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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.

BR enables reception of all its regional programmes throughout Bavaria
02.04.2024 - Bayerischer Rundfunk WorldDAB Member - Germany Germany
On 10 April, Bayerischer Rundfunk is reorganising the distribution of its radio programmes in its own DAB+ networks. This changeover to DAB+ means that unlike FM, listeners throughout Bavaria can choose from any of the five Bayern 1 regional programmes: Bayern 1 Mainfranken, Bayern 1 Mittel- und Oberfranken, Bayern 1 Niederbayern/Oberpfalz, Bayern 1 Oberbayern and Bayern 1 Schwaben. This will also please car drivers: they will then be able to listen to "their" Bayern 1 regional programme continuously on their DAB+ car radio, even if they are travelling across Bavaria. The basis for this changeover is the major expansion of the DAB+ transmitter network with 88 locations, and coverage of well over 90 per cent of Bavaria's population with the DAB+ signal.

(Bayerischer Rundfunk) Read more

DAB+: Several new stations at the turn of the month
02.04.2024 - Germany Germany
There were a number of changes to DAB+ terrestrial digital radio on 1 April. New programmes were launched or existing radio stations expanded their broadcasting area. There is a new service from Star FM. The rock station was previously available terrestrially in Berlin, Franconia and Saxony. Since 1 April, it has also been offering a separate service for North Rhine-Westphalia. The station took over the capacity of Femotion Radio in the state-wide multiplex on channel 9D. The country station The WOLF has been available in three more federal states since Easter Monday: Bremen (channel 6A), Hamburg (channel 12C) and Hesse (channel 6A and 12C). Last year, the station already expanded to Rheinhessen.

(teltarif.de) Read more

DAB+: The WOLF expands to Hesse, Bremen and Hamburg
26.03.2024 - Germany Germany
Following the successful launch on 13 July 2023 via the Lower Saxony DAB+ platform and the launch on the Rheinhessen Mux, The WOLF - Deutschlands Country Radio is further expanding its broadcasting area. On 1 April, the programme will be launched via DAB+ in Hesse, Bremen and Hamburg under the slogan "New Country and the Legends". "We are delighted that the country station has received a very positive response following its launch in Lower Saxony. We have therefore decided to continuously expand The WOLF's coverage area," says Managing Director Steffen Müller.

(radioWOCHE.de) Read more

ENERGY Stuttgart to be broadcast via DAB+ throughout Baden-Württemberg from April
21.03.2024 - Germany Germany
The Landesanstalt für Kommunikation Baden-Württemberg (LFK) has allocated ENERGY Stuttgart a slot in the state-wide DAB+ multiplex on channel 11B from 1 April. Matthias Spang, Managing Director of ENERGY Region Stuttgart: "We are very pleased with the LFK's decision. It allows us to expand our reach, reach even more young listeners in Germany's most beautiful federal state and secure our competitiveness. Every third household in Baden-Württemberg already has at least one DAB+ device in their home or car, and the trend is rising". "Our digitalisation strategy has thus reached another milestone. We can now offer all of ENERGY's local, state-wide and national programmes via DAB+," adds Olaf Hopp, Managing Director of ENERGY Deutschland. "We will continue to listen to radio via all three distribution channels FM, DAB+ and IP for some time to come, but DAB+ is steadily gaining ground and is the radio transmission channel of the future."

(radioWOCHE.de) Read more

DAB+ in NRW: egoFM successor confirmed
21.03.2024 - Germany Germany
For many weeks, there has been speculation in the radio landscape as to who will be the successor to egoFM in North Rhine-Westphalia. According to information from radioWOCHE, the successor will be the pop programme Radio Paloma. In response to an enquiry from radioWOCHE, the NRW Media Authority stated that it had been notified of the change. The other stations in the multiplex were also informed that Radio Paloma will succeed egoFM in April. In addition, another programme change was announced this week in the state-wide multiplex on channel 9D. STAR FM will replace FEMOTION Radio from 1 April.

