Lotto 6aus49
Lotto 6aus49 is Germany's primary national lottery. Players pick six numbers from 1 to 49, plus a bonus ball. The game has run since 1955 under regulation by the German state lotteries authority. Draws occur twice per week: Wednesday and Saturday evenings.
6 from 49 + 1 bonus
Wednesday, Saturday
German State Lotteries
1955
1 in 54 (any prize)
How the Game Works
You choose six numbers between 1 and 49. A seventh number, called the Superzahl (super number), comes from a separate draw of 0 to 9. The lottery draws six main balls plus the bonus number on Wednesday and Saturday at 19:25 CET.
Matching your numbers to the drawn balls determines your prize tier. The Superzahl acts as a multiplier within each tier: matching the same Superzahl as the draw increases your prize group but does not increase the monetary payout directly. Instead, the Superzahl splits each prize tier into two sub-tiers, affecting how many winners share the pool at that level.
The structure creates nine distinct prize tiers. Tier 1 (jackpot) requires all six main numbers plus the Superzahl. Tier 2 requires all six main numbers without the Superzahl. Lower tiers require matching fewer numbers, with or without the bonus ball.
Prize Tiers and Odds
Lotto 6aus49 distributes prizes across nine tiers. The table below outlines the matching requirements and approximate odds for each:
Tier 1 (Jackpot): 6 numbers + Superzahl. Odds: 1 in 139,838,160. This tier starts at a minimum amount and rolls forward if not won.
Tier 2: 6 numbers, no Superzahl. Odds: 1 in 15,537,573. Pays a fixed percentage of the total pool after tier 1.
Tier 3: 5 numbers + Superzahl. Odds: 1 in 540,715.
Tier 4: 5 numbers, no Superzahl. Odds: 1 in 60,079.
Tier 5: 4 numbers + Superzahl. Odds: 1 in 10,323.
Tier 6: 4 numbers, no Superzahl. Odds: 1 in 1,147.
Tier 7: 3 numbers + Superzahl. Odds: 1 in 567.
Tier 8: 3 numbers, no Superzahl. Odds: 1 in 63.
Tier 9: 2 numbers + Superzahl. Odds: 1 in 21.
Prize money is split among winners in each tier. The jackpot is not fixed; it starts at 1 million euros and grows with rollover draws. Mid-tier and lower-tier payouts adjust weekly based on sales revenue and number of winners per tier.
Draw Schedule and Timing
Draws happen every Wednesday and Saturday at 7:25 PM CET. Wednesday draws are broadcast on German television. Saturday draws follow the same format. Ticket sales close on the evening of each draw day, typically around 7:00 PM, though cut-off times vary by ticket retailer.
Results are published immediately after the draw. Winners can claim prizes up to the end of the calendar year following the draw year. Standard tickets remain valid for the draw date printed on them; you cannot carry a ticket forward to a later draw unless you explicitly request a subscription service.
The Mathematics Behind 6aus49
The overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 54. This statistic reflects the combined probability across all nine tiers. Most players hit tier 9 (two numbers plus the bonus) or tier 8 (three numbers). Both occur frequently but return minimal amounts.
Expected value (EV) depends on the current jackpot size and sales volume. A ticket costs 1.20 euros (or 1 euro in some regions, depending on the operator). If the jackpot sits at 10 million euros and remains unclaimed, the EV of a single ticket is negative, as is typical for all tiers. The house margin (retained by the state) is built into the prize structure.
Syndicates (group play) do not improve mathematical odds but spread cost and potential winnings across participants. If a ten-person syndicate buys one ticket, each member owns 10 percent of any prize. Risk reduction is the only tangible benefit.
The Superzahl mechanic increases complexity without improving individual odds. Matching the Superzahl on a given draw happens in 10 percent of cases (because it ranges 0-9). This splits the prize pool at each tier but does not make winning more or less probable overall.
Tax Treatment in Germany
Lottery winnings in Germany are treated as gambling income under §4 Absatz 8b EStG (Income Tax Act). For residents, prizes are not subject to income tax at the point of winning. Lotto operators withhold approximately 5 percent of larger prizes for administrative and regulatory purposes, but this is not a formal income tax.
Players who are not German residents may face different tax rules in their home jurisdiction. Non-residents should consult local tax authorities before claiming winnings, as many countries tax foreign gambling winnings.
Syndicate members should keep clear records of ownership shares. If a syndicate wins, each member's tax position is separate and depends on residency and local law.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the six main numbers and the Superzahl?
The six main numbers come from a draw of 1 to 49. The Superzahl (0 to 9) is drawn separately. Matching the Superzahl does not increase the prize amount but does determine which sub-tier you occupy. For example, matching four numbers plus the Superzahl puts you in tier 5, while matching four numbers without it puts you in tier 6. Both are different prize groups with different odds and payouts.
How often does the jackpot roll over?
The jackpot rolls over whenever no one matches all six main numbers plus the Superzahl in a draw. It rolls forward to the next draw, increasing the minimum amount. There is no cap on rollover frequency; the jackpot can grow for several weeks consecutively. Most draws have at least one tier 1 or tier 2 winner, so large rollovers occur less often than in some other lotteries.
What are the actual prize amounts for lower tiers?
Lower tier payouts (tiers 5 through 9) vary week to week. The lottery distributes a fixed percentage of total sales revenue to prize pools. Tier 9 (two numbers plus Superzahl) typically pays between 3 and 10 euros, depending on sales volume and number of winners that draw. You cannot know exact payouts until after the draw closes. Check the official results page for the previous week's tier payouts as a guide.
Why is the overall odds of winning any prize 1 in 54?
The 1 in 54 odds reflects the combined probability of hitting any of the nine prize tiers, from tier 9 (two numbers plus Superzahl) up to the jackpot. Tier 9 is common (roughly 1 in 21 chance), which pulls the overall odds upward. The jackpot odds are far worse (1 in 139 million), but they are one piece of a much larger probability calculation that includes all the easier, lower-paying tiers.
Can I play the same numbers every week without buying a new ticket?
You must buy a ticket for each draw you wish to enter. A single ticket is valid for one draw only unless you set up a standing order or subscription with an authorized retailer. If you want to play the same six numbers every Wednesday and Saturday for a year, you can request a subscription, but you will pay in advance and each draw date will be covered by a separate entries under your account.
What happens if I win but claim the prize after the deadline?
German law sets a deadline of December 31 of the year following the draw year. If you do not claim by that date, the prize is forfeited and returned to the state lottery fund. Keep your ticket in a safe place and verify the results shortly after each draw. Losing a ticket does not guarantee you can claim without it, so storage and record-keeping are essential.
