Abstract. We used ten conceptually different models to predict discharge from the artificial Chicken Creek catchment in North-East Germany. Soil textural and topography data were given to the modellers, but discharge data were withheld. We compare the predictions with the measurements from the 6 ha catchment and discuss the conceptualization and parameterization of the models. The predictions vary in a wide range, e.g. the predicted actual evapotranspiration ranged from 88 to 579 mm/y and the discharge from 19 to 346 mm/y. All model simulations revealed systematic deviations between observations of major components of the hydrological cycle (not known to the modellers) and the simulation results. Discharge was predicted mainly as subsurface discharge with little direct runoff. In reality, surface runoff was a major flow component despite the fairly coarse soil texture. The actual evapotranspiration (AET) was systematically overestimated by nine of ten models as was the ratio between actual and potential ET. Overall, none of the model simulations came close to the correct water balance during the entire 3-year study period. The comparison indicated that the personal judgement of the modellers was a major source of the differences between the model results. The most important parameters to be guessed were the soil parameters and the initial soil water content while plant parameterization had in this particular case of a sparse vegetation only a minor influence on the results.