SCHALKE moved up to second in the table after Turkish striker Halil Altintop headed the only goal against Hansa Rostock.
Bayern Munich, who play Bochum today, are six points in front while Hamburg dropped to third after losing 1-0 at Stuttgart.
German international Roberto Hilbert volleyed home from a 20th minute corner for the defending champions to end Hamburg's 11-match unbeaten run.