derived from the state names, such as B ([[Free State of Brunswick|Brunswick]]), HB (Bremen), HH (Hamburg), and HL ([[Free City of Lübeck|Lübeck]]), the latter three used again for the same entities since 1956. Other bigger cities: IV B Baden (Heidelberg, Mannheim, Karlsruhe, Freiburg, Lake Constance), II N cities of [[Nuremberg]] and [[Fürth]]. The Prussian provinces had the following prefixes: I E [[Province of Brandenburg]] (to a minor part now Poland), I C [[Province of East Prussia]] (now divided between Lithuania, Poland and Russia), I S [[Province of Hannover]], I T [[Province of Hesse-Nassau]] (Today Frankfurt, State of Hessen and neighboring counties), I L [[Province of Hohenzollern]], I Z [[Rhine Province]] (Cologne, Düsseldorf and other large cities in the Ruhr Area), I H [[Province of Pomerania (1815–1945)|Province of Pomerania]] (now prevailingly Poland), I Y [[Province of Posen]] (now Poland), I B Province of [[Posen-West Prussia]] (now Poland), I M [[Province of Saxony]], I P [[Province of Schleswig-Holstein]], I K [[Province of Silesia]] (now mostly Poland), I X [[Province of Westphalia]], and finally I D [[Province of West Prussia]] (now Poland).

During World War I the German Army was assigned the combination MK for "Militärkraftwagen des Deutschen Heeres", military vehicles of the German Army. After WWI, during the Weimar Republic, the German Army used RW for "Reichswehr".

During the Nazi regime (1933–1945) new combinations were issued: DR, [[Deutsche Reichsbahn]] (German state railway); OT, [[Organisation Todt]] (civil and military engineering); POL, Deutsche Polizei (police); RAD, [[Reichsarbeitsdienst]] (state labour service); RK, [[German Red Cross|Deutsches Rotes Kreuz]] (Red Cross); SS, [[Schutzstaffel]] ("protection squadron"); WH, [[Wehrmacht]] Heer (army); WL, Wehrmacht Luftwaffe (air force); WM, Wehrmacht Kriegsmarine (navy); WT, Wehrmacht Straßentransportdienst (army transport service).

From 1945 to 1956 there were lettering combinations assigned by the allied forces. Examples:
BY [[Bavaria|Bavaria (Bayern)]] 1946–1947, AB Bavaria (American Zone, Bavaria) 1948–1956, B Bavaria 1950–1956.
HE [[Hesse]] 1946–1947, AH Hesse (American Zone, Hesse) 1948–1956, H Hesse, 1950–1956.
AW Württemberg-Baden 1948–1956, W Württemberg-Baden, 1950–1956, WB Württemberg-Baden 1950–1956.
БM (=BM, for motor bikes) 1945–1946, ГФ (=GF; cars, lorries, and busses) Berlin 1945–1946, БГ (=BG; cars, lorries, and busses) Berlin 1945–1947, ГM (=GM, for motor bikes) Berlin 1945–1947, KB Berlin 1947–1948, GB East-Berlin 1948–1953, KB West-Berlin 1948-1956.
MGH Hamburg 1945, H Hamburg 1945–1947, HG Hamburg 1947, BH Hamburg 1948–1956.
BD Baden 1945–1949, FB Baden 1949–1956.
WT Württemberg-Hohenzollern 1945–1949, FW Württemberg-Hohenzollern 1949–1956.

In 1956 the current system was introduced in then West Germany, replacing the post-war system which was based on [[Allied Occupation Zones in Germany|occupation zones]].

As West German districts were extensively rearranged in the early 1970s, many prefix codes expired and new ones were created at that time. However, number plates issued before these rearrangements remain valid, providing the vehicle is still in use and has not been reregistered since. So it was still possible, if rare, to see a [[classic car]] with registration codes of administrative units that have not existed for over 30 years (e.g. EIN = [[Einbeck]]). Since late 2011 some districts allow reissuing on request of these expired prefix codes, e.g. instead of WES- in the district of Wesel, MO- as used for the former district of Moers.

