Croatia forward Mladen Petric headed over Michael Rensing just before half-time to give Hamburg the three points, which puts Martin Jol's side top.
Surprise package Hoffenheim lie second, one point behind Hamburg and ahead of Bayern on goal difference, although they can go two points clear if they win at home to Energie Cottbus.
OUR PARTNERS
online casino bonus for new and existing players - Seite auch in deutscher Sprache