The 3. Liga is the third tier of professional football in Germany, positioned below the 2. Bundesliga and above the Regionalliga. Established in 2008, it serves as a crucial step for clubs aiming to reach higher levels of competition. The league consists of 20 teams that compete in a round-robin format, with each team playing 38 matches in a season. Promotion to the 2. Bundesliga is available for the top teams, while the bottom teams face relegation to the Regionalliga. The league has gained recognition for its competitive nature and has become a vital part of the German football pyramid, showcasing emerging talent and local clubs.