Collection: TCG Pokémon German

"Pokemon" stands for "Pocket Monsters" and refers to a popular franchise created by Nintendo, Game Freak and Creatures. The Pokémon franchise includes video games, animated TV series, films, merchandising and of course the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG). Here is some basic information about Pokémon, especially as it relates to trading cards:

1. **Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG):** The Pokémon Trading Card Game is a trading card game in which players create decks of Pokémon cards and compete against each other. Each card represents a Pokémon that can have different attacks, abilities, and health. The goal is to defeat your opponent's Pokémon to win prize cards.

2. **Card Sets:** The Pokémon TCG is released in sets covering different generations of Pokémon, regions, and themes. Each set contains new Pokémon cards, trainer cards and energy cards.

3. **Rarity Levels:** Pokémon cards have different rarity levels that can affect their collectible value. Rarity levels include Common, Uncommon, Rare, Holo Rare, and there are also extremely rare cards like Secret Rares.

4. **Evolution Lines:** Many Pokémon cards represent an evolution line, which represents different stages of a Pokémon. For example, a card may show a basic Pokémon, an evolving Pokémon, and finally an evolved Pokémon.

5. **Tournaments and Competitions:** The Pokémon TCG has an active competitive scene with local tournaments, championships, and international events. Players can compete in different age groups and categories.

6. **Anime Series:** The Pokémon franchise also includes a long-running animated television series that follows the adventures of Ash Ketchum and his Pokémon Pikachu. The series helped make Pokémon a global phenomenon.

7. **Video Games:** The main series of Pokémon video games were first released for the Game Boy. Players can catch, train and compete against other trainers in these games.

8. **Merchandising:** Pokémon has an extensive range of merchandising products including toys, clothing, books, films and much more.

Since the late 1990s, Pokémon has become one of the most well-known and successful entertainment franchises in the world. The Pokémon trading cards are an important part of this success story and have a wide fan base of collectors and players.