Deutscher Musikwettbewerb

Award winners from 1986 and Hannelore Kohl in the office of the German chancellor

The Deutscher Musikwettbewerb (German music competition; German: [ˈdɔʏtʃər muːˈziːk vɛtbəvɛrb]) is a national music competition in Germany for classical soloists and chamber music ensembles held annually by the Deutscher Musikrat (German Music Council). It was first held in 1975 and is considered the most important competition for young musicians in Germany. The instrumental categories vary, and an extra prize is given for compositions. In even years the competition takes place in Bonn, where the Musikrat is based, and in the other years in a different German town.

Award winners not only receive monetary awards but also long-term sponsorship and support through the Musikrat, including the opportunity to perform in concerts, record CDs and recommendations to perform with orchestras as soloists.