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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.

DAB+ in Lauenburg

31.07.2025 - Germany

Good news for all radio fans in and around Lauenburg: NDR has put another DAB+ repeater into operation at its Lauenburg site. This improves digital reception of NDR radio programmes – especially along the Elbe, in the old town, in the castle area and in the surrounding villages. The programmes can now be received clearly and reliably on block 9A (202.928 MHz) in the home – not just in the car. With the new transmitter, NDR aims to provide the region around the historic shipping town of Lauenburg with even better information and good music. Whether walking along the Elbe promenade, in a café on the edge of the old town or at home at the kitchen table: NDR now accompanies you through the day with crystal-clear digital radio.

(Norddeutscher Rundfunk) Read more

DAB+ in North Rhine-Westphalia: Regional multiplexes will be available here

31.07.2025 - Germany

Perhaps before the end of this year, but by early 2026 at the latest, DAB+ digital radio is set to become available in North Rhine-Westphalia at the regional level. Among other things, local radio stations in North Rhine-Westphalia that are currently available on FM will then also be available via digital terrestrial transmission. Initially, the multiplexes Cologne/Bonn/Aachen (channel 8B), South Westphalia/Dortmund (11B), East Westphalia/Lippe (12D), Lower Rhine/Duisburg/Essen (8C) and Wuppertal/Düsseldorf/Mönchengladbach (12D) multiplexes will go online. A list sent to interested programme providers, which is available to teltarif.de, now provides more detailed information about the launch network.

(teltarif.de) Read more

Ludwigsstadt: Changed radio reception for BR programmes

23.07.2025 - Bayerischer Rundfunk WorldDAB Member - Germany

Radio reception will change in the coverage area of BR station Ludwigsstadt from 22 July 2025. In future, Bayerischer Rundfunk will broadcast its programmes from there exclusively via DAB+; FM broadcasting will be discontinued. All BR programmes can still be received in the region via DAB+. Alternatively, FM reception from the Ochsenkopf transmitter will be possible for Bayern 1, Bayern 2 and Bayern 3. The Ludwigsstadt transmitter serves the town of Ludwigsstadt and the districts of Ebersdorf, Lauenhain, Lauenstein, Ottendorf and Steinbach an der Haide. FM broadcasting is being decommissioned for reasons of economy and energy efficiency.

(Bayerischer Rundfunk) Read more

DAB+ in Europe: The overview

23.07.2025 - Germany

More and more countries in Europe are turning to DAB+ and starting to roll out new digital programmes. Where DAB+ is already established, the variety of programmes has increased significantly in recent months. For listeners, this means more variety and clearer digital reception. Radio broadcasts via DAB and/or DAB+ are currently available in 33 European countries, DAB+ has already been tested in others and the start of regular operation is being planned. DAB+ programmes are combined in so-called multiplexes (mux). These are programme platforms that combine up to 16 stations on one frequency and are therefore more energy and resource efficient than FM broadcasting.

(Digitalradio Büro Deutschland) Read more

ma 2025 audio II: DAB+ stations with strong growth

17.07.2025 - Germany

The results of the Media Analyse Audio (ma 2025 Audio II) published on 16 July 2025 attest to strong gains for radio broadcasters that transmit their programmes exclusively or also via DAB+ digital radio. More than 75 per cent of the German population (75.1 per cent) listen to the radio on an average working day (Monday to Friday). The ma 2025 Audio II figures show a further continuous increase in digital radio usage, particularly in the DAB+ sector. This distribution channel now accounts for almost half of all radio consumption. Providers that broadcast their programmes mainly or exclusively digitally are benefiting from this in particular - they are recording significant growth.

(Digitalradio Büro Deutschland) Read more

Media Council awards DAB capacities in Munich and Nuremberg

17.07.2025 - Bayerische Landeszentrale fur neue Medien (BLM) WorldDAB Member - Germany

Programme diversity for the radio markets in Munich and Nuremberg: Digital Classix, an offer from Digitalradio Classix Rock be4 GmbH, will receive the DAB capacity put out to tender for the Munich broadcasting area, and MEIN LIEBLINGSRADIO, an offer from Funkhaus Nürnberg Studiobetriebs-GmbH, will receive the DAB capacity put out to tender for the Nuremberg broadcasting area. This was decided by the Media Council of the Bavarian Regulatory Authority for New Media (BLM) - awarding the contract to the bidders who already had the capacity. Dr Thorsten Schmiege, President of the BLM: "The Media Council was impressed by the existing providers in Munich and Nuremberg: Digital Classix, a rock channel with a strong local focus, and MEIN LIEBLINGSRADIO, a pop station with a local spirit."

(Bayerischen Landeszentrale für neue Medien (BLM)) Read more

Never before has there been so much digitisation - DAB+ in the first half of 2025

17.07.2025 - Germany

The digital terrestrial broadcasting standard remains on course for success. Numerous radio programme providers are reducing their FM broadcasting capacities or switching them off completely. Studies on radio usage confirm the growth in the share of digital radio. According to ma 2025 Audio II, the convergence currency for radio and online audio usage, radio is maintaining its position as one of the most widely used media offerings. In particular, distribution via DAB+ continues on a visible growth trajectory: DAB+ is listened to by 32.9 per cent in the WHK (ma 2025 Audio I: 30.3 per cent) and is used disproportionately, especially in the target group of 30 to 59-year-olds (WHK: 39.9 per cent - ma 2025 Audio I: 36.4 per cent).

(Digitalradio Büro Deutschland) Read more

DAB+ in Baden-Württemberg: Better reception in the Weinheim region

17.07.2025 - Germany

Südwestrundfunk (SWR) is further expanding its transmitter network for DAB+ digital radio reception in Baden-Württemberg. The commissioning of the Weinheim DAB+ site will improve DAB+ coverage in Weinheim, Hemsbach and Laudenbach. The following Südwestrundfunk stations will then be available on the "SWR BW N" DAB+ ensemble, channel 9D: SWR1 BW, SWR Kultur, SWR3, SWR4 BW (SWR4 Heilbronn, SWR4 Karlsruhe, SWR4 Mannheim, SWR4 Stuttgart, and SWR4 Ulm), SWR Aktuell, and DASDING.

(dabplus.de) Read more

Land of digitalisation: FM shutdown in Schleswig-Holstein continues

14.07.2025 - Germany

For a large state like Schleswig-Holstein, the digitalisation of radio broadcasting offers various advantages: more programmes can be broadcast using less power and less transmission masts; this means that listeners in Schleswig-Holstein can already listen to significantly more stations in clear sound quality via DAB+ than was previously possible via FM. Now, other broadcasters have reduced their FM frequencies, including both private and public broadcasters. In addition to Klassikradio, Deutschlandradio is also relying on digital broadcasting. Deutschlandfunk and Deutschlandfunk Kultur have discontinued analog broadcasting at a total of nine locations, with only two remaining in operation temporarily.

(Medienanstalt Hamburg/Schleswig-Holstein) Read more

Hessischer Rundfunk expands DAB+ transmitter network

13.07.2025 - Germany

Hessischer Rundfunk (hr) plans to integrate the Marburg and Aulhausen locations into its DAB+ transmitter network. This is reported by radioblog.eu, citing data from the Federal Network Agency. According to the report, Marburg will be coordinated with 2 kW ERP and Aulhausen with 1 kW ERP for the statewide ensemble on channel 7B. Last year, hr commissioned the three new DAB+ transmitters Rhön, Herborn/Burg, and Schlüchtern for eastern and central Hesse.

(Digital fernsehen) 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