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Germany

Last update: 03.07.2026 - 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 2026.

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.

15 years of DAB+ in Germany: Digital radio as a driver of diversity and sound quality in radio
29.07.2026 - Top story - Germany Germany
With the launch of the first national DAB+ programme platform on 1 August 2011, a new era of radio began in Germany. Fifteen years later, DAB+ has evolved from the successor to analogue FM radio to become the key driver of radio digitisation. What began with just a few transmitter sites and a limited selection of stations is now a digital broadcasting network covering almost the entire country, offering a diversity of programmes that would never have been possible via FM. DAB+ combines the strengths of traditional radio – namely free access, ease of use, wide coverage and resilience to disruptions – with clear, digital sound. Germany is now one of the most successful DAB+ markets in Europe.

(Digitalradio Büro Deutschland) Read more

DAB+ in Europe: An overview
27.07.2026 - Germany Germany
The expansion of DAB+ continues to gain momentum across Europe: more and more countries are embracing modern digital radio and launching new digital services. In places where DAB+ is already firmly established, the number of available services has risen significantly in recent months. Listeners are thus benefiting from a wider variety of programmes and clear, digital reception. Radio is now broadcast via DAB and/or DAB+ in 31 European countries. Tests with DAB+ have already taken place in other countries, and the start of regular service is planned. The stations are transmitted in bundles known as multiplexes, or ‘muxes’ for short. Up to 16 stations can be broadcast on a single frequency via such a multiplex. This makes DAB+ significantly more energy- and resource-efficient than FM.

(Digitalradio Büro Deutschland) Read more

New DAB+ site in Wasserburg am Inn
21.07.2026 - Germany Germany
The ‘Wasserburg’ station is now enriching the DAB+ radio landscape in Bavaria. With its launch on the Upper Bavaria South regional network (Channel 7A), Bayern Digital Radio GmbH is expanding this network to include a fourteenth location. With the launch of the ‘Wasserburg’ station in the Rosenheim district of Upper Bavaria, the urban area of the same name, as well as the valleys along the River Inn to the north towards Gars and Mühldorf and to the south as far as Rosenheim, are now being supplied with private radio programmes. In total, approximately 1.30 million residents (99.4%) in the Upper Bavaria and Southeast Upper Bavaria regions are now reached by the DAB+ programs of the Upper Bavaria South regional network.

(Bayern Digital Radio GmbH) Read more

The DAB+ boom of 2026: Will digital radio pull the radio industry out of the FM crisis?
20.07.2026 - Germany Germany
It is a quiet but unstoppable revolution taking place every day in German living rooms, kitchens and, above all, in cars: traditional analogue FM radio is losing its significance. Yet the audio industry is not experiencing this to the same extent – thanks to DAB+ digital radio, it is undergoing a modernisation drive in the first half of 2026. The ‘Radio Analysis Bavaria’, published a few weeks ago by the Bavarian State Media Authority (BLM), shows in black and white that a historic milestone has been reached in the Free State. For the first time, more people in Bavaria are listening to the radio via modern digital reception channels such as DAB+, web radio, cable and satellite (48.1 per cent) than via the traditional analogue FM network (45.2 per cent).

(DIGITAL FERNSEHEN) Read more

BR launches new DAB+ station in Kaufbeuren, Swabia
17.07.2026 - Germany Germany
On 20 July, Bayerischer Rundfunk will bring its new DAB+ transmitter site in Kaufbeuren into operation. This will significantly improve digital radio reception in the town and the surrounding area. The BR’s DAB+ transmitter network will expand to 93 sites. Via DAB+, listeners can receive the BR stations as well as independent stations, in digital quality. A DAB+ radio is required to receive these stations; the stations can be found using the automatic station search function. With the addition of Kaufbeuren, the BR’s DAB+ transmitter network has grown to 93 locations. Outdoors and on the move, DAB+ can be received almost everywhere in Bavaria; indoors, the BR’s digital radio services now reach 98 per cent of the population in Bavaria.

