Landesverbände

Landesverbände (singular: Landesverband) are regional branches of a national organization that operate at the level of a German federal state (Bundesland). They serve as the intermediary between local chapters and the national umbrella organization, coordinating policy, programs and representation within their state. The exact remit and structure vary by sector, but common features include a governing board, a general assembly, a budget, and representation in the national body through delegates.

In sports, Landesverbände organize state leagues, certify coaches and officials, and implement national programs at the state level. They form the regional backbone of the federation, and in many cases multiple Landesverbände together constitute the national umbrella’s structure, such as those that participate in the Deutscher Olympischer Sportbund (DOSB).

In politics, Landesverbände are the state branches of a federal party. They organize campaigns within the state, manage candidate selection for state elections, recruit members, and represent the party to media and civil society in the state. They also contribute to the election of delegates to national party bodies.

Other sectors, including culture, professional associations, and nonprofits, likewise use Landesverbände to coordinate activities across the state and defend members’ interests on a regional level. The authority and tasks of a Landesverband are defined by the statutes of the parent national organization and the state-level statutes; the decentral structure aims to adapt policies to regional conditions while maintaining unity at the national level.