22-25 April 2026
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German Jazz Prize

Return to Bremen

On 25 April 2026 the award ceremony will once again take place as part of the jazzahead!. With this, the German Jazz Prize continues its connection to previous editions in Bremen and strengthens its long-standing partnership with one of the most important gathering points of the global jazz scene.

About the Prize

The German Jazz Prize pursues the overarching goal of creating, living and promoting more cultural diversity in musical practice, education, cultural management, as well as in recording and documentation. The prize is intended as an orientation for those interested in jazz from all social groups both domestic and abroad, and is based on the self-conception that jazz and improvised music belong to the cultural educational canon. The German Jazz Prize reflects the music’s social significance, and its award criteria are first and foremost based on artistic considerations.

Application

The application phase for the German Jazz Prize 2026 concluded on November 30, 2025. 

 

The next application phase for the 7th edition of the German Jazz Prize is expected to commence in October 2026. Considered will be achievements that were made or will be made in the period from December 1, 2025 to November 30, 2026.

To application website

The German Jazz Prize is funded by the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media and realised by Initiative Musik.

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22 Award Categories

The German Jazz Prize shines the spotlight on the diversity and creativity of the German jazz scene and honours exceptional, artistic and innovative achievements in a national and international context with prizes in 22 categories. The prize winners receive a trophy and prize money of at least €10,000. Nominees who do not win a prize receive at least €1,000 in nomination money.

Artists

Vocals

Woodwinds

Bass Instruments

Piano / Keyboard Instruments

String Instruments

Drum / Percussion

Artist of the Year

Large Ensemble of the Year

Artist of the Year International

Large Eensemble of the Year International

Recording / Production

Album of the Year

Debut Album of the Year

Broadcast Producion of the Year

Album of the Year International

Debut Album of the Year International

Live

Festival of the Year

Liveact of the Year

Liveact of the Year International

Composition / Arrangement

Composition / Arrangemente of the Year

Special Prizes

Journalistic Achievement

Livetime Achievement

Music Meditation

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All about the German Jazz Prize

What is the purpose of the prize? Who are the members of the advisory board? And who is eligible to apply? All this information can be found on the German Jazz Prize website.

To the German Jazz Prize Website
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