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List of best-selling albums in Germany#By units

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Germany is the third largest music market in the world, and the largest in Europe.{{cite web|url=http://www.musikindustrie.de/politik_einzelansicht0/back/110/news/jahrespressekonferenz-des-bvmi/ |title=Bundesverband Musikindustrie: Deutschland drittgrößter Musikmarkt weltweit |publisher=Musikindustrie.de |date=2011-04-13 |access-date=2012-02-28 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111231025331/http://www.musikindustrie.de/politik_einzelansicht0/back/110/news/jahrespressekonferenz-des-bvmi/ |archive-date=2011-12-31 }} This is a list of the best-selling albums in Germany that have been certified by the Bundesverband Musikindustrie (BVMI). Since January 1, 2003, BVMI certifies an album platinum for the shipment of 200,000 copies across Germany.

{{cite web|url=http://www.musikindustrie.de/gold_platin/ |title=Richtlinien für die Verleihung von Gold/Platin Schallplatten und Awards (Guidelines for Gold and Platinum awards) |publisher=Bundesverband Musikindstie |access-date=2010-03-13 |language=de |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100328222338/http://www.musikindustrie.de/gold_platin |archive-date=2010-03-28 }}

All albums in this list must have sold more than a million copies.

Certifications for albums released in Germany depend upon their release date.

Certification levels

class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"

! bgcolor="#EE9A4D"| Certification

! bgcolor="#EE9A4D"| till 24 September 1999

! bgcolor="#EE9A4D"| till 31. December 2002

! bgcolor="#EE9A4D"| till 31 December 2012

! bgcolor="#EE9A4D"| since 1 January 2013

scope="row"| {{Certification|Gold}}

| align="center"| 250,000

| align="center"| 150,000

| align="center"| 100,000

| align="center"| 100,000

scope="row"| {{Certification|Platinum}}

| align="center"| 500,000

| align="center"| 300,000

| align="center"| 200,000

| align="center"| 200,000

scope="row"| {{Certification|Gold|3}}

| align="center"| 750,000

| align="center"| 450,000

| align="center"| 300,000

| align="center"| 300,000

scope="row"| {{Certification|Platinum|2}}

| align="center"| 1,000,000

| align="center"| 600,000

| align="center"| 400,000

| align="center"| 400,000

scope="row"| ...

| align="center"| ...

| align="center"| ...

| align="center"| ...

| align="center"| ...

scope="row"| {{Certification|Diamond}}

| align="center"| –

| align="center"| –

| align="center"| –

| align="center"| 750,000

Source:{{cite web |url=http://www.musikindustrie.de/fileadmin/bvmi/upload/02_Markt-Bestseller/Gold_Platin/Richtlinien_Anmeldungen/Richtlinien_BVMI_Gold_Platin_2_5_Final.pdf |title=Richtlinien für die Verleihung von Gold/Platin Auszeichnungen |publisher=Bundesverband Musikindustrie |date=6 April 2018 |access-date=13 July 2018 |language=de}}

By units

class="wikitable sortable"

|+ Sortable table

! scope="col" | Year

! scope="col" | Title

! scope="col" | Artist

! scope="col" | Certification {{cite web |url= http://www.musikindustrie.de/gold_platin_datenbank/ |title=Bundesverband Musikindustrie: Gold-/Platin-Datenbank |work=musikindustrie.de }}{{cite web|url=http://www.musikindustrie.de/fileadmin/piclib/presse/Dokumente_zum_Download/Gold_Platin_Hoechstverleihungen_Stand_100621.pdf|title=Highest Gold Platinum certifications as of 2008|access-date=2010-10-03|publisher=International Federation of the Phonographic Industry|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110104050205/http://www.musikindustrie.de/fileadmin/piclib/presse/Dokumente_zum_Download/Gold_Platin_Hoechstverleihungen_Stand_100621.pdf|archive-date=2011-01-04}}