When originally planned, the system included codes for districts in Eastern Germany which were to be reserved until [[German reunification|reunification]]. That included the territory of the [[German Democratic Republic|GDR]] as well as the territories [[Oder-Neisse line|annexed]] to [[Poland]] and the [[Soviet Union]] after [[World War II]], which West Germany's government still claimed in that era until about 1970. When reunification came in 1990, the reserved codes (e.g. P for [[Potsdam]]) were indeed issued to East German districts as originally planned and as they existed at that time. However, districts in East Germany were rearranged again in the mid-1990s, thus many of these codes have expired, but can likewise still be seen on older vehicles.

One example of a reserved code being reused before reunification was the letter L which was originally planned for [[Leipzig]], but was given to the newly formed [[Hesse|Hessian]] district [[Lahn-Dill-Kreis]] in the 1980s as hopes for reunification faded away. After the rather unexpected reunification the L was returned to the city of Leipzig and the Lahn-Dill-Kreis was issued with LDK instead after a transitional period when L was in use in both districts.

Another reserved code was G for [[Gera]]. In the 1980s the West German TV series "Der Fahnder"[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088517/] G was an imaginary large city in the [[Ruhrgebiet]] area.

===Typeface===
Modern German plates use a typeface called [[FE-Schrift]] ("fälschungserschwerende Schrift", tamper-hindering script). It is designed so that the ''O'' cannot be painted to look like a ''Q'', and vice versa; nor can the ''P'' be painted to resemble an ''R'', among other changes. This typeface can also more easily be read by [[optical character recognition]] software for [[automatic number plate recognition]] than the old [[DIN 1451]] script.

===Special codes===
Certain types of vehicle bear special codes:
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für historische Fahrzeuge (H-Kennzeichen).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Plate for vintage cars]]
* '''[[Classic car]]s''' (known in German by the [[pseudo-English]] expression ''Oldtimer'') can get an H (''historisch'', [[Antique vehicle registration|historic]]) at the end of the plate, such as ''[[Cologne|K]]-AA 100H'' in order to preserve the so-called "vehicle of cultural value" ("kraftfahrtechnisches Kulturgut"). It also includes a flat tax of appr. [[euro|€]]190 per year. It is popular to choose the digits so that they indicate the car's year of manufacture. The requirements for a vehicle for an H-Plate are:
**The first documented registration lies at least 30 years in the past.
**The car must be in mostly original and preservation worthy condition. Preservation worthy means a grade C by popular car grading standards. The older the car, the more signs of usage it can show. This purely concerns the car's appearance, the road worthiness is established by separate mandatory safety inspections. Universally accepted modifications include changes that benefit safety, such as seat belts and disc brakes, and environmental friendliness, such as catalytic converters and LPG conversions (if invisible from the outside). Further modifications that are generally accepted are those contemporary of the car's first registration (plus and minus 10 years, burden of proof lies with the owner through historic material such as photographs) and new paintjobs of any color, including two tone paint if originally offered and historic company logos, but no murals or custom patterns.
[[File:GERMANY, DACHAU motorcycle license plate seasonal - Flickr - woody1778a.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Seasonal number plate, registration valid from 1st March to 31st October of each year]]
* Cars (or more often, motorbikes) with '''seasonal number plates''' have two numbers at the end of the plate indicating the months between which they are registered to drive, with the licence being valid from the start of the upper month until the end of the lower month. This results in lower car taxes, as well lower insurance premiums.
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für Behördenfahrzeuge (Nummernbereich 3).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Official registered vehicle (here: fire brigade)]]
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für Behördenfahrzeuge (Nummernbereich 8).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Official registered vehicle for disaster relief]]
* Until the legal reforms of 2006, '''Official cars''' such as police, fire fighting and municipality vehicles did not carry a letter after the sticker, such as ''M-1234''. These included:
** vehicles of the district government: 1-199, 1000-1999, 10000-19999
** vehicles of the local government (for example: fire brigade): 200-299, 2000-2999, 20000-29999, 300-399
** police: 3000-3999, 7000-7999, 30000-39999, 70000-79999
** disaster relief (mostly changed "THW", see below): 8000-8999, 80000-89999

This style of plate is no longer issued, but many official vehicles which were registered before 2006 still carry this type of plate.

