As defender he debuted for West Germany in a friendly at Wales in October 1976. His career for his country was in best prime in 1978 and 1979, years where he won the vast majority of his altogether 14 caps. In 1979, he even found the net, scoring vital goals in 1980 UEFA European Championship qualifiers against Wales and Turkey. These goals brought him a call-up to the 1980 UEFA European Championship winning squad of his nation, not knowing that the mentioned qualifying fixture against Turkey would remain his final cap. In Italy he wasn't used because of an injury. Two years eralier, in 1978, he had been with West Germany at the FIFA World Cup in Argentina, taking part against Poland and dropping out injured in the second half of the goalless draw against Italy at Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti in Buenos Aires.