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Germany

Last update: 29.07.2025 - older versions

Nationwide programme offering

In addition to the Deutschlandradio programmes Deutschlandfunk, Deutschlandfunk Kultur, Deutschlandfunk Nova and the digital channel Deutschlandfunk Dokumente und Debatten, numerous other private radio programmes can be heard on the first national DAB+ platform. Private stations such as Radio BOB!, sunshine live, Klassik Radio and Schwarzwaldradio, which can only be received locally or regionally on FM, are available terrestrially throughout Germany via DAB+. The private programmes Absolut Relax, Energy (national), Radio Schlagerparadies and ERF Plus are only available terrestrially on DAB+.

A total of 12 additional transmitters are scheduled to go into operation on the first national programme platform this year. One focus is Schleswig-Holstein, where the switch from FM to DAB+ decided by politicians, public and private programme providers began this year.

By the end of 2025, the DAB+ transmitter network will comprise a total of 182 locations, bringing the number of residents who can receive the 13 programmes at home with a room antenna to around 77.7 million. This corresponds to more than 91 per cent of the population. Area coverage for mobile reception is already at more than 97 per cent and will increase slightly further by the end of 2025, while coverage on motorways is already over 99 per cent, which is almost full coverage.

The second national programme platform operated by Antenne Deutschland offers additional nationwide stations. Well-known offerings such as RTL Radio, Oldie Antenne, Rock Antenne (both from Antenne Bayern), the Absolut Group and special interest formats such as Beats Radio enhance the nationwide offering and make it attractive to listeners throughout Germany. Ballermann Radio, another programme for a specific target group, was launched in 2024.

Digitalradio Büro Deutschland provides an overview of DAB+ in the federal states 2025.

Latest audience data

Listening data is available in this summary from Digitalradio Büro Deutschland: “The ma 2025 audio II: DAB+ programs with strong growth.” “The figures from ma 2025 Audio II show a continued steady increase in digital radio usage, especially in the DAB+ segment. This is particularly beneficial for providers who broadcast their programs primarily or exclusively digitally, recording significant growth.”

FM switch-off in Schleswig-Holstein

2025 has also seen the start of FM switch-off in Schleswig-Holstein. In July 2025, the Medienanstalt Hamburg/Schleswig-Holstein (MA HSH) provided an update on the progress of the FM shutdowns. “Now, additional programmes have reduced their FM locations, including both private and public broadcasters: After Klassik Radio decommissioned its FM frequency at the Güby location in Schleswig-Holstein some time ago, FM broadcasting in the Itzehoe region was discontinued on 1 July 2025. In addition to Klassik Radio, Deutschlandradio is also focusing on digital broadcasting.

“Deutschlandfunk and Deutschlandfunk Kultur have discontinued analogue broadcasting at a total of nine locations, with only two locations remaining in operation on a transitional basis. The change is part of a state-wide digitisation campaign agreed upon by private and public radio stations, the state government and the state media authority as part of a road map: by 2031, programme broadcasting via FM antenna is to be completely, but gradually, converted to DAB+ digital radio.”

DAB+ world premiere: the new ASA warning system

After two years of intensive collaboration, the WorldDAB association and Digitalradio Deutschland e.V. are presenting an exemplary innovation for DAB+ digital radio: the Automatic Safety Alert (ASA) warning system, which protects the population in emergencies and crises and reliably transmits safety messages digitally via radio without an internet connection.

Listeners benefit from a system that keeps them informed even when mobile phone or internet connections are down. ASA works automatically in the background, can be adapted to the region where you live, and offers high availability thanks to the DAB+ radio transmission network.

Public and private radio stations in Germany, the device industry and security authorities such as the BBK (Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance) have set themselves the goal of providing a new important component in the warning mix for crisis situations with ASA and DAB+ digital radio. With powerful transmission masts covering large distances, DAB+ offers the possibility of sending regionalised warning messages. This function ensures that people in the affected areas are warned accurately and in good time. New generations of DAB+ radios now support the ASA standard. The website www.dabplus.de/asa has been set up for B2B customers.

DAB+ regulation

According to Germany's Telecoms Law, all new car radios should be capable of receiving digital terrestrial radio from 21 December 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. Read the press release on the new German national legislation here

Last update: 04.08.2025 - older versions

Digital radio is available in all metropolitan areas. The total coverage (combined coverage of ARD multiplexes and the national multiplex) is 98% of the population.