A similar style of issue is used by some municipalities to '''consular or diplomatic vehicles''' in the form Aaa-9NNn (example: D-921). Unlike the other style of diplomatic/consular plates issued in Berlin and Bonn, this plate does not indicate the nationality of the mission.

[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für steuerbefreite Fahrzeuge (grüne Schrift).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Plate for tax-exempt vehicles]]
* Vehicles which are '''exempt from vehicle taxes''' (for example [[ambulance]]s, [[tractor]]s, agricultural trailers, trailers for boats or trailers for gliders) have green print on a white background plate. Regular trailers for lorries can be exempted from tax if the owner agrees to pay an increased tax on the vehicle which tows the trailer. There is also a tax exemption for trailers for which the owner agrees to hand over his trailer without payment to the armed forces (if Germany is in a state of emergency or defence).
[[File:Deutsches Kurzzeit-KFZ-Kennzeichen.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Special temporary plate for vehicles in Germany (Kurzzeit-Kennzeichen)]]
* Vehicles which have '''not been registered''' (because they are for transfer within Germany) have to carry short-term plates valid only for five days. The code starts with the numbers ''04'', e.g. ''DD-04000'', and the plate has a yellow strip on the right showing when they are valid. The date is listed numerically, on three lines, reading day, month, year, with two digits each. The vehicle need not have a valid technical inspection, however it must be technically fit to be operated in public. Insurance premiums are quite high, appr. [[euro|€]]100 for the above-mentioned 5 days. Most insurance companies credit this premium if the car is registered as a normal car with the same insurance company after these 5 days.
[[File:Rotes DIN-Kennzeichen 06.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Special plate (red colour, old DIN-style) for dealer's cars for test drives. (Registration office: Würzburg)]]
* '''[[Car dealership|Car dealer]]s'''' plates are in red print on a white background, and the code begins with ''06''. Red plates may be attached to cars which are changing hands, such as the test run of unregistered cars, and the [[liability insurance]] is connected to the plate, not a specific car.
* '''Car collectors''': Red plates starting with the number 07 are reserved for collectors of vintage cars. Originally, vintage cars had a required minimum age of 20 years from first registering. Since April 2007 onwards the required minimum age has been 30 years. Plates issued under the old 20 years rule remained valid after this date. The collectors must get an official certificate of approval (such as no criminal records). They are allowed to use one set of plates on any of their cars under the condition that they keep a strict record of use. No day-to-day use of the cars is allowed. A valid official technical inspection is not mandatory but the cars have to be technical fit for use on public roads.
[[File:Deutsche Ausfuhr-Kfz-Kennzeichen (Export).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Special plate for vehicles to be exported (Ausfuhrkennzeichen)]]
[[File:License plate of Germany for export vehicles.png|thumb|200px|right|Former special plate for vehicles to be exported (Zollkennzeichen) - no longer in use. It was replaced by the Ausfuhrkennzeichen in the 1980s]]
*'''Export plates''' (also known as "Ausfuhrkennzeichen", customs plates) are used for exporting vehicles abroad. The plates are the only ones which do not have the blue Euro strip on the left and the owner does not have to be a German resident to register the car. The date on the red strip on the right hand side does not show the expiration date of the plate; instead it shows the expiration date of the vehicle insurance. After this date the vehicle must have left Germany.
[[File:Deutsches Diplomatenkennzeichen (Indonesien).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Diplomatic plate (Indonesian embassy in Berlin)]]
[[File:Licenseplate of limousine.png|thumb|200px|Plate of the German Chancellor]]
* '''Diplomatic plates''': plates of cars covered by [[diplomatic immunity]] have the digit ''0'' (Zero) on the left instead of the registration location code.
*'''Highest state offices:''' The [[President of Germany|President]] uses the license plate 0-1, the [[Chancellor of Germany (Federal Republic)|Chancellor]] uses 0-2, the [[Minister for Foreign Affairs (Germany)|Foreign Minister]] uses 0-3 and the ''First [[Secretary of State#Germany|State Secretary]] of the [[Foreign Office (Germany)|Foreign Office]]'' (i.e. the Foreign Minister's deputy) uses 0-4. The [[President of the Bundestag|President of the Parliament]] uses 1-1. This reflects the fact that the Parliament's President is not part of the executive branch but still ranks higher in (symbolic) importance than the Chancellor. These vehicles are tax-exempt and need not to be insured since the German government acts as insurer.
[[File:Deutsches Bundeswehr-Kfz-Kennzeichen.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Bundeswehr (armed forces)]]
* '''[[Bundeswehr|The military]]''' uses old style non-reflecting plates with a dash between the two circles. The German flag is shown, instead of the blue EU strip. Military plates use the letter ''Y'', rather than a city indicator (no German city name starts with a Y). After the ''Y'' comes a six-digit number (or five digits for motorcycles), for example ''Y-123456''. These vehicles are tax-exempt and need not to be insured since the German government acts as insurer. There is also no mandatory technical inspection required but the Armed Forces carry out a regular internal inspection on these vehicles similar to the official inspection.

