German Society for Mycology

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Mykologie (DGfM), or German Society for Mycology, is a non-profit registered association (eingetragener Verein) founded in 1921 as the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Pilzkunde (DGfP). It serves as the representative body for professional and amateur mycologists in Germany, including university and institute scientists, hobby researchers, mushroom enthusiasts, conservationists, and mushroom cultivators. With over 2,000 members as of January 2026, the DGfM is a member of the International Mycological Association (IMA), the European Mycological Association (EMA), and the Verband Biologie, Biowissenschaften und Biomedizin (VBIO). The society is active in education and public outreach. Since 1981 it has been responsible for the training and continuing education of Pilzsachverständige (PSV, mushroom experts), formerly known as Pilzberater, who advise the public on the edibility and toxicity of mushrooms. In 2008 it introduced a university-level training program for Fachberater für Mykologie (specialist consultant for mycology), and in 2013/2014 it created the PilzCoach qualification for youth education. The DGfM publishes the German-language Zeitschrift für Mykologie and, since 2002, the English-language journal Mycological Progress. It also coordinates nationwide mushroom mapping, publishes distribution maps online, and has been naming a Pilz des Jahres (Mushroom of the Year) annually since 1994. The society is involved in species and biotope conservation and produces the Red List of endangered macrofungi in Germany. The DGfM is headquartered in Germany and operates primarily in the German-speaking region. It is a non-governmental organization that relies on membership fees, donations, and partnerships. Its website offers resources on mushroom identification, poisoning first aid, and news about the society's activities.

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Mykologie (DGfM) was founded in 1921 as the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Pilzkunde (DGfP) to promote scientific mushroom research, mushroom knowledge, and mushroom advisory services. At the same time, the journal Zeitschrift für Pilzkunde was launched. Karl Johannes Kniep, a professor of plant physiology who taught at the universities of Freiburg, Würzburg, and later Berlin, became the society's first leader. In 1977, the society changed its name to Deutsche Gesellschaft für Mykologie e.V., and its publication was renamed Zeitschrift für Mykologie. Since 1981, the DGfM has been responsible for the training and continuing education of mushroom advisors, now called Pilzsachverständige (PSV). It established a uniform training system that was extended to all of Germany after reunification in 1990. In 1992, the first Red List of endangered macrofungi in Germany was published, incorporating results from long-term investigations by DGfM members. Since 1994, the society has annually named a Pilz des Jahres (Mushroom of the Year). In 2002, the DGfM began publishing the English-language journal Mycological Progress. In 2006, the German Research Foundation (DFG) granted the DGfM the right to propose expert reviewers. Since 2008, the society has organized a university-level training program for Fachberater für Mykologie (specialist consultant for mycology). In 2013/2014, the PilzCoach qualification was created for youth education. In 2021, the society celebrated its 100th anniversary with a commemorative book, '100 Jahre Deutsche Gesellschaft für Mykologie'. As of January 2026, the DGfM has over 2,000 members.

• 2025

  Launched new portal 'Pilze Deutschlands' and mapping app Mushpits.

• 2021

  Celebrated 100th anniversary with commemorative book '100 Jahre Deutsche Gesellschaft für Mykologie'.

• 2013

  Created the PilzCoach qualification for youth education.

• 2008

  Introduced university-level training for Fachberater für Mykologie.

• 2006

  Granted the right to propose expert reviewers by the German Research Foundation (DFG).

• 2002

  Began publishing the English-language journal Mycological Progress.

• 1994

  Started annually naming the Pilz des Jahres (Mushroom of the Year).

• 1992

  First Red List of endangered macrofungi in Germany published.

• 1990

  Training system extended to all of Germany after reunification.

• 1981

  DGfM became responsible for training and continuing education of mushroom advisors (later Pilzsachverständige).

• 1977

  Renamed to Deutsche Gesellschaft für Mykologie e.V.; journal renamed Zeitschrift für Mykologie.

• 1921

  Founded as Deutsche Gesellschaft für Pilzkunde (DGfP); Zeitschrift für Pilzkunde launched.

Non-profit scientific society and interest group for mycologists and mushroom enthusiasts in Germany, providing expert training, publications, and conservation advocacy.

• Zeitschrift für Mykologie

  German-language scientific journal published by the DGfM.

• Mycological Progress

  English-language mycological journal published since 2002.

• Pilzsachverständige (PSV) certification

  Training and certification for mushroom advisors who advise the public on edibility and toxicity.

• Fachberater für Mykologie

  University-level training program consisting of eight modules on systematics, ecology, biotechnology, phytopathology, food technology, genetics, and medical mycology.

• PilzCoach

  Qualification for teaching children and youth about mushrooms in kindergartens, schools, and other educational settings.

• Pilz des Jahres

  Annual campaign since 1994 to highlight a particular mushroom species.

• Pilze Deutschlands portal

  Online portal with distribution maps of native macrofungi.

1. 1Deutsche Gesellschaft für Mykologie - begeistert von Pilzendgfm-ev.de
2. 2Geschichte - Deutsche Gesellschaft für Mykologiedgfm-ev.de
3. 3News - Deutsche Gesellschaft für Mykologiedgfm-ev.de
4. 4Spenden - Deutsche Gesellschaft für Mykologiedgfm-ev.de
5. 5Deutsche Gesellschaft für Mykologie - Wikidatawikidata.org
6. 6Deutsche Gesellschaft für Mykologie - Wikipediade.wikipedia.org