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

Detailed information on the network coverage can be found on the Digitalradio Büro Deutschland website.

 

 

Last update: 27.08.2025 - older versions

In this country there are

  • National multiplexes: 2 Regular
  • Regional multiplexes: 44 Regular
  • Local multiplexes: 34 Regular
on air.

An up-to-date overview of the DAB+ digital radio services on air in Germany is available on the Digitalradio Büro Deutschland website.

Simulcast on AM / FM Exclusive on digital Total of services
DAB+ programmes 200 100 300

Last update: 04.08.2025 - 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.

Last update: 04.08.2025 - older versions

German Government mandates 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.

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: 18.07.2022 - older versions

There are currently no news available for this section.

Last update: 01.12.2022 - older versions

What about the radio button in the car?

Are audio systems and voice assistants in car user interfaces within the meaning of the State Media Treaty? This question is the subject of a legal opinion commissioned by the Media Authority of North Rhine-Westphalia. On 23 November 2022, the expert opinion by Prof. Dr. Ralf Müller-Terpitz entitled "Rechtliche Einordnung von Audiosystemen und Sprachassistenten mit dem Fokus Auto" (Legal classification of audio systems and voice assistants with a focus on cars) was published and can now be downloaded from the Authority's website.

The conclusion of the expert opinion is that integrated audio systems represent a user interface for linear radio reception in the car. The same applies to the manufacturers' own voice assistants which are responsible for the navigation of the audio system. Thus, car manufacturers fall under the Treaty and must in future comply with the regulations for linear radio reception in the integrated audio system. "The result of the expert opinion is essentially: What looks like a user interface and is operated like a user interface is a user interface. This is good news for radio, for journalism and for users," said Dr. Tobias Schmid, Director of the Landesanstalt für Medien NRW, commenting on the results of the expert opinion.

Read the full press release from Landesanstalt für Medien NRW

 

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: 20.08.2025 - older versions

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

Digitalradio Büro Deutschland

DAB+ promotion campaigns 

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. 

2025

2021

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: 04.08.2025 - older versions

The "Automatic Safety Alert (ASA)" warning system protects the population in emergencies and crises with reliable safety messages on the radio. Listeners benefit from a system that informs them even when mobile or internet connections are interrupted. ASA operates automatically in the background, can be regionally adapted to the location, and offers high availability. The new standard has been introduced worldwide; initial tests were conducted at the IFA Berlin and on the nationwide warning day in September. New generations of DAB+ radio devices now support the ASA standard.

Find out more on the Digitalradio Büro Deutschland website and on our Automatic Safety Alert page.

Bad Reichenhall and Berchtesgaden: Radio reception frequencies are changing
16.09.2025 - Bayerischer Rundfunk WorldDAB Member - Germany Germany
For six municipalities in the Berchtesgadener Land region, FM radio reception will change from 14 October 2025. The reason for this is the decommissioning of the two repeater stations in Bad Reichenhall and Berchtesgaden/Schönau. Alternatively, FM reception from other BR transmitter locations will continue to be possible. All BR programmes can be received in the region in the best quality via DAB+. The two FM repeater stations currently serve the town of Bad Reichenhall and the municipalities of Bayerisch Gmain, Berchtesgaden, Bischofswiesen, Ramsau and Schönau am Königssee. The two FM stations will be decommissioned on 14 October for reasons of cost-effectiveness and energy efficiency.

(Bayern Digital Radio GmbH) Read more

Fraunhofer IIS ContentServer R8 digital radio head-end technology now available
15.09.2025 - Fraunhofer IIS WorldDAB Member - Germany Germany
Fraunhofer IIS introduces the latest major release of its professional ContentServer head-end technology. Version R8 of this flexible and highly reliable solution is now readily available in products from Fraunhofer’s OEM partners. The new DAB/DRM ContentServer R8 enables broadcasters to put audio content and attractive data services on air with ease while benefitting from the latest standard upgrades and a range of new productivity features. New features that come with the Fraunhofer DAB/DRM ContentServer R8 include, for instance, convenient overview of the current on-air multiplex, including live content previews and source status; and input and output of EDI/DCP and MuxEnc/DCP streams via SRT - Secure Reliable Transport.

