Following the resignation of Thomas Hermanns as the host, there were rumours that the 2009 German national final would feature changes. Ralph Siegel, who had composed nineteen Eurovision entries, also expressed his interest in taking part in the national final.[4] However, NDR announced on 16 December 2008 that they would organise an internal selection to select the German entry for the 2009 contest. Interested artists and composers with GEMA membership and having achieved previous chart success were able to submit their entries until 22 January 2009.[5][6] From all proposals received by NDR, the German entry was selected by a five-member panel.
Germany automatically pre-qualified for the final of the contest as one of the "Big Four". Due to illness Peter Urban could not make it to Moscow to commentate for Germany and was replaced by Tim Frühling (who was the radio commentator for Germany) whilst television presenter and singer Ina Müller provided the radio commentary. American burlesque model Dita von Teese joined Alex and Oscar on stage. The country voted in the first semi-final as decided during the semi-final allocation draw. The country finished 20th with 35 points.