debundesliga1-2, Exercise 1: How the champion was decided

Model answer:

Before 1963 the national champion was decided by a knockout competition, from 1903, between the champions of regional leagues; after 1945 the West German regional top divisions (Oberligen) sent their leading clubs to a short play-off.

Weakness: a short knockout can reward a good run over a few matches rather than a full season, so the champion was not necessarily the best team over time; and most clubs played few matches against opponents from other regions. Details should be checked.