The ‘Made in Germany’ brand is synonymous with high quality and innovative design. However, this was not always the case. This chapter traces the history of design in Germany, from its beginnings in the late nineteenth century through to the excellent international reputation it enjoys today. This history includes a number of famous design schools, organizations and movements that revolutionized design across the world. Germany has also produced a remarkable number of design superstars and iconic designs—from furniture, automobiles and household appliances, through to corporate, typeface and environmental design. However, the importance of the individual designer and national design appears to be fading. Germany—like other countries around the world—is again witnessing a fundamental shift in what constitutes ‘design’ and how designers work to deliver important social, cultural and economic change.

Professor Michael Erlhoff passed away on 1 May 2021. This abstract was prepared by the Editors.