The UEFA European Championship is the main football competition of the men's national football teams governed by UEFA (the Union of European Football Associations). Held every four years since 1960, in the even-numbered year between FIFA World Cup tournaments, it was originally called the UEFA European Nations' Cup, changing to the current name in 1968. Starting with the 1996 tournament, specific championships are often referred to in the form "UEFA Euro XXXX". Prior to entering the tournament all teams other than the host nations (which qualify automatically) compete in a qualifying process. Germany have participated in thirteen European Championships, five of which were as West Germany and eight of which were as (unified) Germany. They are also participating in the upcoming 2024 tournament as hosts. By doing so, the nation holds the record of most participations in the competition's history. Germany are holders of three European titles, won in 1972 in Belgium, in 1980 in Italy, and in 1996 in England. The team have finished out of the top eight on only three occasions, in the 2000, 2004 and 2020 tournaments. They have reached at least the semi-finals on nine occasions, an unparalleled record in the competition. Overall record History 1960–1988 as 1992–present as Champions Runners-up Third place Tournament played fully or partially on home soil Winning campaigns List of matches UEFA Euro 1972 Final tournament Semi-finals Final UEFA Euro 1976 Final tournament Semi-finals Final UEFA Euro 1980 Group stage Knockout stage Final UEFA Euro 1984 Group stage UEFA Euro 1988 Group stage Knockout stage Semi-finals UEFA Euro 1992 Group stage Knockout stage Semi-finals Final UEFA Euro 1996 Group stage Knockout stage Quarter-finals Semi-finals Final UEFA Euro 2000 Group stage UEFA Euro 2004 Group stage UEFA Euro 2008 Group stage Knockout phase Quarter-finals Semi-finals Final UEFA Euro 2012 Group stage Knockout phase Quarter-finals Semi-finals UEFA Euro 2016 Group stage Knockout phase Round of 16 Quarter-finals Semi-finals UEFA Euro 2020 Group stage Knockout phase Round of 16 Most appearances Top goalscorers References Bibliography Countries at the UEFA European Championship