There are three major design awards in Germany of international renown, all established in the 1950s: iF, Red Dot and the German Design Award. They receive submissions, in the form of original products, from around the globe. The winners are chosen by an international panel of judges, comprising designers and other recognized experts. Taking part in these competitions is costly, and there are many high-quality rival entrants.
In Germanys states, there are also a number of design awards with international participation. These are of an equally high standard, but are less commercial in nature. They include, for example, the Focus Open, the international design prize of the State of Baden-Württemberg.
