The BDG is the first German professional association in the field of graphic design. It was established in 1919 as the “Bund der Deutschen Gebrauchsgraphiker” (Federation of German Commercial Artists). Since 1968 it has been known as the “Bund Deutscher Grafik-Designer” (Federation of German Graphic Designers). In 2009 the association changed its name again into “Berufsverband der Deutschen Kommunikationsdesigner” (Professional Association of German Communication Designers).

The BDG represents the interests of all communication designers in the various forms of professional practice.

The key selection criterion for membership is the professional qualification.
The purpose of the association is the protection and promotion of the technical, business and professional interests of its members.

The BDG is networked through corporate memberships in DT Deutscher Designertag (German Designers' Board), the Rat für Formgebung (German Design Council) and the ICOGRADA International Council of Graphic Design Associations as well as through numerous collaborations with other organisations and institutions.

The remit of the BDG includes in particular:

• to inform the public about the activities and services of communication designers and their economic and cultural significance;
• to provide the courts with trained and experienced experts;
• to influence legislation directly or through umbrella organisations and political contacts;
• to protect communication designers against the abuse of their services and against unfair competition;
• to promote new blood in the profession and ensure competent training;
• to advise members in technical and business issues specific to the profession and keep them up to date with developments in the profession;
• to foster the exchange of information and opinions with other associations and institutions, in particular in the field of visual communication;
• to cooperate with national and international professional associations.