The possibility of Germany hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games between 2036 and 2044 has sparked an intense debate in the country. With Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, and the Rhine-Ruhr region as candidates, the internal race has become a reflection of how each territory envisions its role in the world’s largest sporting event. While some cities aim to capitalize on their existing infrastructure with a participatory approach, others are betting on major urban transformations, high international visibility, and strong political backing.

The process, led by the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB), must resolve a key dilemma: selecting a technically viable proposal that can also represent a new Olympic vision in a country still marked by the historical legacy of the 1936 Games. The debate has not only permeated the sports realm but has also spread into the political, economic and social spheres, with opinions ranging from enthusiasm to caution and opposition.

Bids with identity: legacy, participation, and integration

Berlin has positioned itself strongly as a contender for the Centennial Games, with a symbolic approach aimed at transforming the memory of 1936 into an opportunity for democratic renewal. With political support and a concept that includes venues in other federal states, advocates such as Kaweh Niroomand highlight social and infrastructural benefits, from new sports halls to accessible housing for the community. Although a recent survey revealed a divided public between support and opposition, the project appeals to a deep sense of community and cultural transformation. Meanwhile, Hamburg has returned to the Olympic stage after its 2015 setback with a proposal centered on citizen participation. With an allocated budget, transparent planning, and an innovative floating ceremony planned for the Binnenalster, the city aims to reconnect with its people ahead of a new referendum in 2026.

In Munich, the strategy relies on regional collaboration through the München+ concept, integrating Bavarian cities and modernized historic venues such as the Eiskanal. Public support will be tested in a 2025 referendum, while investments focus on reinforcing infrastructure and the bid narrative. Meanwhile, Rhine-Ruhr proposes an inclusive and integrated model, with shared Olympic and Paralympic venues in a highly industrialized setting. However, its lack of financial and political backing has drawn criticism, even from allied sectors. With the DOSB‘s final decision expected in 2026, each proposal must not only prove its technical feasibility but also convince the country — and the world — of the Germany of the future that wishes to host the Games.