2. Bundesliga
The decision to establish a fully professional league as 2nd level was made by the DFB 1973. It replaced the Regionalligen as 2nd level. The new 2. Bundesliga was split into a northern and a southern division with 20 clubs each. The champions were promoted directly to Bundesliga, the runners-up had two matches to decide the 3rd team which was promoted. 1981 a single 2nd league was established. The two topteams are promoted, the third team plays relegationmatches versus the 16th of the Bundesliga.