Select Country:

Germany

Last update: 04.03.2026 - 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.”

General Radio Usage and Reach

Radio remains the most widely used and dominant audio medium in Germany.
It accounts for 73% of the total daily audio usage.
On average, people aged 14 and older listen to the radio for 189 minutes (3 hours and 9 minutes) per working day. This represents an increase of 6 minutes compared to 2024 (183 minutes).
The daily reach of radio on working days is 74.9% among the population aged 14 and older.
Over a broader four-week period, radio reaches 92.0% of the adult population, cementing its status as a mass medium.
Radio experiences its highest reach in the morning hours, peaking between 6:00 AM and 12:00 PM with an average reach of up to 34% of the population.

Source: VAUNET

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.

Three new DAB+ stations launch in North Rhine-Westphalia

02.02.2026 - Germany

In North Rhine-Westphalia, three new radio stations will launch via DAB+ at the beginning of February 2026. The stations Metropol FM, StreamD and Radio MusicStar will expand the range of digital radio options in several regions of the state. Metropol FM will soon be broadcasting its full Turkish-language programme nationwide via several regional DAB+ coverage areas in North Rhine-Westphalia. These include the Cologne/Bonn/Aachen, East Westphalia-Lippe, Lower Rhine, Dortmund and South Westphalia regions, as well as the Düsseldorf, Wuppertal and Mönchengladbach areas. The programme is aimed at a Turkish-speaking audience and combines music, news and cultural content from and for the community.

(RADIOSZENE) Read more

Comeback for Radio Wellenrausch on Hamburg's DAB+ multiplex

02.02.2026 - Germany

There has been a short-term change in programming on Hamburg's radio landscape. Radio Wellenrausch has been relaunched on the private multiplex 2 on channel 12C. The station is thus returning to a prominent platform and taking over the slot previously occupied by FG Chic Germany. The latter had only been broadcasting on this channel since spring 2024, but now has to make way for the returnee. For listeners in the Hamburg area, this change means an expansion of the genre offering on DAB+. Since the slot has been swapped within the existing multiplex, all that is required for reception is a quick search on the digital radio, provided the device has not already updated the identifier automatically.

(radioWOCHE.de) Read more

Launch on DAB+ in North Rhine-Westphalia: These radio stations benefit from new multiplexes

30.01.2026 - Germany

At the beginning of February, new radio programmes will be launched on DAB+ digital radio in North Rhine-Westphalia. The Turkish-language Metropol FM will go on air for the first time in Germany's most populous federal state. The launch is scheduled for Monday, 2 February at 11 a.m. The launch of StreamD on DAB+ has already been announced for 1 February. The Düsseldorf-based programme, which can already be heard on the internet, aims to reach a more discerning audience with information, talk shows featuring guests from the worlds of culture and business, and music programmes covering a wide range of genres. Both programmes benefit from the new regional multiplexes that went on air in North Rhine-Westphalia shortly before Christmas.

(Digitalfernsehen.de) Read more

Allocations on Saxon DAB+ multiplexes for ‘NIUS – Das Radio’ and ‘egoFM’

28.01.2026 - Germany

At its meeting on 27 January 2026, the Media Council of the Saxon State Media Authority (SLM) decided to grant VIUS SE & Co. KGaA the requested DAB+ transmission capacities for the nationwide distribution of the full radio programme "NIUS – Das Radio" on the nationwide DAB+ multiplex, which covers the entire Free State of Saxony, for a limited period of 10 years. The programme focuses on politics, business, society and sport. In addition, the Media Council has decided to grant Medienpiraten GmbH, Ismaning, transmission capacities in the DAB+ standard on the four DAB+ coverage areas for the digital terrestrial distribution of the Saxony-wide full-service radio programme ‘egoFM’ for a limited period of 10 years.

(Saxon State Media Authority (SLM)) Read more

rbb ends FM broadcasting of radio3 in Bad Belzig

26.01.2026 - Germany

Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg is reducing the terrestrial coverage of its cultural programme radio3 in western Brandenburg. From 1 February 2026, broadcasting via the FM transmitter in Bad Belzig will be permanently discontinued. The regional broadcaster is thus continuing its policy of reducing analogue capacities in favour of digital distribution channels. The measure is part of a long-term strategy to optimise costs within ARD, which involves gradually reducing the parallel transmission of analogue and digital signals. As terrestrial coverage via DAB+ in Brandenburg is now well advanced, the broadcaster no longer considers analogue coverage in smaller locations such as Bad Belzig to be economically necessary.

