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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.

SWR improves DAB+ coverage in Heidenheim and Zollernalbkreis districts
07.09.2023 - Germany Germany
Südwestrundfunk (SWR) continues to expand its transmitter network for DAB+ digital radio reception. In the districts of Heidenheim and Zollernalbkreis, the programmes SWR1 Baden-Württemberg, SWR2, SWR3, SWR4 Baden-Württemberg (with the regional programmes) as well as SWR Aktuell and DASDING can now be received via DAB+.

(Südwestrundfunk (SWR)) Read more

Warning messages via DAB+: Taking part in the Warning Day on 14 September
07.09.2023 - Germany Germany
On 14 September, the next nationwide warning day, DAB+ digital radio will again be an important component, alongside cell broadcast, sirens and other warning means. The members of the Digital Radio Germany Association, i.e. ARD, Deutschlandradio, commercial broadcasters, manufacturers, network operators and state media authorities, have set themselves the goal of defining a new warning system based on the DAB+ data services. Compared to mobile radio, DAB+ is broadcast via transmission masts located at high altitudes, which remain available even in the event of a crisis when the mobile network is overloaded or fails due to severe weather.

(Digitalradio Büro Deutschland) Read more

Media Broadcast enables DAB+ reception in the Elbe Tunnel
05.09.2023 - Germany Germany
Drivers in Hamburg's Elbe Tunnel are now able to receive a total of 38 radio programmes in the best quality via DAB+. From now on, they no longer have to do without the interference-free listening pleasure of their favourite programme in the car while driving through the approximately 3.3 km long tubes. This is made possible by the new transmitter system that Media Broadcast has built and put into operation. It supplies all four tubes with digital programmes. This also increases safety for the more than 100,000 car and truck drivers every day: For the announcement of warning messages, the DAB+ programmes can be muted and the emergency information can be recorded by the control centre.

(Media Broadcast) Read more

STAR FM Saxony - MAXIMUM ROCK coming to Saxony on DAB+
05.09.2023 - Germany Germany
With our brand new channel STAR FM Saxony, we bring the best of the rock world directly to you and are proud to share our passion for good rock music with you. From now on via web, app and smart speaker - and from 15 September also via DAB+ in Saxony. Our nationwide DAB+ stream offers crystal-clear reception in the car, office and home. Discover the soundtrack of your rock journey on the state-wide DAB+ multiplex 12A - Sachsen DAB. From 15 September, simply start the search in your DAB+ radio and we will be in your reception list with just a few clicks.

(Star FM) Read more

DAB in Garding: NDR's new DAB+ transmitter on Eiderstedt
04.09.2023 - Germany Germany
On the North Sea between Hallig Hooge and Friedrichskoog-Spitze, radio listeners now have even better access to NDR radio programmes - and in even better quality. NDR's DAB+ expansion continues to make progress - this time with a new transmitter in Garding. People living there as well as holiday guests can listen to their favourite programmes everywhere in stable quality with clear sound - not only in the car.

(Norddeutscher Rundfunk) Read more

Radio Bollerwagen now also in Saxony
04.09.2023 - Germany Germany
From 4 September, Radio Bollerwagen can also be received via DAB+ in Dresden, Chemnitz and Freiberg. This means that the party station of the ffn media group from Hanover is now also represented in local multiplexes in eastern Germany for the first time. "Saxony is one of the most important radio markets in the east. We are looking forward to reaching new target groups digitally in Dresden, Chemnitz and Freiberg ", says Harald Gehrung, CEO of the ffn-mediengruppe.

(RADIOSZENE) Read more

Radio Brocken & 89.0 RTL in the Altmark on DAB+ from the Dequede site
31.08.2023 - Germany Germany
With the switch-on of the Dequede digital radio site, the Altmark will be able to hear the DAB+ stations from Funkhaus Halle. In addition to Radio Brocken, 89.0 RTL and 89.0 RTL In The Mix will also be heard in the north of Saxony-Anhalt on channel 11C from tomorrow. "We are pleased that we can now finally also supply the north of our state with digital radio. With the new coverage, we can now potentially reach as many as almost 2.7 million listeners in and around Saxony-Anhalt with the additional station structure," says Mike Bröhl, management spokesman at Funkhaus Halle.

(Funkhaus Halle) Read more

Absolut Radio AI to go live via DAB+
30.08.2023 - Germany Germany
AI (Artificial Intelligence) is currently the hot topic in the tech world, in society and in companies. Media companies move between rejection and innovation. Antenne Deutschland took a courageous step very early on and launched a fully AI-moderated station and put it online. The success now calls for the next logical step. Absolut Radio is going into terrestrial broadcasting in the Braunschweig area via DAB+. "The somewhat unexpected great success of Absolut Radio AI has virtually forced us to take this step," says Mirko Drenger, CEO of Antenne Deutschland. "AI presenter kAI has generated an enormous number of fans in just a few weeks. The streaming numbers are increasing daily. Braunschweig is a start. The sustainable success of DAB+ in Germany means that there are few free capacities. Of course, we do not rule out national distribution in the future," Drenger continues.

(RADIOSZENE) Read more

Start of DAB+ broadcasting for Radio Galaxy Saxony
30.08.2023 - Germany Germany
The Saxons can look forward to a new radio station: on 31 August, Radio Galaxy Saxony will be launched on digital radio/DAB and as an internet stream. The full radio programme geared to the Free State broadcasts the best current hits, important regional information and service tips for all young Saxons and those young at heart around the clock.

(Funkhaus Nürnberg) Read more

New radio station for NRW: bigFM to broadcast via DAB+ from 1 September
30.08.2023 - Germany Germany
A new radio station will be launched in North Rhine-Westphalia via DAB+ on 1 September with the national media brand bigFM. "We are delighted that bigFM with Germany's biggest beats will finally be heard on the radio throughout North Rhine-Westphalia," says bigFM Programme Director Patrick Morgan. "The whole team around the morning show presenters Kristina Fixemer and Rolf Vogel have been waiting for this for a long time."

(Audiotainment Südwest) 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