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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: 04.08.2025 - 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.

Please note:

(a) These web pages are updated regularly to reflect current services on air, however they may not be exactly up to date.

(b) The logos shown on these pages are for illustrative purposes only – manufacturers and broadcasters are directed here for information on implementing station logos.

	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.

Fraunhofer IIS presents first integration of new emergency warning feature into DAB+ head-end and receiver solutions

11.11.2024 - Fraunhofer IIS WorldDAB Member - Germany

Fraunhofer IIS is the first technology supplier to implement WorldDAB’s new EWS/ASA alarm signaling standard into their digital radio DAB+ head-end and receiver solutions. Public and private broadcasters as well as device manufacturers can now receive the innovation through a DAB ContentServer technology upgrade from their equipment suppliers. The implementation was tested and demonstrated as an on-air showcase during the recent “Deutscher Warntag”. In emergency situations, reliable and efficient communication is essential. Digital radio is a highly robust, trustworthy medium with nation-wide reach and plays a key role in disseminating alerts and information to the public.

(Fraunhofer IIS) Read more

NDR puts its DAB+ transmitter in Torfhaus into operation

11.11.2024 - Germany

Radio listeners in the Upper Harz region now have even better access to NDR radio programmes - and in even higher quality. NDR is putting another DAB+ transmitter into operation - this time at the Harz-West transmitter site in Torfhaus. In Clausthal-Zellerfeld, Schöningen, Schulenberg im Oberharz and of course Torfhaus itself, the NDR radio programmes on block 6C (185.360 MHz) can now also be received indoors via modern digital radio. NDR's DAB+ programme offering includes the NDR 1, NDR 2, NDR Kultur, NDR Info and N-JOY programmes, all of which can still be received via FM. Radio listeners can also tune in to NDR Schlager, NDR Blue and NDR Info Spezial exclusively on digital radio.

(Norddeutscher Rundfunk) Read more

DAB+ campaign weeks start in Germany

10.11.2024 - Deutschlandradio WorldDAB Member - Germany

Twice a year, ARD and other members of the Digitalradio Deutschland association run a joint campaign in favour of the digital terrestrial radio standard. ARD, Deutschlandradio, private broadcasters, manufacturers and other members of Digitalradio Deutschland e.V. are once again launching a joint nationwide campaign between 11 November and 1 December, focusing on digital radio DAB+ and the joy of listening to the radio. An accompanying ARD decision-maker campaign under the motto ‘The best for everyone with DAB+!’ is running in two waves.

(Digitalfernsehen.de) Read more

Zorger: Schleswig-Holstein to transition from FM to DAB+ by 2031

05.11.2024 - Germany

Schleswig-Holstein, Germany’s northernmost state, will transition from FM to DAB+ digital radio by 2031. This decision, made by private and public radio stations, the state government and the state media authority, aims to enhance radio quality and expand programming options. The decision comes amid strategic shifts in broadcasting consumption in Germany. The “Audio Trends 2023” report shows a 19% rise in DAB+ radios in German households, now at 283 million. The transition will occur in phases from 2025 to 2031. By mid-2031, FM broadcasting will be completely phased out in Schleswig-Holstein with all radio programs accessible through DAB+ and online platforms.

(RedTech) Read more

DAB+: New programmes for Saxony & expansion in Bavaria

04.11.2024 - Germany

In Saxony, there are new licences for four radio stations that can be broadcast via DAB+ digital radio. In Bavaria, digital radio has been expanded. Silvacast GmbH has been granted a licence for state-wide DAB+ coverage for the Free State of Saxony (channel 12A) for its "Radio Paloma Sachsen ’ programme. This was decided by the Media Council of the Saxon State Media Authority at its meeting on 29 October 2024. The SLM Media Council has also decided to grant BCS Broadcast Sachsen GmbH & Co. KG, based in Dresden, with licences to broadcast the locally oriented programmes ‘Radio Erzgebirge 2’, ‘Radio Lausitz 2’ and ‘Radio Zwickau 2’.

(teltarif.de) Read more

Antenne Schlager now also on DAB+ in Saarland

04.11.2024 - Germany

Listeners in Saarland can now receive Antenne Schlager via DAB+. With the slogan ‘Feel good’, the station is now also broadcasting its popular Schlager hits on the Saar and Blies. Antenne Schlager offers a wide range of pop hits and cult hits. The morning show with Tom Meyer and the afternoon show with Hanna Alschner are just some of the highlights that await listeners. The station promises good humour around the clock with music by Helene Fischer, Ben Zucker and Udo Jürgens. Antenne Schlager can be received via DAB+ in Lower Saxony, Bremen, Hamburg and now also in Saarland.

(radioWOCHE.de) Read more

‘Dinkelsbühl goes digital’: Radio 8 switches to DAB+ and IP

29.10.2024 - Germany

Under the motto ‘Dinkelsbühl listens digitally’, the Middle Franconian private radio station Radio 8 is switching off its first FM frequency and leaving 89.8 MHz this Thursday, 31 October. Reception via the Radio 8 app, the website www.radio8.de and digital radio DAB+ is preferred. Depending on the location, the FM frequencies 97.3 MHz from Feuchtwangen and 89.1 MHz from Wassertrüdingen can be heard in the town. An information event on the switchover was held on Altrathausplatz on Saturday. DAB+ radios from TechniSat were up for grabs.

(SatelliFax) Read more

The future of radio is digital: three quarters of listeners in Germany use DAB+ and web radio

25.10.2024 - Germany

Whether morning show or drive-time, three out of four people listen to the radio digitally. The digitisation rate is already at 75 per cent. The media authorities presented their annual ‘Audio Trends 2024’ report at the Media Days Munich on 24 October. The special analysis of ma 2024 Audio II shows that 75 per cent of radio listeners in Germany now use digital services. Digital radio, whether via DAB+ or the internet, has become an integral part of the everyday lives of 49 million people. This corresponds to three quarters of all listeners. Web radio and - in the clear lead - DAB+ are very popular.

(die medienanstalten) Read more

VAUNET forecast: Sales of audio and audiovisual media will rise to 16 billion euros in 2024

25.10.2024 - Germany

According to the annual autumn forecast of VAUNET - Association of Private Media, total sales of audio and audiovisual media in Germany are expected to increase by 4.3 percent to a total of 16.0 billion euros in the current year 2024 (2023: 15.3 billion euros). Sales growth of 2 percent to around 713 million euros (2023: 699 million euros) is expected for radio advertising. This is the result of the 2023 sales statistics and 2024 forecast for the audio and audiovisual media market in Germany presented today by VAUNET in Berlin.

(VAUNET - Association of Private Media) Read more

BR launches new DAB+ transmitter in Fürstenfeldbruck on 23 October

21.10.2024 - Bayerischer Rundfunk WorldDAB Member - Germany

Bayerischer Rundfunk is now also broadcasting its DAB+ service from the Fürstenfeldbruck (Schöngeising) transmitter site in Upper Bavaria. The new transmitter significantly improves DAB+ reception in the town of Fürstenfeldbruck and in large parts of the district. In Lower Bavaria, the DAB+ transmitter Oberfrauenwald will go into regular operation on 23 October: The transmitter covers the eastern parts of the districts of Passau and Freyung-Grafenau. Ten BR programmes and many private radio stations can be received with a DAB+ radio. The Bavaria-wide DAB+ transmitter network thus grows to 90 locations.

(Bayerischer Rundfunk) 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