(Fraunhofer IIS) Read more

DAB+ radio on Warning Day: Successful test of the Automatic Safety Alert ASA with certified receivers
12.09.2025 - Top story - Germany Germany
During the nationwide warning day, the Automatic Safety Alert (ASA) security system was successfully tested for the first time via DAB+ radio using standard certified devices. Public and private broadcasters supported the testing with editorial content and test alerts. This positions DAB+ radio as an ideal addition to the warning mix, alongside cell broadcasts on mobile phones and other options for informing the population in crisis situations. Further information on ASA can be found here: www.dabplus.de/asa. In the event of a crisis, it is crucial that ASA radios automatically wake up from standby mode and provide the population with accurate information. These two essential functions of ASA have been successfully tested.

(Digitalradio Büro Deutschland) Read more

Radio Mixtape on DAB+ from 29 October
07.09.2025 - Germany Germany
On the 1st Smart Audio Day NRW, over 500 guests, primarily employees of local radio stations in North Rhine-Westphalia, but also representatives from media policy and partner companies, came to the German Football Museum in Dortmund today to gain inspiration for their daily work and learn about trends in the audio industry. The last item on the congress agenda ended with a real highlight. NRW Media Minister Nathanael Liminski pressed the ‘red buzzer’ live on stage, starting the countdown to the launch of the new DAB+ station from NRW local radio – Radio Mixtape. The station will begin broadcasting in North Rhine-Westphalia on 29 October 2025 and is a joint project between RADIO NRW and the local radio stations in North Rhine-Westphalia.

(RADIO NRW) Read more

Metropol FM to launch in Hamburg on DAB+
04.09.2025 - Germany Germany
Metropol FM has been broadcasting in Hamburg since 1 September 2025. The radio station, which has seen itself as the voice of Turkish immigrants in Germany for years, is expanding its broadcasting area in response to long-standing demand from the Hanseatic city. The programme is set to be broadcast via DAB+ shortly. Those responsible for the station emphasise that Hamburg plays a strategically important role for Turkish-language media consumption in Germany. The expansion is not only a technical step, but also an expression of a closer connection to the local community. ‘We are delighted to have started broadcasting in Hamburg,’ said a statement from the station's management.

(radioWOCHE.de) Read more

New rock station ROCK FM now available nationwide in North Rhine-Westphalia via DAB+
04.09.2025 - Germany Germany
As of today, ROCK FM is available throughout North Rhine-Westphalia via DAB+. The station is aimed at rock fans and promises music from big names such as Led Zeppelin, Metallica, the Rolling Stones and Linkin Park. The station is hosted by Pfeffer and Lange, among others, who are looking forward to an audience that is enthusiastic about classic and modern rock music. The station belongs to Audiotainment Südwest, which is further expanding its reach with the launch in North Rhine-Westphalia. Managing Director Kai Fischer sees this as a strategic step to drive the company's growth and exploit the potential of the North Rhine-Westphalian market.

(radioWOCHE.de) Read more

DAB+ on Germany's national warning day: Automatic Safety Alert (ASA) with certified radios
04.09.2025 - Germany Germany
On the nationwide warning day, Thursday, 11 September 2025, at 11:00, sirens will be sounded and warning messages will be broadcast via cell broadcast. At the same time, an extended test of the ‘Automatic Safety Alert’ (ASA) warning system will be carried out via DAB+ digital radio. For the first time, the warning messages will be receivable on officially ASA-certified radio devices throughout Germany. ASA reliably informs citizens even when mobile phone or internet connections fail. The system works automatically in the background, can be adapted regionally and uses both regional and nationwide DAB+ networks. Radios with ASA certification can issue warning messages, wake up from standby mode and switch directly to the warning programme.

(Digitalradio Büro Deutschland) Read more

Radio Altstadtwelle to launch in North Rhine-Westphalia via DAB+ in 2026
02.09.2025 - Germany Germany
Radio Altstadtwelle, which has so far only broadcast on the internet, will also go on air via DAB+ at the beginning of 2026. The responsible state media authority in Düsseldorf has granted the programme a licence. The technical launch still depends on the completion of the transmission sites by the network operator Media Broadcast. Radio Altstadtwelle has been operating as an internet radio station since 2009 and specialises in music in the Cologne and Rhineland dialects. In addition to well-known groups such as Höhner, Brings and Paveier, up-and-coming bands and artists will also be featured regularly. Among other things, the station supports the ‘Kölschen-Musik-Bandkontest’ (Cologne Music Band Contest), which provides a stage for young talent.

