The steam generators of the 800-MW units in the new Federal States represent a new stage in the state of art. They constitute a process engineering, design and erection technology world-wide the greatest challenge in the conventional steam generator construction. For the first time, the magic frontier of 40% unit efficiency with lignite-fired steam generators has been reached. The fuel usage efficiency has been increased to about 55% by heat uncoupling. The authors describe the situation of the construction of lignite power stations in the new Federal States, the reasons for choosing the 800-MW performance class, and the peculiarities of the steam generators, such as their erection.