The DFB-Pokal began with 16 teams in a single-elimination knockout cup competition. There were a total of three rounds leading up to the final. Teams were drawn against each other, and the winner after 90 minutes would advance. If still tied, 30 minutes of extra time was played. If the score was still level, a replay would take place at the original away team's stadium. If still level after 90 minutes, 30 minutes of extra time was played. If the score was still level, a drawing of lots would decide who would advance to the next round.[3]
Note: In all results below, the score of the finalist is given first (H: home; A: away).
^"Schiedsrichter: Der erste war Berliner". DFB-Pokal: Das offizielle Stadionmagazin des Deutschen Fußball-Bundes. German Football Association. 2015. Retrieved 29 April 2017.
^"Alle DFB-Pokalsieger" [All DFB-Pokal winners]. dfb.de (in German). German Football Association. 27 November 2013. Retrieved 6 June 2016.