Germany

Last update: 07.09.2020 - older versions

Digital radio is available in all metropolitan areas. The total coverage (combined coverage of ARD multiplexes and the national multiplex) is 97% of the population.

The 1st level road coverage of the national network is 12,700 km which is equal to 98%.

ARD multiplexes in particular cover 81.65% of the area and 89.5% of the population.

As of January 2017 the nationwide DAB+ network has 110 transmitters. In addition, 2017 plans the commissioning of additional stations to spread the national digital radio programmes. Media Broadcast has announced the further expansion of its network for the national digital radio offering in channel 5C. As announced by the service provider on May 8, the commissioning of further transmitter locations in the federal territory is planned in the coming weeks. This will further optimise the supply of the national offer in the DAB+ standard. The main focus of the project will be in rural areas in Baden-Württemberg (connected to the network on 20 April 2017), Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Schleswig-Holstein. This creates further supply areas.

Detailed information on the network coverage can be found on www.digitalradio.de/empfang.

Last update: 08.09.2020 - older versions

In this country there are

• National multiplex: 1 Regular
• Regional multiplexes: 26 Regular
• Local multiplexes: 4 Regular

In total, there are more than 260 radio programmes which can be received digitally across the 16 German Bundeslaender: 13 national programmes, over 60 public stations distributed by ARD members, and around 80 commercial stations (regional or local). The majority of radio programmes are equipped with accompanying data services including at least Dynamic Label Segment or DL+ and Slideshow. See Slideshow on air.  In particular, all public ARD radio brands are broadcast with additional services accompanying the live audio service: Now-next information (DLS/DL+), Programme previews (EPG), Weather and traffic charts, news headlines, track/title-cover (slideshow/categorised slideshow), Future mobility service (TPEG), and Hybrid EPGs and Slideshows (RadioVIS and RadioEPG). Download a presentation on Slideshow in Germany.

1st national multiplex

The nationwide DAB+ network was extended by around 50 transmitters with a completion date of 2016. In June 2017, there were 117 transmitters broadcasting. Germany is now developing a DSO strategy. Now, with the first national mux, 96% of all people are covered (June 2017).

Second national multiplex

In January 2020, it was agreed that Antenne Deutschland GmbH and other partners will launch a second DAB+ multiplex with up to 16 new national radio programmes. In addition to distributing its own programs, Antenne Deutschland also plans to offer stations to third parties. The launch is planned to take place at the end of 2020.

Last update: 08.09.2020 - older versions

Amendment to the Telecommunications Act, Section 48, para. 4 and 5

According to Germany's new national legislation on digital radio, all radios in new cars should be capable of receiving digital terrestrial radio from 21 Dec 2020 – as required by the European Electronic Communications Code. The law also requires all new consumer radios, capable of displaying a station’s name, to be able to receive digital signals (for example,DAB+ or IP) – from the same date.

The new German national legislation with explanatory text is available in English here.

 Over 50% of new cars sold in 2019 equipped with DAB+

According to the annual report published by the German automobile trust, 54% of new cars sold in Germany in 2019 were equipped with digital radio - a 34% increase compared to 2018. 

Last update: 08.09.2020 - older versions

German Digital Radio Reciver Classes

A new version of the Digital Radio Receiver Classes (v2.0) is available and  summarises feature specifications from technical standards as a technical guidance document (recommendation) for 3 use cases - audio, multimedia and hybrid (addressing not only receiver manufacturers, but also service providers). Download

German Government will mandate Digital Interface in most radios 

In September 2019, the German federal parliament reiterated its commitment to DAB+ by passing a revision to its Telecoms Law. The law was approved, and made official in November 2019.

The law requires all new consumer radios, capable of displaying a station’s name, to be able to receive digital signals (for example, DAB+ or IP) – from the same date. The new German national legislation with explanatory text is available in English here.

Market Research

• In 2020, the number of DAB+ receivers in households grew by 14%, compared to 2019
• In Bavaria, 31% of households are equipped with a DAB+ digital radio, compared to 22% in 2018
• In the states of Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia, 29% of households are equipped with a DAB+ digital radio

Initiative Digital Radio Deutschland Product Finder

Overview list of the digital radio receivers available on the German market

 The 2020 Digitisation Report carried out by Die Medienanstalten during IFA 2020 is available here (in German)

Digital Radio Germany's 2020 DAB+ report is available here (in German)

Last update: 08.09.2020 - older versions

DAB+ regulation in Germany

In September 2019, the German federal parliament reiterated its commitment to DAB+ by passing a revision to its Telecoms Law.

The law was approved, and made official in November 2019. According to the revised law, all radios in new cars should be capable of receiving digital terrestrial radio from 21st Dec 2020 – as required by the European Electronic Communications Code.

The obligation only applies to new cars, and does not apply to quads, trucks or other vehicles for goods transport. The law also requires all new consumer radios, capable of displaying a station’s name, to be able to receive digital signals (for example, DAB+ or IP) – from the same date.

The new German national legislation with explanatory text is available in English here.

Last update: 08.09.2020 - older versions

The following websites provide information on all available services, the latest marketing and receivers for home and on the move. 

dabplus.de

Rundfunk Forum

DAB+ promotion campaigns

In this 3-minute DAB+ promotional video published by German broadcaster ARD Digital, media personality Anni Dunkelmann explains to consumers the various benefits of DAB+, such as improved sound quality, a wider choice of listening and the ability of certain receivers to show visual displays.  

YouTube tip: to see video subtitles in your local language, click on the settings icon located at the bottom right of the video,  select settings, then auto translate, then your preferred language option. 

Summer 2019

The German digital radio industry (public and commercial radio) organised a DAB+ promotion week from 13-24 May 2019. Cross-media activities included on-air radio spots, consumer and B2B print advertisements and advertorials, social media and on www.dabplus.de.  The week included also training and promotion within the retail sector. 

Summer 2018

A new German multimedia campaign promoting DAB+ will launch on 27 August, with the slogan "DAB+. Mehr Radio" (DAB+, More Radio) to be branded across TV, radio, print and online. On 30 August, an "Editorial Theme Day" will be held at IFA Berlin by German broadcaster ARD and other commercial radio stations to discuss the benefits of DAB+. The initiative is a collaboration between German broadcaster ARD and other commercial radio stations, as part of a nationwide rebrand of DAB+.

Christmas 2017

Christmas promotion "Give a DAB + Radio"   Starting November 27th, in the four weeks leading up to Christmas, radio and TV spots will once again be broadcasting spots and actions about the DAB + listening experience at ARD, Deutschlandradio, private radio stations and other partners.

May 2017

ARD and Deutschlandradio started a cross-media nationwide marketing campaign for DAB+ radio from 2 May 2017. The campaign will include radio, television and internet, as well as images for print and online use. DAB+ has also received an eye-catching new logo, with which broadcasters, manufacturers and retailers can promote the new radio standard.

Examples of the implementation of new DAB+ logo can be viewed here:   http://www.digitalradio.de/index.php/de/haendlerbereich. Download the Press Release.

Under the motto "As clear as if I were there", the ARD has a nationwide marketing campaign for DAB+ together with Deutschlandradio and other partners. This includes TV commercials as well as on numerous online channels. In the ARD, with Deutschlandradio and private broadcasters are broadcasting various radio adspots. In addition, there are print and online motifs on the new website www.dabplus.de.

Last update: 08.09.2020 - older versions

There are currently no news available for this section.