The majority of collectors focus on either the English or Japanese versions of the original 1999 Pokémon set, as seen by the prices for the majority of graded copies. 

So far, graded German versions have managed to slip under the radar, but could they be the smartest investment overall given they’re so cheap in comparison?

Here’s everything you need to know about the best German Pokémon cards, as well as investment advice for the future. 

The Best German Pokémon Cards

Firstly, we’ve come up with a list containing five of the best German Pokémon cards that you’re likely to find on the market.  

5. 1999 Pokémon German 1st Edition Holo Bisaflor (Venusaur) #2 (eBay)

It’s no surprise to see that we’re sticking with the 1999 base set for the purposes of this list. As you may have guessed, the text is mostly German, along with a name change. (Venusaur is known as Bisaflor.) 

Aside from that, it’s the same as the English version. 

There are a number of graded copies on the market, even if the majority of collectors prefer to stick with English cards. 

Check prices of 1999 Pokémon German 1st Edition Holo Bisaflor on eBay.

4. 1999 Pokémon German 1st Edition Holo Mewtu (Mewtwo) #10 (eBay)

In a similar theme, we’re sticking with the 1999 Pokémon German base set, and another fan favorite in the form of Mewtu (Mewtwo). The only non-starter evolution to make the list, the holo foil finish is just as susceptible to nicks and scuffs. 

(It’s worth mentioning that German editions also have the classic reverse seen with English cards.)

Check prices of 1999 Pokémon German 1st Edition Holo Mewtu on eBay.

3. 1999 Pokemon German 1st Edition Holo Turtok (Blastoise) #2 (eBay)

We’re bringing out the big guns in the form of T​​urtok (Blastoise). Squirtle is almost as popular as Pikachu, so his holo 1st Edition card is always popular with fans. 

German cards are far cheaper, but you’ll still have to shell out to add a PSA graded Turtok to your collection. 

Overall, there’s only one Pokémon which is more deserving of a top spot on the list. 

Check prices of 1999 Pokemon German 1st Edition Holo Turtok on eBay.

2. 2000 Pokemon German 1st Edition Holo Dunkles Glurak (Dark Charizard) #4 (eBay)

Glurak, Charizard, it doesn’t really matter. 

The most valuable Pokémon by far, we’d look at the Dunkles Glurak (Dark Charizard) card from 2000 sets for a canny investment. There aren’t many graded versions at the moment, but we see values rising considering the high entry point for the best English versions. 

Check prices of 2000 Pokemon German 1st Edition Holo Dunkles Glurak on eBay.

1. 1999 Pokemon German 1st Edition Holo Glurak (Charizard) #4 (eBay)

Heading back to the original 1999 German Pokémon set, Glurak (Charizard) can be found in his original holo glory. Expect to pay at least five figures for the best graded copies, which may be seen as a steal in a decade or so. 

(Put it this way. They were selling for roughly $1,500 as late as 2018.)

Check prices of 1999 Pokemon German 1st Edition Holo Glurak on eBay.

German Pokémon Cards: Buyers Guide 

German Pokémon cards were an untapped market, although prices are starting to rise rapidly. 

Check out graded versions of the original starter trio, as you’re unlikely to find holo 1999 German versions selling for next to nothing. (On the other hand, the German cards seen above sell for a fraction of the price compared to their English counterparts.)

You could also look to ungraded cards, as long as it’s a reputable seller.

Without a doubt, it has to be Glurak. A Charizard is still a Charizard, even if you give it a different name. No Pokémon has the ability to resonate with collectors in the same way as the original chase card. 

As always, we’d stick with graded versions just to be safe, especially if you plan to buy the card online. 

German Pokémon Cards: Buying/Selling Advice 

Personally, I think the German Pokémon set is still one of the better untapped options, and I’m aiming to add a few graded copies to my own collection. 

I would hold off from selling given prices still have room to rise, although the latest bubble does appear to have burst for the time being. 

In any case, the days in which older graded German Pokémon cards were worth next to nothing are long gone. Booster packs are always tempting when looking at older German-language cards, and it’s a chance to get your favorite cards for a cheaper price.

The German release is still worth a bit of money, especially if you’re looking at PSA 10 TCG cards.