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Germany

Last update: 04.03.2026 - 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.”

General Radio Usage and Reach

  • Radio remains the most widely used and dominant audio medium in Germany.
  • It accounts for 73% of the total daily audio usage.
  • On average, people aged 14 and older listen to the radio for 189 minutes (3 hours and 9 minutes) per working day. This represents an increase of 6 minutes compared to 2024 (183 minutes).
  • The daily reach of radio on working days is 74.9% among the population aged 14 and older.
  • Over a broader four-week period, radio reaches 92.0% of the adult population, cementing its status as a mass medium.
  • Radio experiences its highest reach in the morning hours, peaking between 6:00 AM and 12:00 PM with an average reach of up to 34% of the population.

Source: VAUNET

 

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.

egoFM to remain on DAB+ in Baden-Württemberg: licence extended until 2032
27.05.2026 - Germany Germany
egoFM will be able to continue broadcasting on the Baden-Württemberg DAB+ regional multiplex. As the alternative radio station told RADIOSZENE, it received the relevant notification from the Baden-Württemberg State Media Authority (LFK) today. Accordingly, egoFM is permitted to continue broadcasting on channel 11B until 2032. “The egoFM team is delighted to have won the DAB+ tender and is currently celebrating at the station,” the station said. Managing Director Stefan Finkenzeller sees the decision as an important step for the station: “For egoFM, this means above all planning security – and the opportunity to consistently continue on our path as an independent music radio station.”

(RADIOSZENE) Read more

Helmut G. Bauer: The new DAB+ warning system, ‘ASA Automatic Safety Alert’
27.05.2026 - Top story - Germany Germany
Helmut G. Bauer, member of Digitalradio Deutschland writes: The floods on the Ahr, Erft and Wupper rivers, as well as the war in Ukraine, have highlighted the importance of effective warning systems. The floods revealed weaknesses, such as mobile network failures and limited accessibility via radio, as only switched-on devices could receive warnings. With ‘ASA – Automatic Safety Alert’, a digital DAB+ warning system has been developed that automatically switches on DAB+ radios and broadcasts warnings specifically within the danger zone. As part of civil protection, a resilient radio infrastructure is required. The federal government, the Länder, the KEF and the state media authorities must contribute to its funding, as civil protection is a public responsibility.

(Medienpolitik.net) Read more

ANTENNE BAYERN is broadcasting for the first time in northern Italy on DAB+
21.05.2026 - Germany Germany - Italy Italy
Germany’s most-listened-to private radio station is expanding its summer listening experience in northern Italy and can now be received via DAB+ from Bolzano to Venice for the first time. Just in time for the start of the Whitsun holidays, ANTENNE BAYERN is bringing even more of that Bavarian way of life to Italy: in addition to the popular FM coverage around Lake Garda, which listeners have come to expect for decades, the radio station is now also broadcasting via DAB+ across large parts of northern Italy for the first time – from Bolzano to Venice, and from Lake Garda to the Adriatic coast. Particularly relevant for many holidaymakers from Bavaria: ANTENNE BAYERN will now be available digitally along the main roads south.

(ANTENNE BAYERN) Read more

SWR improves DAB+ coverage in the Moselle Valley near Neumagen
14.05.2026 - Germany Germany
Südwestrundfunk (SWR) is continuing to expand its network of transmitters for DAB+ digital radio reception in Rhineland-Palatinate. The launch of the Neumagen site will improve DAB+ coverage in the region. The following programmes from Südwestrundfunk will then be available on channel 11A of the DAB+ ensemble “SWR RLP”: SWR1 RLP, SWR Kultur, SWR3, SWR4 RLP (SWR4 Kaiserslautern, SWR4 Koblenz, SWR4 Ludwigshafen, SWR4 Mainz and SWR4 Trier), SWR Aktuell and DASDING. The Neumagen site will go live on Tuesday, 12 May 2026. The launch of the site will improve DAB+ coverage in the Moselle Valley between Detzem, Klüsserath and Brauneberg along the B53 and L48 on frequency block (channel) 11A.