* Military vehicles which are used by the '''[[Nato]] headquarters''' in Germany use the same design as the Y-plates except they carry the letter ''X'' followed by a four-digit number, for example ''X-1234''
[[File:Kfz-Kennzeichen THW.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Official registered vehicle for [[Technisches Hilfswerk]] (German Federal Agency for Technical Relief)]]
* Some branches of the '''federal government''' and '''[[States of Germany|federal state]] governments''' use the abbreviations of their names instead of a city code. Example: the [[Technisches Hilfswerk]] (German Federal Agency for Technical Relief) uses its abbreviation ''THW'', so the plates read ''THW-80000'', for example. All numbers on THW plates start either with the digit 8 or 9. Before the [[Deutsche Bundesbahn]] (''German National Railways'') and the [[Deutsche Bundespost|Deutsche '''B'''undes'''p'''ost]] (''Federal Post Office'') were privatised, they used the abbreviations ''DB'' and ''BP'' (e.g. ''DB-12345'', ''BP-12345''). The Wasser- und Schifffahrtsverwaltung des Bundes (''Federal Water and Ship Transport Authority'') uses '''BW''' followed by a digit identifying the region of the office (from 1=north to 7=south).
[[File:Deutsches Bundes-Kennzeichen BW6-602.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Wasser- und Schifffahrtsverwaltung des Bundes, here South Office in [[Würzburg]]]]
[[File:Deutsches Kfz-Kennzeichen für Bundespolizei.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Bundespolizei (Federal Police), code in use since 2005]]
* The '''[[German Federal Police|federal police]]''' uses the code ''BP'' instead of the local code. Before 2006 they used the code ''BG'' (former name: ''[[Bundesgrenzschutz|'''B'''undes'''g'''renzschutz]]'') (BG-#####), this old code remains still valid, only new vehicles will get the new "BP"-code.
* The '''[[North Rhine-Westphalia Police|Police]] of [[North Rhine-Westphalia]]''' uses ''NRW 4'', ''NRW 5'' and, for motorbikes, ''NRW 6'' as the local code. This is followed by a four-digit number (e.g. NRW 4-1960). ''4'', ''5'' and ''6'' stand for the State Ministry of the Interior.
*'''Light motorised vehicles''' such as mopeds and motorised wheelchairs are required to have a registration plate, see next section.