(RADIOSZENE) Read more

Safety alerts via DAB+: Automatic Safety Alert with colour display integration at IFA 2025
01.09.2025 - Germany Germany
DAB+ digital radio can save lives: Automatic Safety Alert is a new, globally certified feature for DAB+ radios that automatically broadcasts safety messages. Radio stations, network operators and device manufacturers are currently preparing for the upcoming nationwide warning day on 11 September, when ASA system components will be tested again. At IFA 2025, chip manufacturer Frontier Smart Technologies will present the next step in the development of ASA technology. For the first time, the new software and hardware is capable of displaying safety messages on the colour displays of DAB+ digital radios. In addition to acoustic warnings, visual information such as graphics and warning areas can now also be transmitted – a significant contribution to civil protection.

(Digitalradio Büro Deutschland) Read more

BR launches new DAB+ station Burgwindheim in Upper Franconia
29.08.2025 - Bayerischer Rundfunk WorldDAB Member - Germany Germany
From 5 September, Bayerischer Rundfunk will also broadcast its DAB+ service from the Burgwindheim transmitter site in Upper Franconia. The new location will significantly improve DAB+ reception in the northern Steigerwald region and in Neustadt an der Aisch. DAB+ allows listeners to receive popular radio stations such as Bayern 1, Bayern 2, Bayern 3, BR-Klassik and BR24, as well as all purely digital BR programmes such as BR Heimat and BR Schlager, and many private stations in excellent digital quality. With the commissioning of the new transmitter site, BR's DAB+ transmitter network throughout Bavaria has expanded to 92 locations. In indoor spaces, 97.8 per cent of people in Bavaria can now listen to DAB+ radio (indoor reception).

(Bayerischer Rundfunk) Read more

  • Asa_receiver_600
    FEATURED

    DAB+ radio and public safety: how the “Automatic Safety Alert” will save lives

    27.09.2024

    Carsten Zorger explains how devastating floods in Germany's Ahr Valley served as a catalyst for the development of a pioneering security system using DAB+ radio, designed to save lives and improve public safety worldwide.

    Read more

  • Buehne_digitalradio_600

    Schleswig-Holstein switches to DAB+

    08.07.2024

    In a significant move toward updating its broadcast infrastructure, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany’s northernmost state, will transition from traditional FM to DAB+ digital radio by 2031. Carsten Zorger, member of WorldDAB's Steering Board and Director of Digitalradio Büro Deutschland Germany, explains more...

    Read more

  • Rde_munich_600

    Meet us in Munich for Radiodays Europe 2024

    21.02.2024

    With just one month to go, we’re already excited about being part of Radiodays Europe 2024, in Munich from 17-19 March. WorldDAB will be well-represented at the three-day event at Munich Messe, including President, Jacqueline Bierhorst and Project Director, Bernie O’Neill. We'd love to see you there!

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  • Img_3951

    IBC2023: DAB+ A firm foundation for radio

    18.09.2023

    How DAB+ offers a firm foundation for radio was the theme of this year's WorldDAB conference session at IBC2023. The launch of DAB+ in Ghana and emergency warnings delivered via DAB+ that could save lives were amongst the topics covered.

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  • 230705_abu_dab__emergency_warnings_600x400

    Radio’s digital future: DAB+ saving lives

    14.08.2023

    DAB+ is already loved by listeners for bringing them more of their favourite radio stations in digital quality. Now there’s another compelling reason – a new emergency warning function being developed in Germany could help save lives.

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  • Dabde

    Digital Radio Germany launches first exclusive DAB+ online receiver store

    01.02.2021

    Digitalradio Buro Deutschland – the body responsible for the promotion of DAB+ in Germany – has launched the first online store exclusively dedicated to DAB+ digital radio receivers. The new online store includes opening offers with discounts of up to 50% on certain well-known brands.

    Read more

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Key Information

Status: regular
Population: 83.8 million
Population coverage: Sparkline Graph 98%
Services: 300 DAB+
New cars with DAB/DAB+ as standard: Sparkline Graph 95%
Total Sales (cumulative): 28,300,000 devices
Penetration by household: Sparkline Graph 34%
Last update: 20.08.2025

Useful Links

Intelligent transport systems Action Plan and Directive
Bill of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy - Fourth Law amending the Telecommunications Act 
The Action Plan for the Transformation of Radio Broadcasting in the Digital Age Roadmap - Progress Report for the Digital Radio Board
dabplus.de
Audio Trends 2024
DAB Technical Forum