(Südwestrundfunk (SWR)) Read more

DAB capacity for CHILLOUT ANTENNE – BLM Media Council makes decision on diversity
08.05.2026 - Bayerische Landeszentrale fur neue Medien (BLM) WorldDAB Member - Germany Germany
Following an in-depth review of the applications, the Media Council of the Bavarian Regulatory Authority for New Media (BLM) today decided who will be awarded the DAB capacity in the contiguous digital terrestrial coverage area of Upper Bavaria-Swabia, Middle Franconia and Upper Franconia, which was put out to tender at the end of last year: The licence has been awarded to CHILLOUT ANTENNE. Dr Thorsten Schmiege, President of the BLM: “What the BLM predicted in its audio strategy became reality last year: by 2025, daily usage of digital reception channels will be on a par with FM for the first time. With today’s decision, DAB+ is receiving a further boost directly from Antenne Bayern. I welcome that.”

(Bayerischen Landeszentrale für neue Medien (BLM)) Read more

BR frequencies in the Ammergau region to change from 19 May
08.05.2026 - Germany Germany
For listeners in the coverage area of the Oberammergau/Laber transmitter, the FM frequencies for five BR radio stations will change from 19 May: Bayern 1, Bayern 2, Bayern 3, BR Klassik and BR24. From the Oberammergau/Laber site, the BR will in future broadcast these programmes exclusively via DAB+. You will still be able to receive them via FM on the frequencies of the Grünten or Hühnerberg transmitters. This may require a new station search on your FM radio. This is due to the closure of the Oberammergau/Laber FM transmitter for economic reasons and to improve energy efficiency in broadcasting.

(Bayerischer Rundfunk) Read more

Berlin and Brandenburg: Digitalisation without switch-off date
24.04.2026 - Germany Germany
On 22 April 2026, the Brandenburg State Parliament passed the draft bill for the new State Treaty on Private Media in Berlin and Brandenburg at its second reading. This marks a key step forward for radio broadcasting: the legal framework is being brought more into line with the digital future. The focus is on the transition from FM to DAB+. The State Treaty specifically aims to strengthen digital radio via DAB+. The government is pursuing two main objectives: improved technical coverage and greater programme diversity. The aim is for DAB+ to become the primary platform for terrestrial radio in the long term.

(RADIOSZENE) Read more

BR radio frequencies in Augsburg will change from 28 April
17.04.2026 - Germany Germany
For listeners within the coverage area of the Augsburg-Hotelturm transmitter, the FM frequencies for five BR stations will change from 28 April: Bayern 1, Bayern 2, Bayern 3, BR Klassik and BR24. This may require listeners to perform a new FM station search. In future, Bayerischer Rundfunk will broadcast its programmes from the Augsburg-Hotelturm transmitter exclusively via DAB+. The reason for the frequency change is the decommissioning of the Augsburg Hotel Tower FM transmitter for economic reasons and to improve energy efficiency in broadcasting. BR’s FM stations (Bayern 1, Bayern 2, Bayern 3, BR Klassik and BR24) can still be received via the FM frequencies of the Grünten or Hühnerberg transmitters.

(Bayerischer Rundfunk) Read more

Digital radio takes Germany by storm
16.04.2026 - Germany Germany
Radio is changing! With the phased switch-off of analogue reception, a revolution in the living room is on the cards. Digital radio now offers a modern and exciting alternative. Simply switch to DAB+ and your favourite stations will come into your home via a rod antenna. At no extra cost and with child’s play operation. Digital radio via DAB+ is a real bonus. You can get started with a DAB radio or a stereo system with DAB reception. Existing systems can also be easily upgraded, for example with the TechniSat Digitradio 10C. Reception is constantly improving, even if it is not yet available nationwide. There are many stations, particularly in the south of Germany. According to Digitalradio Deutschland e.V., around 51 per cent of households already own such a radio.

(BILD) Read more

Younger, more diverse: WDR plans to revamp its youth radio programming
27.03.2026 - Germany Germany
WDR intends to strategically reposition its youth radio stations in order to specifically target younger people, particularly those with international backgrounds. WDR’s statutory remit stipulates that one of its programmes must continue to focus on intercultural coexistence. Alongside the well-known youth channel 1LIVE, the existing COSMO is to be developed into a channel for the culturally diverse and urban community, in which hip-hop – the world’s largest and most unifying youth culture – plays a central role. The new third channel, which, as before, can be accessed online and via DAB+ as 1LIVE DIGGI, is intended to target the growing group of young people who, in a digitally overstimulated media world, long for peace, security and a calm media environment.

(WDR) 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.

    Read more

  • 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 96%
Total Sales (cumulative): 28,300,000 devices
Penetration by household: Sparkline Graph 34%
Last update: 24.04.2026

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