During the three summer seasons of the years 1998, 2000 and 2001 mid-latitude mesosphere summer echoes (MSE) were observed with the OSWIN VHF radar. The radar is located at K¿hlungsborn (54.1¿N, 11.8¿E). Based on nearly continuous operation of the radar a large data set with altogether more than 200 hours of MSE observations with signal-to-noise ratios greater than 0 dB has been obtained. We present and discuss the results of the three years observation. Mid-latitude mesosphere summer echoes occur much more seldom than their corresponding polar mesosphere summer echoes (PMSE) in polar regions. Both phenomena are characterized by very strong radar returns with a high aspect sensitivity and a restriction to the summer mesosphere. But beside these analogies their main differences will be discussed also. MSE occur in a shorter time interval in the summer months and normally only during daytime. They are still observable although the low temperatures and the sufficient degree of saturation necessary for the existence of ice particles cannot be reached at all times. Furthermore we show MSE distribution, scattering characteristics, aspect sensitivity, and turbulence characteristics as functions of height.