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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.

Applicants for DAB+ Regio in Münsterland have been confirmed

10.10.2025 - Germany

Following the conclusion of the tender process for regional DAB+ transmission capacity in the Münsterland region (channel 10D, 864 CU), the State Media Authority of North Rhine-Westphalia recently announced the applicants. The six local radio broadcasting associations from the region are applying for digital distribution. Applications have also been received from: Radio 21 GmbH & Co. KG (‘The Wolf’); Metropol FM GmbH (‘Metropol FM’); Antenne Niedersachsen GmbH & Co. KG (‘Antenne Schlager’); Two platform providers also want to use the capacity: Media Broadcast GmbH; and Uplink Network GmbH. This concludes the regional tender process as part of the state-wide DAB+ expansion concept in North Rhine-Westphalia.

(RADIOSZENE) Read more

Germany's Audio Trends for 2025: DAB+ continues to grow

10.10.2025 - Top story - Germany

Digital audio continues to grow: according to the latest findings of the new Audio Trends survey published on 9 October by the media authorities, the digitisation rate now stands at 78 per cent. A total of 51 million people use digital radio programmes – that is more than three quarters of all radio listeners. This represents a further increase on the previous year (2024: 75 per cent). More than 23 million people use DAB+ within four weeks, with a daily audience of around 13 million listeners (up 4 percentage points). The average listening time here is 156 minutes per day. Currently, 40 per cent of households have at least one DAB+ device. The prevalence of DAB+ car radios is also increasing, now reaching around a quarter of the population aged 14 and above.

(die medienanstalten) Read more

RADIO BOLLERWAGEN now also available in Berlin and Brandenburg on DAB+

07.10.2025 - Germany

Since 2017, the party station has established itself as the leading provider of party music and has enjoyed continued success in the radio industry. In the latest reach comparison, RADIO BOLLERWAGEN more than doubled its reach: The station now has over half a million listeners every day who tune in to its program focusing on "Xtreme Party Music." Harald Gehrung, CEO of ffn-mediengruppe: "As a participant in several Love Parades in the late 1990s, I know that Berlin is where the best parties happen. From now on, we'll be providing the best soundtrack for them with RADIO BOLLERWAGEN!" Mathias Bartels, editor-in-chief of RADIO BOLLERWAGEN: "Finally, Brandenburg and the capital are also rocking."

(RADIO BOLLERWAGEN) Read more

Saxony State Media Authority announces tender for statewide, regional, and local DAB+ transmission capacities

07.10.2025 - Germany

At its meeting on September 30, 2025, the Media Council of the Saxony State Media Authority (SLM) announced a tender for free digital terrestrial transmission capacities on the Saxony-wide DAB+ multiplex, the regional DAB+ multiplex serving the independent city of Leipzig and the districts of Leipzig and North Saxony, and the local DAB+ multiplexes serving the urban areas of Leipzig, Chemnitz, Dresden, and Freiberg. The DAB+ coverage network for the Free State of Saxony is operated by MEDIA BROADCAST GmbH. The regional/local DAB+ coverage network is operated by UPLINK NETWORK GmbH. The call for tenders is expected to be published in mid-October 2025 in the Saxon Official Gazette and on the SLM website.

(Saxony State Media Authority (SLM)) Read more

Schlager Radio can now be received everywhere in Berlin and Brandenburg

03.10.2025 - Germany

Good news for all Schlager fans: Schlager Radio can finally be heard throughout the state of Brandenburg and in Berlin via antenna – on DAB+ channel 10B. Until now, our programme was only available in parts of Brandenburg, but since June we have had an official licence from the Berlin-Brandenburg Media Authority (mabb). This means we can now reach all listeners in Berlin and throughout the state of Brandenburg. Programme director Normen Sträche: ‘We are delighted to now be available to everyone in Brandenburg – with the best Schlager music, the latest news from the state and reporters who report directly from the scene.’

