city, Lower Saxony Land (state), northwestern Germany. It lies on the Delme River, just west of Bremen. First mentioned in 1254, Delmenhorst developed around a moated castle belonging to a branch of the family of the dukes of Oldenburg, and it was chartered in 1371. Industrialization in the late 19th century caused rapid growth. The city is now a manufacturing centre specializing in linoleum; other products include cork, flooring, and foodstuffs. Pop. (2003 est.) 75,986.