The 6 best German board games

Whether you’re already a big fan of board games or simply looking for a new way to practice your language skills, you may be wondering which German board games to bring to your next game night. From the exciting adventures in Die Siedler von Catan to the detective work in Scotland Yard, you have a lot of options!

And make no mistake about it: these games aren’t just for kids. The best German board games also challenge adults to strategize and plan their next move carefully. We’ve picked out six that have already won the hearts of players everywhere and are sure to be a hit with friends and family.

1. Mensch ärgere Dich nicht (Don’t Get Upset)
2. Malefiz (a.k.a. Barricade)
3. Scotland Yard
4. Die Siedler von Catan (The Settlers of Catan)
5. Camel Up
6. Labyrinth

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Why German board games are unique

While many other board games depend as much on luck as on skill, German games often require players to strategize and make shrewd choices. This is a major part of their appeal.

German board games cover themes ranging from historical adventures to fantasy quests, so a lack of variety is never a problem. And then there’s the sheer craftsmanship evident in everything from the rulebook to the board itself — emblems of Germany’s famous product quality standards. Whether you’re competing to build empires in Die Siedler von Catan (The Settlers of Catan) or solving mysteries in Scotland Yard, these games can help you create memorable moments with friends and family.

On that note, let’s explore six German board games that have become favorites amongst players worldwide.

1. ‘Mensch ärgere Dich nicht’ (‘Don’t Get Upset’)

Created by Josef Friedrich Schmidt in 1914, this simple yet captivating racing game quickly became one of the most popular German board games — and remains so more than a century later.

• How to play: Players move their four pieces around the board, aiming to be the first to get all pieces into the home column. The twist? Each player has the ability to knock other players’ pieces back to the starting area, leading to both frustration and laughter.
• Age range: 6+
• Number of players: 2–4

2. ‘Malefiz’ (a.k.a. ‘Barricade’)

Invented by Werner Schöppner and released by Ravensburger in 1960, Malefiz offers a strategic twist on traditional board games.

• How to play: Players aim to navigate their pawns to the opposite end of the board, but the path is littered with barricades that can be moved to block opponents. Strategic placement of barricades and choosing the best path for your pawns are keys to winning.
• Age range: 6+
• Number of players: 2–4

3. ‘Scotland Yard’

Developed by Ravensburger and released in 1983, Scotland Yard is an award-winning game in which players take on the roles of detectives chasing the mysterious Mr. X across London.

• How to play: One player is Mr. X, moving secretly around London, while the others are detectives trying to catch him. The game involves deduction, strategy and cooperation among the detectives, making it a thrilling chase from start to finish.
• Age range: 8+
• Number of players: 3–6

4. ‘Die Siedler von Catan’ (‘The Settlers of Catan’)

Created by Klaus Teuber and first published in 1995, Die Siedler von Catan (The Settlers of Catan, or simply Catan) has become a worldwide gaming phenomenon, winning multiple awards and spawning numerous expansions.

• How to play: Players aim to build the most prosperous settlement on the island of Catan, using resources like wood, brick, sheep, wheat and ore. Strategy, negotiation and resource management are key components, as players trade resources and build roads and settlements.
• Age range: 10+
• Number of players: 3–4 (up to 6 with expansion)

5. ‘Camel Up’

Designed by Steffen Bogen and released in 2014, Camel Up is a relatively new entry to the German board-gaming scene. It is nonetheless a sensation, having won the prestigious Spiel des Jahres (Game of the Year) award in 2014.

• How to play: Camel Up is a fast-paced betting game in which players wager on which camel will win a leg of a race (or the whole race itself). The game is known for its unpredictable outcomes, as camels stack on top of each other and move around the track.
• Age range: 8+
• Number of players: 2–8

6. ‘Labyrinth’

Invented by Max J. Kobbert in 1986, Labyrinth is a maze-based game that challenges players to find treasures within a constantly changing path.

• How to play: Players move around a board of tiles that form a labyrinth, searching for specific items or characters. The unique aspect of the game is the shifting paths. Players can slide tiles to open new paths or block others, making the maze dynamic.
• Age range: 7+
• Number of players: 2–4

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Enjoying German board games

Germany’s best board games are more than just a fun way to spend a few hours. They blend deep strategy with rich storytelling, making every game night memorable. Classics like Mensch ärgere Dich nicht and newer innovations like Camel Up showcase the creativity and tradition of German game design. So, whether you’re gathering with family or friends, try out one of these German board games to turn any evening into an adventure!

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