Switzerland in the Eurovision Song Contest Switzerland in the Eurovision Song Contest Switzerland has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 59 times since making its debut at the first contest in , missing only four contests, in 1995, 1999, 2001 and 2003. Switzerland hosted the first contest in 1956 in Lugano, and won it. Switzerland won the contest again in 1988, with the contest being held in Lausanne. Lys Assia won the first contest in 1956 with the song "Refrain". She returned to place second in . Switzerland would go on to finish second with Esther Ofarim () and Daniela Simmons () and third with Franca
Germany in the Eurovision Song Contest 1988 Germany in the Eurovision Song Contest 1988 Germany was represented by mother and daughter duo Maxi & Chris Garden, with the song "Lied für einen Freund", at the 1988 Eurovision Song Contest, which took place on 30 April in Dublin. "Lied für einen Freund", written by prolific Eurovision duo Ralph Siegel and Bernd Meinunger, was the winner of the German national final, held on 31 March. Maxi & Chris Garden had finished second in the 1987 German final. One of the songs which failed to qualify for the 1988 German national final, "Das Beste" by male/female duo Duett, later became