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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.

Non-commercial broadcasting in Berlin and Brandenburg to be extended on FM and DAB+
21.10.2024 - Germany Germany
The Media Council of the Berlin/Brandenburg Media Authority has approved numerous extensions of licences and allocations for non-commercial broadcasters. These include Freies BürgerRadio Slubfurt e.V.; Radio Netzwerk Berlin e.V.; and Freie Radios Berlin Brandenburg e.V.. Also, DAB+ capacity on channel 7D and the Berlin FM frequency 91.0 MHz will be made available for the open channel ‘ALEX Berlin’ until 31 December 2025.

(radioWOCHE.de) Read more

BLM approves Germany's first AI radio station - Absolut Radio AI - hosted by artificial intelligence, managed by humans
18.10.2024 - Bayerische Landeszentrale fur neue Medien (BLM) WorldDAB Member - Germany Germany
At its meeting on 17 October, the Media Council of the Bavarian Regulatory Authority for New Media (BLM) approved the broadcasting of Absolut Radio AI by Antenne Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG to broadcast the Absolut Radio AI programme. This is the first ever case of approval for a national radio station designed and presented by artificial intelligence (AI). The regional centre is responsible, as Antenne Deutschland is based in Garching near Munich. ‘kAI’, an artificial intelligence, hosts the programme 24 hours a day. Since August 2024, he has been supported by the presenter ‘AIleen’, an AI with a female voice. The slogan ‘Absolut Radio AI - artificial intelligence presents here’ is clearly audibly broadcast. The station has been broadcast regionally via DAB+ in the Braunschweig area since the end of August 2023.

(Bavarian Regulatory Authority for New Media (BLM)) Read more

NRW: Agreement procedure for 5 regional DAB+ multiplexes starts today
15.10.2024 - Germany Germany
In North Rhine-Westphalia, the largest mutual agreement procedure begins on Tuesday afternoon (15 October), probably not only in the history of the federal state, but nationwide. Applicants for five regional DAB+ multiplexes will meet via video conference, including 41 local radio stations, seven regional and two new state-wide stations, Radio NRW as the framework programme provider for all NRW local radio stations, as well as four applicants for platform operation. Representatives of the local radio stations' operating companies will also have the right to speak, as by law they are responsible for programme distribution in the two-pillar model. 55 applicants must agree on a single solution.

(RADIOSZENE) Read more

DAB+ campaign time on the radio: Joint promotion with cross-media measures from 11 November
10.10.2024 - Germany Germany
Twice a year, the members of the Digitalradio Deutschland association run a joint campaign during campaign periods to promote the digital terrestrial radio standard. All market partners are invited to take part. The cross-media campaign elements used during the campaign period include TV spots on ARD television programmes, radio spots and programme trailers. Print adverts and articles in specialist publications as well as newsletters and an accompanying social media campaign complement the activities. An accompanying ARD decision-maker campaign under the motto ‘The best for everyone with DAB+!’ is running in two waves. The adverts will be published in various daily newspapers, weekly and monthly publications.

(RADIOSZENE) Read more

DAB+ Cuxhaven gets private mux
09.10.2024 - Germany Germany
Until now, Cuxhaven has been a blank spot on the map for the new regional DAB+ private radio muxes in Lower Saxony. This is now set to change. In addition to the already known new plans for Rosengarten for the Altes Land ensemble and Sibbesse near Hildesheim for the Hanover ensemble, a private mux is to be broadcast via the telecommunications tower in Cuxhaven. A dedicated frequency (channel 6C) with a power of 2.5 kW will be coordinated here, according to current data from the Federal Network Agency. According to the area allocation, the North Sea coast ensemble (previously on channel 11A from the Aurich site) will be responsible, so the mux allocation should be identical to this package.

(SatelliFax) Read more

DAB+: New connections and plans at NDR
09.10.2024 - Germany Germany
Norddeutscher Rundfunk has improved DAB+ reception around Bad Oldesloe. The new Meddewade site broadcasts the Norderstedt ensemble (NDR SH NOR) on channel 10C. The transmission power is 200 watts. Also new on air is the Demmin site for the Greifswald ensemble in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (Mux NDR MV HGW - channel 8B, 200 watts). The Torfhaus/Harz-West site for the Braunschweig ensemble (NDR NDS BS - channel 6C, 4.4 kW) is still planned for 2024. There are also already announcements for 2025. According to the Federal Network Agency, the Niebüll site with a capacity of 1.6 kW will be coordinated for the Flensburg ensemble in Schleswig-Holstein NDR SH FL - channel 12B).

(SatelliFax) Read more

DAB+ campaign time on the radio: Joint promotion from 11 November
07.10.2024 - Germany Germany
ARD, Deutschlandradio, private broadcasters, manufacturers and other members of Digitalradio Deutschland e.V. are once again calling for a joint nationwide campaign period between 11 November and 1 December, during which the focus will be on DAB+ digital radio and the joy of listening to the radio. Twice a year, the members of the Digitalradio Deutschland association run a joint promotion campaign in support of the digital terrestrial radio standard. All market partners are invited to take part. The cross-media campaign elements used during the campaign period include TV commercials on ARD television programmes as well as radio spots and programme trailers. Print adverts and articles in specialist publications as well as newsletters and an accompanying social media campaign complement the activities.

(Digitalradio Büro Deutschland) Read more

WDR tests second DAB+ multiplex
03.10.2024 - Germany Germany
WDR has been working on its second multiplex for some time now. On 2 October, test broadcasts were observed from several locations. The second DAB+ multiplex gives WDR the opportunity to offer all of its radio stations nationwide. Since the end of 2023, this has been operating under the identifier ‘K9A’, as it is currently being used again. However, it can be assumed that a different multiplex name will appear at the regular launch. Even though only nine test channels with a data rate of 88 kbit/s were currently audible, each with a 1 kHz tone, the occupancy indicates that the original package will not change from the end of 2023.

(digitalfernsehen.de) Read more

New radio station for the Rhineland: Radio Altstadt receives licence
30.09.2024 - Germany Germany
The radio programme ‘Radio Altstadtwelle’ from the Cologne region has been broadcasting successfully on the internet since 2009. It offers music, entertainment and interviews in Rhenish dialect. On 17 September 2024, ‘Radio Altstadtwelle’ received a licence from the NRW State Media Authority (LfM) in Düsseldorf to also broadcast via antenna. At the same time, the station has applied to be included in the new Cologne/Bonn/Aachen DAB+ ensemble. However, this decision will not be made until later, as it has not yet been determined which of the four platform operators will receive the licence. DAB+ transmission is expected to start in the course of next year.

(radioWOCHE.de) Read more

DAB+ radio and public safety: how the “Automatic Safety Alert” will save lives
30.09.2024 - Germany Germany
Carsten Zorger of Digitalradio Büro Deutschland, 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. "The Automatic Safety Alert (ASA) system represents a significant advancement in public safety communication," he says. "The ASA system works by sending out safety alerts via the DAB+ radio network. These alerts can be transmitted in real-time, ensuring that the public is informed of imminent dangers such as natural disasters, industrial accidents, or terrorist threats."

(WorldDAB) Read more

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Key Information

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

Useful Links

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