The 2. Bundesliga is the second tier of professional football in Germany. It operates below the Bundesliga, the country's top league, and features 18 teams competing for promotion to the higher division. The season typically runs from August to May, with each team playing 34 matches. Teams in the 2. Bundesliga earn points through wins and draws, with the top two teams at the end of the season automatically promoted. The third-placed team enters a playoff against a Bundesliga team for a chance to move up. The league is known for its competitive nature and passionate fan base.