==Insurance plates==
[[File:Versicherungskennzeichen.jpg|thumb|Insurance plates; the colour of the letters is changed every year.]]
The ''{{lang|de|Versicherungskennzeichen}}'' ("insurance plate" ) used for mopeds and other small, low-power vehicles (such as vehicles for the physically handicapped, with a maximum speed of {{convert|50|km/h|disp=comma|abbr=on}}). The system is three digits on the top and three letters beneath. The number and the letters are chosen randomly so personalizing the plates is not possible. Plates are much smaller than the plates for normal cars and are only valid for one year from 1 March till the end of February the following year. Those plates are sold by insurance companies, so the fee included both the registration, and the cost of one year's insurance for the vehicle. There are four colours used: black, blue, green for normal plates, and red for temporary use, such as testing (very rare). The first three colours are changed every year in order to make it easy to see whether the vehicle has the correct plate and insurance.

:{| class="wikitable"
|+ Colours of the insurance plates from 1 March onwards of each year
! colspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | Colour
! colspan="9" style="text-align: center;" | Year
|-
| style="background-color: #0a0a0d;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 9005]] (''{{lang|de|Tiefschwarz}}'', Jet black)
| 1990
| 1993
| 1996
| 1999
| 2002
| 2005
| 2008
| 2011
| 2014
|-
| style="background-color: #3481b8;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 5012]] (''{{lang|de|Lichtblau}}'', Light blue)
| 1991
| 1994
| 1997
| 2000
| 2003
| 2006
| 2009
| 2012
| 2015
|-
| style="background-color: #3E753B;"| {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 6010]] (''{{lang|de|Grasgrün}}'', Grass green)
| 1992
| 1995
| 1998
| 2001
| 2004
| 2007
| 2010
| 2013
| 2016
|}

==Emission, safety test and registration sticker==

Emission test (front plate) and vehicle safety test (rear plate) stickers were also attached to the plate before 2010, in which year the emission sticker became obsolete as the emission test was incorporated into the safety test and was not performed separately anymore. The expiration date can be figured out as follows: The year is in the centre of the sticker, and the stickers are attached with the month of expiration pointing upwards. The black marking on the side (near the 12) thus makes it easy for the police to see the expiration month from a distance. Like a clock, the marking shows the same position of a number on the face of a clock. For example, the black marking is on the left side, so it is the ninth month (or 9 o'clock) and hence the expiry date is 30 September. The six possible colors code for the year when the next safety test is due and repeat once a six-year period has passed.

The lower sticker is the official seal of registration. It always carries the seal of the respective German ''{{lang|de|[[States of Germany|Bundesland]]}}'' with the city or district of issuance being added in print. Some seals carry the German ''{{lang|de|[[Coat of arms of Germany|Bundesadler]]}}'' instead of a Bundesland's seal, such as numberplates used on [[Federal Police (Germany)|Bundespolizei]] vehicles.

All these stickers are specially treated to be easily transferred onto the licence plates, but hard to be removed without damaging the plate itself, making them relatively counterfeit-proof.

Cars found in a public place where the owner did not pay insurance for more than three months (as reported to the police by the insurance company) may get '''''{{lang|de|entstempelt}}''''', that means, '''unstamped''': The police will remove the state's official seal using a scratching tool (mostly a screwdriver), leaving the plate without a valid seal, and it will be illegal to even leave that car parked on public ground, unless insurance is paid and plates are fitted with a new official seal.

Once a plate is invalid, the seal of registration is defaced by a qualified officer. After that, the plates are often sold to collectors on online shopping sites, such as [[eBay]].

When owners choose to deregister their vehicle the officer at the local authority will want to see the license plates with defaced seals on them as proof that no legal plate with this identifier can be found in public anymore. For this purpose special machines are available for use at the office. Once defaced the plates may only be used legally on public roads for the one ride back to the owner's place.
This is the recommended procedure for selling a car. Alternatively the seller may hand out their car with valid license plates and papers still in their name to the new owner thus giving them the responsibility to register the car in their name shortly. In a scenario without a proper sales contract the seller may become liable when the buyer commits criminal acts related to the car or plates and thus it is generally not recommended to sell used cars with license plates.

