The German Sailing Association, founded in 1888, is an umbrella organization comprising German sailing and surfing clubs, state sailing associations, class associations, and other organizations involved in the sport of sailing. As such, it promotes sailing on the open sea and inland waters, on land and on ice, for adults and young people, both as a recreational and competitive sport. The federation takes measures to utilize, develop, and protect water bodies and shoreline areas, and it ensures consumer protection as well as a comprehensive public presentation of the sport of sailing.

The Federal Ministry of Digital Affairs and Transport (BMDV) has authorized the DSV to conduct examinations and issue spotboat operator licenses and radio operator certificates.

As a leading sports federation, the DSV represents the interests of its members both domestically and internationally within the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB), the World Sailing Federation (WS), the Alliance Internationale de Tourisme (AIT), and as an expert advisor to the federal and state governments.