Bayern Munich supporters are most commonly called Die Bayern or Die Roten, and they are also referred to simply as Bayern‑Fans.
Common nicknames used by supporters
Within the club and its fan community, the team’s red kit has earned the nickname Die Roten (The Reds). The broader supporter base adopts the geographic label Die Bayern (The Bavarians), reflecting the club’s location in Bavaria.
Ultras and the Südkurve
The most visible fan section is the Südkurve, the southern curve of the Allianz Arena. Here, the ultra group Schickeria München dominates the atmosphere. The name was originally a sarcastic term for Munich’s upscale image, but the group reclaimed it to represent a passionate, working‑class terrace culture.
Organised fan representation
Club Nr. 12 is the umbrella organization that voices the interests of ordinary match‑going fans. It campaigns against excessive commercialisation and protects the German 50+1 ownership rule, ensuring supporters retain a say in club decisions.
International fan clubs
Beyond Germany, official Bayern‑Fanclubs exist worldwide—from Lower Franconia to Tokyo and New York. These groups share the same colours and chants, linking local members to the global Bayern identity.
Rival terminology
Opposing supporters often use the pejorative Erfolgsfan (success fan) to suggest Bayern fans are bandwagon followers, given the club’s long record of Bundesliga titles. The term reflects the rivalry‑driven language common in German football culture.
Local rivalries and historic labels
In Munich, the city rival TSV 1860 Munich is known as Die Löwen (The Lions). Their fans sometimes portray Bayern as a club tied to middle‑class commercial interests. Historically, matches against 1. FC Nürnberg highlight a Bavarian‑Franconian cultural divide, adding another layer to the naming conventions used by fans on both sides.