(radioWOCHE.de) Read more

Something new for your ears: even more radio variety in 2026

12.01.2026 - Germany

Even more for everyone: The new year kicks off with news for all radio listeners in Berlin and Brandenburg. Non-commercial radio stations in Berlin and Potsdam will be available exclusively via DAB+ from January onwards. FR-BB and 24/3 FM can be found on channel 7D in Berlin and the surrounding area. Listeners can now find ALEX Berlin's radio programme on DAB+ channel 12D, which covers Berlin and large parts of Brandenburg. The distribution costs for the non-commercial programmes are covered in full by mabb through subsidies. The non-commercial radio stations from Brandenburg – Radio Ginseng, Radio Woltersdorf, Radio Slubfurt and Freies Radio Potsdam – can also be received on DAB+ channel 12D.

(Medienanstalt Berlin-Brandenburg (mabb)) Read more

FM switch-off for Radio WSW: relaunch as Radio Sachsen Eins via DAB+

08.01.2026 - Germany

Radio WSW ceased FM broadcasting on 31 December 2025. As the Saxon State Media Authority (SLM) confirmed to FLURFUNK, the broadcaster deliberately decided not to renew its FM licence. Since 1 January 2026, the programme has been broadcast exclusively via digital terrestrial DAB+ in the Dresden area and neighbouring districts. With the end of FM broadcasting, the remaining service was renamed ‘Radio Sachsen Eins’. This did not require approval from the State Media Authority. The name is already used by other DAB+ programmes associated with the Sachsen-Fernsehen Group.

(RADIOSZENE) Read more

Klassik Radio completes FM switch-off in Bavaria

06.01.2026 - Germany

Right on time at the turn of the year, Klassik Radio AG implemented its announced strategy and bid farewell to analogue broadcasting in the Free State of Bavaria. Since 1 January 2026, the programme can no longer be received via FM in the station's home market. The move marks the provisional conclusion of a long-standing digitalisation strategy. The company considers investments in analogue infrastructure to be investments in the past. Instead, according to the station, tens of millions of pounds from its own funds have been channelled into DAB+ expansion and the development of its own streaming platforms in recent years. In total, the broadcaster has already returned over 30 FM frequencies since the start of this reorientation in 2012.

(radioWOCHE.de) Read more

NIUS Radio now also broadcasts in North Rhine-Westphalia on DAB+

01.01.2026 - Germany

Since 1 January 2026, the radio station has also been available in North Rhine-Westphalia via DAB+. In North Rhine-Westphalia, the nationwide information and discussion programme is broadcast on channel 9D of the state-wide multiplex, replacing the OLDIE ANTENNE programme that was previously broadcast there.

(RADIOSZENE) Read more

New DAB tender: BLM seeks broadcasters for large network in Bavaria

23.12.2025 - Bayerische Landeszentrale fur neue Medien (BLM) WorldDAB Member - Germany

Shortly before the end of the year, the Bavarian Regulatory Authority for New Media (BLM) launched a new tender for digital radio capacities. It is looking for a provider for a contiguous broadcasting area covering large parts of Bavaria: Upper Bavaria-Swabia, Middle Franconia and Upper Franconia. What makes this tender special is the network solution, as there are no technical or legal provisions for separating the programme or advertising into individual regions. Interested radio producers can apply for a capacity of 54 capacity units. Broadcasting will commence on 1 July 2026, with the new station required to be on air by October 2026 at the latest. The allocation of capacity is limited to a maximum of ten years.

(radioWOCHE.de) Read more

Select Country:

Key Information

Status:	regular
Population:	83.8 million
Population coverage:	98%
Services:	300 DAB+
New cars with DAB/DAB+ as standard:	96%
Total Sales (cumulative):	28,300,000 devices
Penetration by household:	34%
Last update: 24.04.2026