! scope="col" | Shipments

1987Dirty DancingO.S.T. - Various13× Gold{{ref|a|‡}}3.25 million
2002MenschHerbert Grönemeyer21× Gold3.15 million
1989...But SeriouslyPhil Collins6× Platinum3 million
1994Over the HumpThe Kelly Family9× Gold3 million{{cite web|url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0002343/19970723/549/0068|title=The Kelly Family|work=Gorey Guardian|page=68|date=23 July 1997|access-date=18 May 2023|quote=Their debut album, 'Over The Hump' sold over 4 million copies in Europe, 3 million of them in Germany alone.|url-access=subscription}}
19844630 BochumHerbert Grönemeyer11× Gold2.75

million

2013FarbenspielHelene Fischer13× Platinum{{ref|a|‡}}2.6 million
1991We Can't DanceGenesis5× Platinum2.5 million
1992Gold: Greatest HitsABBA5× Platinum2.5 million
1995Rock Super StarsVarious artists—2.5 million{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3g4EAAAAMBAJ|magazine=Billboard|first=Wolfgang|last=Spahr|title=Burgers And CDs: Record Companies Use McDonald's, Burger King To Sell Releases|page=41|issn=0006-2510|date=20 January 1996|accessdate=18 May 2023}}
2001Best OfAndrea Berg8x platinum2.4 million
1988Tracy ChapmanTracy Chapman9× Gold2.25 million
1991Greatest Hits IIQueen9× Gold2.25 million
1979The WallPink Floyd4× Platinum2.1 million{{cite web|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1990/MM-1990-09-15.pdf|publisher=Music & Media|title=Phil Collins Seriously Breaks The Records|page=1|date=15 September 1990|accessdate=26 October 2022}}
19731962–1966The Beatles4× Platinum2 million
1987BadMichael Jackson4× Platinum2 million
1991MetallicaMetallica4× Platinum{{ref|a|‡}}2 million
1991DangerousMichael Jackson4× Platinum2 million
1995AbenteuerlandPur4× Platinum2 million
1995BocelliAndrea Bocelli4× Platinum2 million
1996AllesWolfgang Petry4× Platinum2 million
2010Best OfHelene Fischer10× Platinum2 million
2010{{Lang|de|Große Freiheit}}Unheilig9× Platinum{{ref|a|‡}}1.8 million
1978GreaseO.S.T. - Various5× Gold1.75 million{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DiQEAAAAMBAJ&q=grease+double+albums&pg=PT43|magazine=Billboard|title=West Germany - The Year in Review - Bellaphon|via=Google Books|page=G-10|date=8 December 1979|accessdate=26 October 2022}}
1978Saturday Night FeverO.S.T. - Various3× Platinum1.75 million
1981Face ValuePhil Collins7× Gold1.75 million
1981Greatest HitsQueen7× Gold1.75 million
1988ÖHerbert Grönemeyer7× Gold1.75 million
1991JoyrideRoxette7× Gold1.75 million
1994AffentheaterMarius Müller-Westernhagen7× Gold1.75 million
1992The BodyguardWhitney Houston3× Platinum1.7 million{{cite book|author=Wolfgang Spahr|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JQ8EAAAAMBAJ&q=whitney+houston+japan+bodyguard&pg=PA64|title=Grammy's Two Way Street|publisher=Billboard|date=13 May 2000|access-date=24 June 2023}}
20001The Beatles11× Gold1.65 million
201121Adele8× Platinum1.6 million
1972Simon and Garfunkel's Greatest HitsSimon & Garfunkel2× Platinum1.5 million{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QCQEAAAAMBAJ|title=West Germany - Domestic Product Makes Chart Inroads|magazine=Billboard|via=Google Books|volume=94|issue=2|page=48|issn=0006-2510|date=6 January 1982|accessdate=26 October 2022}}
1973The Dark Side of the MoonPink Floyd3× Platinum{{ref|a|‡}}1.5 million
19731967–1970The Beatles3× Platinum1.5 million
1975Wish You Were HerePink FloydPlatinum1.5 million{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5CMEAAAAMBAJ&q=pink+floyd+in+germany+billboard&pg=PT93|title=Long Chart Life For Floyd, Styx|magazine=Billboard|via=World Radio History|page=76|date=25 October 1980|access-date=26 October 2022}}
