The UEFA European Championship is the main football competition of the men's national football teams governed by UEFA (the Union of European Football Associations). Held every four years since 1960, in the even-numbered year between FIFA World Cup tournaments, it was originally called the UEFA European Nations' Cup, changing to the current name in 1968.
Starting with the 1996 tournament, specific championships are often referred to in the form "UEFA Euro XXXX". Prior to entering the tournament all teams other than the host nations (which qualify automatically) compete in a qualifying process.
Germany have participated in fourteen European Championships, five of which were as West Germany and nine of which were as (unified) Germany. By doing so, the nation holds the record of most participations in the competition's history.
Germany are holders of three European titles, won in 1972 in Belgium, in 1980 in Italy, and in 1996 in England. The team have finished out of the top eight on only three occasions, in the 2000,[1] 2004[2] and 2020 tournaments. They have reached at least the semi-finals on nine occasions, an unparalleled record in the competition.