The most popular German language songs of 2025

Topping weekly charts and racking up millions of streams, these rap, pop, schlager and crossover songs offer an ideal way to start making sense of the German-language music scene – and contemporary German culture.

English-language songs tend to dominate the German charts, with international artists (like Taylor Swift or Bruno Mars) often claiming as many as 80 spots in Germany’s Top 100 due to global streaming algorithms and radio play.

But that doesn’t mean German-language music isn’t thriving, with artists like Zartmann, Nina Chuba and AYLIVA leading the way.

In 2025, German-language breakthrough hits such as Oimara’s Wackelkontakt and Pashanim’s Shababs im VIP managed to bolster regional pride in Bavaria and capture the attitude of Berlin youth culture.

The following isn’t an official top-list of German-language best-sellers (the Jahrescharts for 2025 won’t be finalised until early 2026), but they all are within reach of the top spots – and they cast a fascinating light on what’s been happening in the country.

We’ve also created a playlist so you can listen to the songs, here.

Wackelkontakt by Oimara

An infectious party anthem, sung in Bavarian dialect, which became a sensation across Germany in 2025. Oimara (real name Beni Hafner) hails from the southern state where he’s known for his humorous, down-to-earth lyrics.

Wackelkontakt (“loose connection”) draws on the everyday image of a flickering lamp as a metaphor for life’s unpredictability, delivered with a wink and plenty of charm. The song’s popularity made it the first Bavarian-language track to top the German charts in over four decades.

The song also broke streaming records, with over 16 million plays in a single week.

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Sample lyric:

Wär ich ein Möbelstück, dann wär ich eine Lampe aus den 70ern.

If I were a piece of furniture, I’d be a lamp from the 70s.

Tau mich auf by Zartmann

Blending rap with pop, Tau mich auf (which means “Thaw Me Out”) struck a chord with listeners across generations.

Zartmann, a German singer and rapper, explores themes of emotional distance and longing for connection.

The song’s lyrics reflect on feeling frozen out by life and relationships. Its relatable message and memorable hook helped it become the most-streamed song in Germany on Spotify in 2025.

Sample lyric:

Oh, ich sing für dich / Lach mich nicht aus, denn ich treff all die Töne nicht

Oh, I’ll sing for you / Don’t laugh at me, because I can’t hit all the notes

Zartmann performs during the 77th Bambi Awards at Bavaria Film Studios in November 2025. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Peter Kneffel

Akon by Jazeek

Jazeek’s Akon is a high-energy rap track that pays tribute to the international star Akon, blending modern German hip-hop with catchy hooks and club-ready beats.

Jazeek, a rising star in the German rap scene, uses the song to reflect on fame and ambition.

The track’s infectious rhythm and confident delivery made it a favourite in clubs and among younger listeners, spending several weeks at the top of the German charts.

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Sample lyric:

Komm zu mir, wir machen Party heute Nacht / Oh Baby, shake dein’n Butt (Ja)

Come to me, we’re gonna party tonight / Oh baby, shake your booty (Yeah)

Shabab(e)s im VIP by Pashanim feat. Ceren

This Berlin-based rap hit, featuring Pashanim and Ceren, captures the excitement of nightlife and friendship.

The song mixes German and Turkish slang, reflecting the multicultural energy of Berlin’s youth. Its playful lyrics and danceable beat made it a summer anthem, and it quickly climbed to the top of the charts.

The track also gained popularity on social media, with snippets going viral before its official release.

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Sample lyric:

Kanaks komm’n in’ Club, Shababs im V.I.P / Deine Freunde, die sind shook, solche Sachen seh’n sie nie

Kanaks come to the club, Shababs in the VIP / Your friends are shocked, they never see things like this

Note: In German slang, Kanaks is a racist slur usually aimed at people with a Turkish or Arabic background, which some young people from migrant communities have begun to reappropriate.

Shababs, borrowed from Arabic “šabāb” for “youth” or “young people”, is street slang among German youth with migrant backgrounds for friends, homies or a wider group of friends.

Unsicher by Nina Chuba

Continuing her success, Nina Chuba’s Unsicher (“Uncertain”) is a reflective pop song about self-doubt and inner conflict.

The track’s modern sound and relatable lyrics made it a “hymn to Generation Z,” connecting with listeners who appreciate music that addresses real-life struggles.

The song performed strongly on streaming charts in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

Sample lyric:

Ich schau so lang in den Spiegel, bis mir irgendwas nicht passt / Google “Kollagen” und “Filler” und hass danach, dass ich mich hass

I stare in the mirror until something doesn’t suit me / Google “collagen” and “fillers” and then hate myself for hating myself

24K (Ohne Tabak) by Bonez MC feat. Jugglerz

Bonez MC, a prominent figure in German rap, teamed up with Jugglerz for this track celebrating luxury and success.

The song’s title refers to “24 karat” gold, and its lyrics focus on enjoying the good life. With its catchy beat and confident delivery, 24K (Ohne Tabak) became a hit among rap fans and was a regular feature in Germany’s Spotify Top 50.

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Sample lyric:

24K, wir sind startklar / Digga, hol dir ein Rezept, weil die Kunden, den’n es schmeckt

24K, we’re ready to go / Man, get yourself a recipe, because the customers like it

Wunder by AYLIVA feat. Apache 207

Wunder (“Miracle”) is a heartfelt duet between Ayliva and Apache 207, two of Germany’s most popular young artists.

The song explores the fleeting nature of love and the hope that comes with new beginnings. Its blend of pop and rap, combined with the unique voices of both artists, made it a chart-topping hit and a favourite among young listeners.