1980RevanchePeter Maffay2× Platinum1.5 million{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GCUEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PT99|magazine=Billboard|first=Wolfgang|last=Spahr|title=Peter Maffay Discks Defy Slack Mart, Sales Boom|page=64|date=8 July 1981|accessdate=26 October 2022}}
1982ThrillerMichael Jackson3× Platinum1.5 million
1985Movin'Jennifer Rush3× Platinum1.5 million
1985No Jacket RequiredPhil Collins3× Platinum1.5 million
1987WinterkinderRolf Zuckowski3× Platinum1.5 million
1990Serious Hits... Live!Phil Collins3× Platinum1.5 million
1993Both SidesPhil Collins3× Platinum1.5 million
1993Happy NationAce of Base3× Platinum1.5 million
1993SeiltänzertraumPur3× Platinum1.5 million
1995The Lion King (Audio Book)Diverse3× Platinum1.5 million
1995HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book IMichael Jackson3× Platinum1.5 million
1995Made in HeavenQueen3× Platinum1.5 million
1996Dove c'è musicaEros Ramazzotti3× Platinum1.5 million{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1997/MM-1997-10-25.pdf|magazine=Music & Media|title=New BMG set finds Eros recycling history|author=Mark Dezanni|volume=14|issue=43|page=10|date=25 October 1997|accessdate=26 October 2022}}
1997ErosEros Ramazzotti3× Platinum1.5 million
1997Let's Talk About LoveCeline Dion3× Platinum1.5 million
1998Ray of LightMadonna3× Platinum1.5 million
1998Westernhagen - LiveMarius Müller-Westernhagen3× Platinum1.5 million
2001Swing When You're WinningRobbie Williams5× Platinum1.5 million
2008StadtaffePeter Fox15× gold1.5 million
1993Music BoxMariah Carey2× Platinum1.4 million{{cite magazine |last=Marlowe |first=Chris |title=Carey's 'Daydream' Follows 'Fantasy' To The Top |url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Music-and-Media/90s/1995/MM-1995-10-14.pdf |archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20170629170531/http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Music-and-Media/90s/1995/MM-1995-10-14.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 June 2017|magazine=Music & Media |date=October 14, 1995 |access-date=26 October 2022|via=AmericanRadioHistory.com }}
2013Die Eiskönigin - Völlig Unverfroren (Audio Book)Various7× Platinum1.4 million
2010Rapunzel: Neu verföhnt (Audio Book)Various13× Gold1.3 million
2012Bis ans Ende der WeltSantiano13× Gold1.3 million
19921492: Conquest of ParadiseVangelis5× Gold1.3 million{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3g4EAAAAMBAJ|magazine=Billboard|first=Wolfgang|last=Spahr|title=Sporting Events And Personalities Giving A Big Boost TO Record Sales For Labels|page=41|issn=0006-2510|date=20 January 1996|accessdate=18 May 2023}}
1968HeintjeHeintje9× Gold, Platinum{{citation|title=Hit Bilanz – Deutsche Chart LP's 1962–1986|date=1994|editor-surname1=Taurus Press|at=p. 291|edition=1|publication-place=Hamburg|publisher=Verlag populärer Musik-Literatur|language=German|isbn=9783922542292|surname1=Günter Ehnert}}1.25 million{{cite book|title=Million selling records from the 1900s to the 1980s : an illustrated directory|url=https://openlibrary.org/works/OL120558W/Million_selling_records_from_the_1900s_to_the_1980s|first=Joseph|last=Murrells|year=1985 |publisher=Arco Pub.|isbn=0668064595|page=263}}
1977Benjamin Blümchen als Wetterelefant (Audio Book)Benjamin Blümchen5× Gold1.25 million
1977RumoursFleetwood Mac5× Gold1.25 million
1979Weihnachten mit Andrea Jürgens - Meine 20 schönsten WeihnachtsliederAndrea Jürgens5× Gold1.25 million
