Germany is the third largest music market in the world, and the largest in Europe.[1] 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.
[2]
All albums in this list must have sold more than a million copies.
Certifications for albums released in Germany depend upon their release date.
Tracy Chapman's eponymous debut album was certified 9× Gold in 2010.[20] 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.[21] 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.
† Usually the BVMI does not give a 6× Gold certification, but a 3× Platinum instead.[22] The reason for this singular certification is unclear.
^"The Kelly Family". Gorey Guardian. 23 July 1997. p. 68. Retrieved 18 May 2023. Their debut album, 'Over The Hump' sold over 4 million copies in Europe, 3 million of them in Germany alone.