(radioWOCHE.de) Read more

Maison FG: FG CHIC selected for DAB+ in Berlin
21.03.2024 - Germany Germany
FG CHIC has been selected by MABB, Berlin's media regulator, to broadcast its programme in Berlin on DAB+. FG CHIC, "the haute-couture radio", offers eclectic lounge, chill and future disco programming. This is FG CHIC's 4th DAB+ frequency after Paris, Monaco-Nice-Côte d'Azur and Hamburg in Germany. Maison FG is developing its brands and network internationally by focusing on DAB+.

(La Lettre Pro de la Radio) Read more

NOSTALGIE included in ma 2024 Audio I for first time
21.03.2024 - Germany Germany
NOSTALGIE has been recognised for the first time in the Media-Analyse ma 2024 Audio I published today by agma with 172,000 listeners per day. "NOSTALGIE - nur die grössten Songs" has been available nationwide via DAB+, stream and app since January 2021. The programme is aimed primarily at the core target group between the ages of 35 and 49 with a music format that combines the biggest songs of the 80s with those from the 70s and 90s. Olaf Hopp, Managing Director of ENERGY Deutschland: "The ENERGY Group's programmes in Germany are now not only a guarantee for high reach in the young target group, but we are now also being shown individually for the first time with the NOSTALGIE brand. We have already seen this positive development in the current results of ma IP Audio and in our own surveys and now this is also underpinned by valid figures in the media analysis relevant for marketing".

(ENERGY Deutschland) Read more

Absolut Radio's DAB+ stations one of the fastest growing groups in Germany
21.03.2024 - Germany Germany
In the ma 2024 Audio I published today, the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Media-Analyse (agma) announced that the DAB+ programmes of the national Absolut Radio family of stations have once again achieved some of the strongest growth in the whole of Germany, particularly in the 14 to 49 age group, which is important for marketing. In terms of average hourly listeners, Absolut Radio achieved growth of 18 per cent, making it one of the clear winners of the market survey for Germany-wide programmes. "We often deliberately take unusual paths for radio with our stations, try out a lot and sometimes realise so-called radio no-goes," says Mirko Drenger, CEO of Antenne Deutschland. "The new figures show us that we are on the right track to reach new and fresh target groups. What's more, our programme seems to be turning these target groups into long-term listeners," Mirko Drenger continues.

(Antenne Deutschland) Read more

Germany's ma 2024 Audio I: "DAB+ continues to be a trend"
20.03.2024 - Germany Germany
The key data on audio usage confirms the unchanged high overall performance of the radio/audio genre. In the widest group of listeners (WHK), 93.7 per cent (ma 2023 Audio II: 94.1 per cent) of the German-speaking population aged 14 and over use at least one traditional and/or online audio offering (Audio Total). Listeners remain loyal to their stations at a high level with more than four hours of daily usage (duration: 245 minutes) (ma 2022 Audio II: 242 minutes). Distribution via DAB+ continues to be a trend: DAB+ is listened to by 28.5 per cent in the WHK (ma 2023 Audio II: 28.6 per cent) and is used particularly heavily in the target group of 30 to 59-year-olds (WHK: 34.0 per cent - ma 2023 Audio II: 33.6 per cent).

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

DAB+ in NRW: STAR FM now broadcasts in FEMOTION slot
18.03.2024 - Germany Germany
STAR FM MAXIMUM ROCK - Germany's successful rock radio network is coming to its fans in North Rhine-Westphalia from 1 April - 100% digitally on the state-wide DAB+ multiplex. This means that around 18 million people from Bielefeld to Bad Münstereifel and from Kleve to Winterberg will finally be able to receive MAXIMUM ROCK in the best sound quality on the radio, whether at home, in the car or on the move. STAR FM MAXIMUM ROCK - Germany's successful rock radio network broadcasts via FM/DAB+ in Berlin, Brandenburg, Franconia, Saxony and now also nationwide in NRW.

(RADIOSZENE) 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