Deutsche Jugendfeuerwehr

What Deutsche Jugendfeuerwehr does

Deutsche Jugendfeuerwehr, founded in 1964, is Germany's national youth fire brigade federation and a registered non-profit association (eingetragener Verein) operating under the Deutscher Feuerwehrverband e.V. (DFV). The organization serves 380,441 children and youth through 18,421 youth fire brigades (Jugendfeuerwehren) and 6,308 children's groups (Kindergruppen), distributed across 16 state-level associations (Landesverbände) that reach every German federal state via local volunteer fire departments. Activities are delivered by approximately 127,000 adult volunteers who contributed more than 4.5 million hours in 2025. The federation's programmatic portfolio spans the LAUFFEUER print magazine and companion mobile app (LAUFFEUER-App), the Bildungsportal (bildung.jugendfeuerwehr.de) education platform, digital and analog membership cards (Digitalausweise), multi-stage achievement programs (Jugendflamme, Leistungsspange), competitive events (Bundeswettbewerb, Deutsche Meisterschaft, CTIF International Youth Fire Brigade Encounter), annual DJF-Tag gatherings, and specialized initiatives in inclusion, child protection, and democratic participation.

The underlying technology stack is modest and typical for a non-profit federation: a WordPress-based website (jugendfeuerwehr.de) and a dedicated education portal (bildung.jugendfeuerwehr.de), both delivered as WCAG 2.2-accessible builds by Berlin Bytes GmbH, plus a digital membership card system with QR codes, a mobile magazine app, and standard social media channels (Instagram, Facebook, YouTube/LauffeuerTV). There is no public-facing API or developer platform. AI/ML is not deployed internally; instead, the organization positions itself as a media literacy educator, notably through the 'Brandherd Desinformation' project with CORRECTIV's Reporterfabrik.

DJF's revenue model is structurally that of a non-profit federation: primary inflows come from federal and state government grants (BMFSFJ programs including 'Demokratie leben!', Bundesministerium des Innern 'Förderpreis Helfende Hand'), large project grants from foundations (Deutsche Postcode Lotterie €2.415M for '#Platzmachen für die Natur' with GermanZero), membership organization dues via DFV, modest recurring revenue from LAUFFEUER magazine subscriptions, and merchandise sales through the Feuerwehrversandhaus (Playmobil teen-form figure, special editions). Go-to-market is dual-channel: community-led grassroots recruitment via schools and local fire stations, combined with event-driven engagement through DJF-Tag, Bundeswettbewerb, and international competitions. The organization does not publish financial statements, consistent with its e.V. legal status.

Name

Deutsche Jugendfeuerwehr

Legal name

Deutsche Jugendfeuerwehr im Deutschen Feuerwehrverband e. V.

Website

https://jugendfeuerwehr.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1964

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Deutsche Jugendfeuerwehr, founded in 1964, is Germany's national youth fire brigade federation serving 380,441 children and youth through 18,421 youth fire brigades and 6,308 children's groups nationwide, operating as a non-profit under the Deutscher Feuerwehrverband with support from 127,000+ volunteers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Development Services

NAICS

Child and Youth Services (62411), Child and Youth Services (624110), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997)

akta.pro primary industry

Fire & Rescue Services (Fire Suppression, Rescue) (BPAIAGAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Firefighter & Fire Service Training (EDAOAMAB), Humanitarian Health & Emergency Medical Relief NGOs (HLAJAKAE), Youth Mental Health, Counseling & Wellbeing (Education-Linked) Nonprofits (BPAGADAK)

Keywords

• Youth fire brigade programs
• Fire safety education
• Youth development services
• Volunteer emergency services
• Children's group activities