(Bayerischer Rundfunk) Read more

Germany's ma 2026 Audio II: DAB+ "a key distribution channel"
17.07.2026 - Germany Germany
As a convergence metric for radio and online audio, ma 2026 Audio II covers not only traditional radio services but also the reach of online audio channels and combined offerings, user-generated radio stations, and convergence services. It also includes key reach data on DAB+ and online audio, as well as key metrics for podcasts. DAB+ has established itself as a key distribution channel in the audio market. Within the broadest audience, 35.6 per cent of the population uses DAB+. Reach is particularly strong among 30- to 59-year-olds; within this target group, DAB+ reached 43.1 per cent over the last four weeks. Those under 30 use DAB+ for more than two hours a day (listening time: 134 minutes). Among 30- to 59-year-olds, usage via DAB+ is even higher

(Arbeitsgemeinschaft Media-Analyse e.V. (agma)) Read more

ON AIR support adds Wannenberg transmission site
15.07.2026 - Germany Germany
ON AIR support says: "On 10 July 2026, following extensive planning, our Wannenberg transmission site came into operation. The new Wannenberg transmitter improves reception of DAB+ channel 11B on the B314, B34 and B27 federal roads. Furthermore, the town of Waldshut-Tiengen benefits from the additional transmission site. Many valleys in the Black Forest now also enjoy significantly better coverage. Last but not least, the Wannenberg transmitter provides good coverage for the Schaffhausen tourist region, including the Rhine Falls, as well as the Swiss border region near Hohentengen."

(ON AIR support) Read more

DAB+ in the first half of the year: digital listening is on the rise
14.07.2026 - Germany Germany
More roll-out, more choice, more usage: DAB+ digital radio continues to grow in the first half of 2026 and is increasingly establishing itself as the backbone of radio broadcasting. Public service and commercial broadcasters are investing more heavily in digital distribution channels, a trend that is also reflected in listening habits. Several recent studies confirm this trend. The ‘Funkanalyse Bayern’ report, published on 23 June by the Bavarian State Media Authority (BLM), shows that a turning point has been reached in Germany’s largest federal state by area: For the first time, more people are listening to the radio via digital platforms such as DAB+, web radio, cable and satellite (48.1 per cent) than via FM (45.2 per cent).

(Digitalradio Büro Deutschland) Read more

Media Broadcast expands the transmitter network of the first nationwide DAB+ multiplex to include ten further locations
14.07.2026 - Media Broadcast GmbH WorldDAB Member - Germany Germany
Media Broadcast is continuing to expand its transmitter network for the first nationwide digital radio programme package in 2026. This year’s expansion began on 29 June with the commissioning of the Rottweil site in Baden-Württemberg. A total of nine further transmitters across seven federal states will be added in the course of the year. For listeners, this will improve reception of Deutschlandfunk, Deutschlandfunk Kultur and Deutschlandfunk Nova, as well as nine other private stations, within their respective coverage areas. By the end of 2026, the transmitter network of the first national DAB+ platform will have grown to 192 sites across the whole of Germany. The Rottweil site in Baden-Württemberg launched on 29 June 2026.

(Media Broadcast) Read more

BR radio frequencies in the Inn Valley will change from 21 July
10.07.2026 - Germany Germany
For listeners in the coverage area of the Inntal/Ebbs transmitter near Kiefersfelden, the FM frequencies for five BR radio stations will change from 21 July: Bayern 1, Bayern 2, Bayern 3, BR Klassik and BR24. In future, the BR will broadcast these programmes exclusively via DAB+ from the Inntal/Ebbs site. They can still be received via FM on the frequencies of the Wendelstein transmitter. The reason for this is the decommissioning of the Inntal/Ebbs FM transmitter for economic reasons and to improve energy efficiency in broadcasting. The municipalities of Kiefersfelden and Oberaudorf, which were previously also served by the transmitter via FM, will still be able to receive the BR’s FM programmes via the Wendelstein transmitter.

(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.

    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