1979Benjamin Blümchen und die Schule (Audio Book)Benjamin Blümchen5× Gold1.25 million
1980Benjamin Blümchen hat Geburtstag (Audio Book)Benjamin Blümchen5× Gold1.25 million
1982Benjamin Blümchen als Weihnachtsmann (Audio Book)Benjamin Blümchen5× Gold1.25 million
1983Benjamin Blümchen als Feuerwehrmann (Audio Book)Benjamin Blümchen5× Gold1.25 million
1983Benjamin Blümchen auf dem Bauernhof (Audio Book)Benjamin Blümchen5× Gold1.25 million
1984Private DancerTina Turner5× Gold1.25 million
1997TitanicJames Horner5× Gold1.25 million
1991Out of TimeR.E.M.5× Gold1.25 million
1991StarsSimply Red5× Gold1.25 million
1991Use Your Illusion IIGuns N' Roses5× Gold1.25 million
1992Automatic for the PeopleR.E.M.5× Gold1.25 million
1992UnpluggedEric Clapton5× Gold1.25 million
1996Falling into YouCeline Dion5× Gold1.25 million
1997ReloadMetallica5× Gold1.25 million
1997SehnsuchtRammstein5× Gold{{ref|a|‡}}1.25 million
1998Radio MariaMarius Müller-Westernhagen5× Gold1.25 million
1998Back for GoodModern Talking5× Gold1.25 million
1979SteppenwolfPeter MaffayPlatinum1.2 million
1989Foreign AffairTina Turner2× Platinum1.2 million{{cite web|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1996/MM-1996-04-06.pdf|magazine=Music & Media|title=Soul Empress Keeps Rejuvenating|page=11|issn=0006-2510|date=April 6, 1996|first=Thessa|last=Mooij|accessdate=September 3, 2023}}
2002EscapologyRobbie Williams4× Platinum1.2 million
2006Back to BlackAmy Winehouse6× Platinum1.2 million
2006LooseNelly Furtado6× Platinum{{ref|a|‡}}1.2 million
2007Vom selben SternIch + Ich6× Platinum1.2 million
2008The FameLady Gaga6× Platinum{{ref|a|‡}}1.2 million
2013Mit den GezeitenSantiano6× Platinum1.2 million
201525Adele6× Platinum1.2 million
2015WeihnachtenHelene Fischer6× Platinum1.2 million
2003UnitedDeutschland sucht den Superstar11× Gold1.1 million
2005Intensive CareRobbie Williams11× Gold1.1 million
2006Das große LebenRosenstolz11× Gold1.1 million
2011MTV Unplugged - Live aus dem Hotel AtlantikUdo Lindenberg11× Gold1.1 million
2015MutterspracheSarah Connor11× Gold1.1 million
1999All the Way... A Decade of SongCeline Dion7× Gold1.05 million
2000So far ... - Best OfMarius Müller-Westernhagen7× Gold1.05 million
2001Das Dschungelbuch (audio book)Various7× Gold1.05 million
2001Elle'mentsNo Angels7× Gold1.05 million

  • Tracy Chapman's eponymous debut album was certified 9× Gold in 2010.{{cite certification|region=Germany|title=Tracy Chapman}} Since this album was released prior to September 24, 1999, every Gold certification it receives denotes 250,000 copies shipped. Thus at 9× Gold, 2.25 million copies of the album have been shipped across Germany.
  • 1 by The Beatles was certified 11× Gold in 2007.{{cite certification|region=Germany|title=1|artist=Beatles}} Since this album was released prior to January 1, 2003, every Gold certification it receives denotes 150,000 copies shipped. Thus at 11× Gold, 1.65 million copies of the album have been shipped across Germany.

{{small|{{sup|{{Dagger}}}} Usually the BVMI does not give a 6× Gold certification, but a 3× Platinum instead.{{cite web|url=http://www.musikindustrie.de/gold_platin/ |title=Bundesverband Musikindustrie: Gold/Platin |work=musikindustrie.de |access-date=30 October 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100328222338/http://www.musikindustrie.de/gold_platin |archive-date=28 March 2010 }} The reason for this singular certification is unclear.}}

See also

Notes

References

{{Reflist}}

{{Lists of best-selling albums}}

Germany

Best-selling albums