Headquarters

HQ city

Berlin

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Structure: Organized as a non-profit federation within the German Firefighters Association (DFV). Primary funding comes from government grants, ministry programs (BMFSFJ), and membership organization dues.
2. Publication Sales: Revenue from the LAUFFEUER magazine subscriptions and special editions (e.g., 'Brennen & Löschen 2' sold for €3.90 plus shipping), as well as educational materials and merchandise.
3. Project Funding: Funded by government programs such as 'Demokratie leben!' for projects like 'Brandherd Desinformation' in partnership with CORRECTIV's Reporterfabrik.
4. External Grants and Sponsorships: Additional funding received from organizations such as the German Postcode Lottery (2.415 million euros for '#Platzmachen für die Natur' project) and other foundations.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Deutsche Jugendfeuerwehr is Germany's national youth fire brigade federation, organizing structured firefighting education, leadership development, and community programs for children (ages 6-10 in Kindergruppen) and youth (ages 10-18 in Jugendfeuerwehren) through a network of 18,421 local youth fire brigades and 6,308 children's groups. It delivers this through state-level associations (Landesverbände), the LAUFFEUER magazine, an online education portal (Bildungsprogramm), competitive events, and digital membership services, supported by approximately 127,000 volunteers nationwide.

Product overview

Deutsche Jugendfeuerwehr operates as a unified membership organization under the German Fire Brigade Association (Deutscher Feuerwehrverband e.V.), offering a coordinated portfolio of youth development services rather than a modular software platform. The core offerings center on youth firefighting programs (Jugendfeuerwehren and Kindergruppen/Kinderfeuerwehren) serving over 380,000 members across 18,400+ youth fire brigades and 6,300+ children's groups. Key branded products and programs include the LAUFFEUER magazine and companion LAUFFEUER-App for subscription-based content delivery; the Mehr ausBILDUNG Bildungsprogramm providing structured pedagogical resources and training materials; multi-stage achievement programs (Jugendflamme, Leistungsspange, Bundeswettbewerb, and CTIF International Competitions); digital and analog Mitgliedsausweise (membership identity cards); the annual DJF-Tag event; and specialized initiatives such as the inclusion project 'Eine für alle', the Brandherd Desinformation media literacy program, and Lern-Nuggets online training sessions. The organization maintains a dedicated Bildungsportal (bildung.jugendfeuerwehr.de) as its primary digital service platform.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Lauffeuer: The official magazine/publication of Deutsche Jugendfeuerwehr, providing content for group activities, competitions, and youth fire brigade education.

Products and services

• LAUFFEUER (Verbandszeitschrift) The official monthly membership magazine of Deutsche Jugendfeuerwehr, providing practical content including experiments, vehicle guides, puzzles, craft instructions, and construction projects for children and youth fire brigades. Available as a print subscription and digital edition via the LAUFFEUER-App.

Quantifiable outcome

• Year-over-year membership growth of 2.18% with 6.11% growth in children's groups
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered major, core and minor.

• GermanZero e.V.majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 May 2026Joint initiative '#Platzmachen für die Natur' (starting September 2026) receiving €2.415 million in funding from German Postcode Lottery. The project aims to have 300,000 citizens unseal paved areas and create green spaces across Germany.
• CORRECTIV / ReporterfabrikcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Partnership for the 'Brandherd Desinformation' project (since 2025), which aims to sensitize youth to disinformation and strengthen media literacy. Workshops conducted at six pilot locations across Germany, with content distributed via TikTok and Instagram under @brandherddesinfo.
• Bundesministerium für Bildung, Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend (BMFSFJ)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal ministry providing funding and support for youth programs including 'Demokratie leben!' funding for projects like Brandherd Desinformation, as well as support for the 'Nicht weg-schieben' child protection campaign.
• D64 – Zentrum für Digitalen FortschrittminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners with DJF on the Code of Conduct Demokratische KI initiative, providing orientation for transparent and participatory AI use. Over 100 civil society organizations have signed the code.
• Bundesministerium für Bildung, Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend (BMFSFJ) - Nicht weg-schieben KampagneminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDJF supports the 'Nicht-wegschieben' campaign providing 7 tips for protecting children from sexual violence, developed in collaboration with the ministry and UBSKM.
• PLAYMOBIL (Brandstätter Group)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration to create the first official Playmobil Youth Fire Brigade figure, implemented as a teen-form figure (unprecedented format) with an initial run of 34,000 units. Exclusive distribution through Feuerwehrversandhaus and at INTERSCHUTZ 2026.
• Bundesjugendforum (Federal Youth Forum)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternal youth participation body composed of state youth speakers and federal youth speakers who represent children and youth perspectives in DJF decision-making processes.
• Deutscher Feuerwehrverband e.V. (DFV)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerParent organization of Deutsche Jugendfeuerwehr. DFV provides institutional support, represents fire service interests nationally, and collaborates on events like Forum Brandschutzerziehung.
• CTIF (International Association of Fire and Rescue Services)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational fire and rescue association that organizes the International Youth Fire Brigade Encounter every two years. DJF participates through the IJLK (International Youth Leader Commission).
• Landesjugendfeuerwehren (State Youth Fire Brigades)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor16 state-level youth fire brigade associations that distribute DJF programs, training, and resources to local units within their jurisdictions.
• Feuerwehrversandhaus (Fire Brigade Supply House)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOfficial merchandise store for DJF publications, educational materials, and exclusive items like the Playmobil Youth Fire Brigade figure.
• Forum Brandrauchprävention e.V.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganizer of the 'Was tun, wenn's brennt? 120 Sekunden, um zu überleben' youth competition for fire safety education, supported by Öffentliche Versicherungen.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Regional players