(Schlager Radio) Read more

DAB+ network expansion in Lower Saxony: new transmitter locations, programme changes and NIUS Radio on air

03.10.2025 - Germany

On 1 October 2025, the expansion of the DAB+ network in Lower Saxony was further advanced with the commissioning of three new transmission sites. The measure affects the private multiplexes NI EMSLAND K10C, NI OSNABRCK K8B and NI Nordsee K11A and significantly improves digital radio coverage in several regions. One prominent new addition is NIUS – Das Radio. The programme, which is headed by former Bild editor-in-chief Julian Reichelt, went on air on 1 October in several multiplexes in Lower Saxony. NIUS Radio combines pop music with opinionated contributions and news under the slogan ‘The voice of the majority’. The launch in Lower Saxony is part of a nationwide expansion that will soon also include Berlin, Brandenburg and North Rhine-Westphalia.

(radioWOCHE.de) Read more

DAB+: Three transmitters to start broadcasting in Lower Saxony

02.10.2025 - Germany

In Lower Saxony, private DAB+ ensembles are getting additional transmission sites. On 1 October, three transmission stations are scheduled to go online. The NI EMSLAND K10C ensemble will receive an additional location in Lingen-Damaschke with an output of 5 kW. Until now, transmissions have only been made from Molbergen, also with 5 kW. For the NI OSNABRCK K8B bouquet, an additional location in Damme with an output of 2.5 kW is planned. This will supplement the main transmitter in Osnabrück/Schleptruper Egge, which transmits at a power of 10 kW. For the NI Nordsee K11A ensemble, the existing transmitter in Aurich with a transmission power of 8 kW will be supplemented by the additional location in Wilhelmshaven with a transmission power of 200 watts.

(Digitalfernsehen.de) Read more

DAB+ promotion on the radio: Cross-media campaign for digital radio starting on 3 November

30.09.2025 - Germany

ARD, Deutschlandradio, private broadcasters, manufacturers and other members of Digitalradio Deutschland e.V. are organising a joint DAB+ campaign from 3 to 16 November. At the end of the year, nationwide cross-media activities promoting DAB+ digital radio and the joy of listening to the radio will once again take centre stage. With this initiative, the members of the association are sending a clear signal in favour of the digital terrestrial radio standard. All market partners are invited to participate. The participants are relying on a diverse media mix: TV commercials on ARD programmes as well as radio commercials and trailers on public and private stations will ensure broad reach.

(Digitalradio Büro Deutschland) Read more

Digital future for local radio: DAB+ platform Bad Kreuznach receives long-term licence

29.09.2025 - Germany

Milling Broadcast Services GmbH has been granted a licence by the Rhineland-Palatinate Media Authority for the long-term operation of the DAB+ media platform in the Bad Kreuznach region. The decision was made unanimously at the recent meeting of the Media Authority. The licence is valid for ten years from 1 April 2026, creating reliable conditions for local and regional radio broadcasting – including in Bingen and Stromberg / Hunsrück. The platform is based on the successful pilot project on channel 12A, which has been on air for five years and now covers several locations. With the new licence, the test operation will be converted into stable regular operation.

(radioWOCHE.de) Read more

Via DAB+: Local radio station in Lower Saxony significantly expands its reach

26.09.2025 - Germany

Radio Jade from Wilhelmshaven launches on DAB+ digital radio and significantly expands its reach. Until now, Radio Jade has only been available in and around Wilhelmshaven on the FM frequency 87.8 MHz. From 1 October 2025, the station will significantly expand its technical reach via DAB+ digital radio. Radio Jade will then be available via the ‘NI Nordsee 11A’ multiplex on channel 11A. The bouquet is currently broadcast by the Aurich transmitter in East Frisia with a transmission power of 8 kW. A repeater transmitter with an output of 200 watts is also planned for Wilhelmshaven. With the launch of DAB+, Radio Jade can be heard via DAB+ in large parts of north-western Germany, from the Dutch border to Bremerhaven.

(Digitalfernsehen.de) Read more

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Key Information

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