Motorcycles carry only the rear plate.

<gallery>
File:Plakette Abgassonderuntersuchung.png | Emission test sticker (before 2010)
File:Plakette Hauptuntersuchung.svg | Safety test sticker
File:Zulassungsplakette Coburg.png | Registration seal ([[Coburg]], Bavaria)
File:Kfz-Kennzeichen Deutschland - Toepfchensiegel.jpg | Safety test and registration seal ([[Fürth]], Bavaria)
</gallery>

[[File:Defacedgermanplate.JPG|thumb|200px|right|Example of a defaced plate — notice how the bottom seal is completely gone, due to scraping. From [[Kronach]].]]
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Colours of the emission test (before 2010) and vehicle safety test stickers
! colspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | Colour
! colspan="8" style="text-align: center;" | Year
|-
| style="background-color: #dd7907;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 2000]] (''{{lang|de|Gelborange}}'', Yellow-orange)
| —
| 1979
| 1983
| 1989
| 1995
| 2001
| 2007
| 2013
|-
| style="background-color: #2874b2;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 5015]] (''{{lang|de|Himmelblau}}'', Sky blue)
| —
| 1978
| 1984
| 1990
| 1996
| 2002
| 2008
| 2014
|-
| style="background-color: #d9c022;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 1012]] (''{{lang|de|Zitronengelb}}'', Lemon yellow)
| —
| 1977
| 1985
| 1991
| 1997
| 2003
| 2009
| 2015
|-
| style="background-color: #8f4e35;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 8004]] (''{{lang|de|Kupferbraun}}'', Copper brown)
| 1974
| 1980
| 1986
| 1992
| 1998
| 2004
| 2010
| 2016
|-
| style="background-color: #e1a6ad;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 3015]] (''{{lang|de|Hellrosa}}'', Light pink)
| 1975
| 1981
| 1987
| 1993
| 1999
| 2005
| 2011
| 2017
|-
| style="background-color: #48a43f;" | {{spaces|2}}
| [[RAL 6018]] (''{{lang|de|Gelbgrün}}'', Yellow-green)
| 1976
| 1982
| 1988
| 1994
| 2000
| 2006
| 2012
| 2018
|}

==See also==
* [[Vehicle registration plates of the German Democratic Republic]]
* [[Vehicle registration plates of the United States Army in Germany]]

* ''[[:de:Liste aller Kfz-Kennzeichen der Bundesrepublik Deutschland|Liste aller Kfz-Kennzeichen der Bundesrepublik Deutschland]]'' {{de icon}} List of all registration codes issued under the current registration system
* ''[[:de:Liste der auslaufenden deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen|Liste der auslaufenden deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen]]'' {{de icon}} List of no longer issued registration codes
* ''[[:de:Liste der deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen (historisch)|Liste der deutschen Kfz-Kennzeichen (historisch)]]'' {{de icon}} List of repealed registration codes
* ''[[:de:Liste der Kfz-Kennzeichen in Deutschland|Liste der Kfz-Kennzeichen in Deutschland]]'' {{de icon}} List of currently issued registration codes

==References==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|License plates of Germany}}
*[http://www.theplateman.com German Number Plates, Also shows how they are made]
*[http://www.kennzeichengeschichte.de History of German license plates]
*[http://www.hegis.de/fed__rep__of_germany.htm More information about German car number plates and their history]
*[http://www.europeanplates.com/german-city-codes German City Codes, Complete City Code List]
*[http://www.license-plates.appspot.com Application to find which region/place in Germany the vehicle originates]
*[http://www.platesmania.com/de/ Photos of license plates of Germany]

{{Vehicle registration plates of Europe}}

[[Category:Vehicle registration plates by country|Germany]]
[[Category:Road transport in Germany]]