• Pompiers Juniors de France: French equivalent organization for children and youth in the fire service. Operates a comparable federated model but in France, with similar age-grouped programming, competitions, and youth-to-active-pipeline mission — a regional comparator in a different national market.

Others

• Bund der Deutschen Katholischen Jugend (BDKJ): Federation of Catholic youth organizations in Germany. Operates as a national umbrella for member youth associations with analogous youth participation structures (e.g., elected youth spokespersons), democratic decision-making, and ministry-supported programming — comparable as a federated youth-development organization.
• Pfadfinderinnenschaft / Pfadfinderschaft (German Scout Federation - DPSG, BdP): Major German scouting federations providing structured youth development through age-grouped activities, badges, volunteer leadership, and democratic participation. Comparable as a large youth-development membership organization but focused on general character-building rather than emergency services.

Direct peers

• Deutsches Jugendrotkreuz (German Red Cross Youth): The official youth organization of the German Red Cross. Closely mirrors DJF's federated structure with state-level associations, volunteer-driven local groups, and a youth-to-active-volunteer pipeline in humanitarian services.
• THW Jugend (Technisches Hilfswerk Youth): The official youth organization of Germany's Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW). Operates an analogous model: federal ministry-backed youth federation providing structured volunteer service training, competitions, and youth development across Germany — directly comparable in structure, mission, and target demographic.
• Malteser Jugend: Youth organization of the German Maltese Relief Service. Similar federal-state-local federated model focused on youth development through emergency-services engagement, voluntary service, and structured training progression.
• DLRG-Jugend (German Life Saving Association Youth): The youth wing of the Deutsche Lebens-Rettungs-Gesellschaft (German Life Saving Association). Comparable federated structure with state associations, local youth groups, training-based progression, and competitions — a parallel emergency-services youth development model.
• Johanniter-Jugend (St. John Ambulance Youth Germany): Youth federation of the German Johanniter (Order of St. John). Operates similar age-grouped (children + youth) membership structure, emergency-service training programs, and democratic youth participation bodies — directly comparable in mission and operational model.

Broad incumbents

• CTIF (International Association of Fire & Rescue Services): International umbrella organization for fire and rescue services that hosts the biennial International Youth Fire Brigade Encounter. Operates at a supranational level and provides DJF its primary international forum for youth exchange and competitions.
• Deutscher Feuerwehrverband e.V. (DFV): DJF's parent organization and the national federation representing all German fire brigades. Operates the broader fire service ecosystem of which DJF is the youth arm; provides institutional support, national advocacy, and event collaboration (e.g., Forum Brandschutzerziehung).

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/LauffeuerTV
• Facebookfacebook.com/DeutscheJugendfeuerwehrLauffeuer
• Instagraminstagram.com/deutsche_jugendfeuerwehr
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/deutsche-jugendfeuerwehr

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles17 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Deutsche Jugendfeuerwehr