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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.

RT1 scores in the Ingolstadt area with a new offer for young listeners!

13.10.2023 - Germany

"RT1 IN THE MIX" can now be received via DAB+ in the greater Ingolstadt area. More than 400,000 people can now receive tracks from Germany's number 1 radio DJ Enrico Ostendorf around the clock. The DAB+ station RT1 IN THE MIX is expanding its reception area to include the entire Ingolstadt area. "We are very pleased that with RT1 IN THE MIX we are now also addressing the diversity of offerings in the young target group with our programme in Ingolstadt and the surrounding counties," says Dr. Bernhard Hock, Managing Director of rt1 media group. The rt1.media group is the subsidiary of the Pressedruck media group (Augsburger Allgemeine, Main-Post, Südkurier, Allgäuer Zeitung) for the electronic media sector, based in Augsburg.

(rt1.media group GmbH) Read more

Radio Wellenrausch launches on DAB in Schleswig-Holstein on 29 October

13.10.2023 - Germany

On 29 October, the new radio station Radio Wellenrausch, based at Lübeck Airport, goes on the air. This is not a date chosen at random, because on the same day the radio medium celebrates its 100th anniversary. Radio Wellenrausch is a private, commercial radio programme received in Schleswig-Holstein and Hamburg via DAB+ and IP Audio. The programme aims to emotionally pick up its listeners with good mood music. The station will start with a soft opening and further expand its programme in the weeks that follow.

(RADIOSZENE) Read more

80s Radio Harmony now also for North Rhine-Westphalia

12.10.2023 - Germany

"We love the 80s and know that many people in NRW do too," says Marco Maier, Managing Director of the FFH MEDIENGRUPPE, to which the 80s radio station harmony also belongs. From 10 October 2023, it can also be heard throughout the state with its own programme in North Rhine-Westphalia and wants to become NRW's big 80s community together with its new listeners. "We can also see from our streaming sessions that many people between the Rhine and Ruhr already like to listen to us via the Internet. We are now offering all of them their 80s radio harmony on DAB+, of course with regional content from North Rhine-Westphalia," says Maier.

(radioWOCHE.de) Read more

WorldDAB Summit 2023 publishes program

12.10.2023 -

- Germany

The organizers of the 2023 WorldDAB Summit have published the events program. The Summit, which is open to all interested parties, is in Munich and online on Nov. 8. It follows the WorldDAB General Assembly the day before, which is for members only. Speakers for the Summit include: Dr Thorsten Schmiege, president of Bayerischen Landeszentrale für neue Medien (BLM), speaking on long-term strategies for radio and audio. Hervé Godechot, a board member with Arcom, who will explain how France plans to cover 60% of the country with DAB+ by next year. Christiana Attrams of the engineering division of Ghana’s National Communications Authority, addressing the Summit as part of the focus on Africa’s DAB+ rollout.

(RedTech) Read more

New radio station for Ingolstadt and the region successfully launched

12.10.2023 - Germany

From Thursday 12 October, there is a new radio programme for Ingolstadt and the region: The station "Gong 96.3 in Ingolstadt" can now be received via DAB+ in around 400,000 households. "We are very pleased that our award-winning programme can now also be received in the heart of Bavaria. For many commuters travelling daily towards Munich - but also from the greater Munich area towards Ingolstadt - this is a real added value," says Gong 96.3 managing director Johannes Ott.

(Bayern Digital Radio GmbH) Read more

NDR announces better DAB+ reception

11.10.2023 - Germany

DAB+ coverage is set to improve with a new transmitter going live on 12 October in Lower Saxony. All NDR programmes can be received on DAB+ including NDR 1 Niedersachsen, NDR 2, NDR Kultur, NDR Info and N-JOY, which can still be received on FM. Additionally, and exclusively on DAB+, radio listeners can tune in to NDR Schlager, NDR Blue and NDR Info Spezial.

(NDR.de) Read more

Expansion programme of Germany's first national DAB+ multiplex for 2023 successfully completed

11.10.2023 - Media Broadcast GmbH WorldDAB Member - Germany

Media Broadcast has successfully completed the expansion programme of the nationwide transmitter network for the first national DAB+ programme package for 2023. Four new transmitter sites were added in three federal states in September and October, which now provide even better reception of the 13 public and private programmes in the respective reception areas. The Zwickau transmitter site in Saxony was already switched on at the beginning of July.

(Media Broadcast) Read more

DAB+: two programmes for new sounds in northern Germany

07.10.2023 - Germany

There are new sounds on digital radio DAB+ in northern Germany. The local station Radio Mittelweser, which was previously only audible locally in the Nienburg area, has significantly expanded its broadcasting area and can be heard via DAB+ in the Lower Saxony bouquets of Hanover and Weserbergland. There will also be completely new sounds in Schleswig-Holstein: The private broadcaster Radio Wellenrausch has announced that it will start broadcasting on October 29th.

DAB+ roadshow across Bavaria

05.10.2023 - Germany

From 6 October to 11 November 2023, the DAB+ Roadshow will be visiting a total of twelve Bavarian cities. In cooperation with the specialised trade and the local DAB+ radio stations, this campaign is intended to increase awareness of DAB+ in the regions and whet the appetite for more radio. Visitors will meet competent contact persons on the subject of digital radio and will find DAB+ radios at special conditions in selected stores. The campaign will be promoted via the participating radio stations and the respective specialist stores.

(Bayern Digital Radio GmbH) Read more

National Councillor advocates DAB+

03.10.2023 - Germany

New chapter in the back-and-forth over the FM switch-off. Zurich National Councillor Barbara Schaffner is committed to the digital transformation. "Parliament has repeatedly stated that it supports the industry agreement of the radio operators and wants to discontinue FM operation," the Green Liberal writes in an interpellation. Nevertheless, in the summer of 2023, the Uvek decided to once again extend the existing FM radio licences until the end of 2026.

(persönlich) 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