We have developed a modified STR (short tandem repeat) concept including the eight German DNA database systems D3S1358, FGA, TH01, VWA, SE33, D8S1179, D18S51, D21S11 and the gender typing system Amelogenin (Q8). The Q8 is well suitable especially for weak and degraded stains. Compared to commercially established DNA database kits the amplicon lengths were significantly reduced. To optimise the typing success for weak stains the most sensitive fluorescent dyes FAM, JOE and TET were used. By comparing the Q8 kit with the MPX2 kit, a well-established commercial kit, a higher success rate was reached using our concept.