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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 expands its DAB+ network by five new sites in Bavaria in 2023
22.05.2023 - Bayerischer Rundfunk WorldDAB Member - Germany Germany
In the second half of 2023, Bayerischer Rundfunk plans to expand its own DAB+ transmitter network by five new sites and thus further improve DAB+ reception. This will bring the transmitter network to 88 sites by the end of the year. BR's DAB+ transmitter network will broadcast the ten BR radio and regional stations as well as other private offerings.

(Bayerische Rundfunk) Read more

DAB+ station portrait: Toggo Radio
18.05.2023 - Germany Germany
Toggo Radio is a nationwide children's and family radio station that was launched in 2020. "With Toggo Radio, we complete our portfolio for children and families, but also for the advertising market. Audio use has increased strongly. Children enthusiastically listen to music, radio plays and news made for them. And wherever children are, we want to be too. That's why this offer is a logical step for us," Claude Schmit, Managing Director at Super RTL, explained at the time. Musically, the station offers a mix for the whole family, news for children's ears, knowledge content and radio plays in the evening. This makes Toggo Radio an ideal everyday companion for families.

(DIGITAL FERNSEHEN) Read more

Lausitzwelle launched in Dresden on DAB+
17.05.2023 - Germany Germany
Lausitzwelle was switched on the DAB+ multiplex for the Dresden region (channel 7A) at the end of last week. The regional network for Dresden and eastern Saxony is broadcast via sites in Dresden-Wachwitz and Löbau. Radio PSR (Dresden region), Hitradio RTL Sachsen (Dresden and Lausitz regions), R.SA (Dresden region), Energy Sachsen Dresden, Antenne Sachsen (Dresden and Lausitz regions), 90s90s Dance Radio, Radio Dresden, Radio Lausitz, Radio WSW and Lausitzwelle are now broadcasting on the mux.

(radioWOCHE) Read more

DAB+ reaching out in Germany
17.05.2023 - Germany Germany
DAB+ developments in Germany are running apace. Broadcaster Lausitzwelle, which broadcasts in Germany’s southwest state of Saxony, has switched on the DAB+ multiplex for the Dresden region (channel 7A). In Berlin, open channel ALEX Berlin is to receive DAB+ capacity on Berlin channel 7D. Two non-commercial stations, Freie Radios Berlin Brandenburg e.V. and Radio Netzwerk Berlin e.V. will share another capacity on channel 7D — the former between 06:00 on Mondays and 06:00 on Fridays and the latter from Fridays at 06:00 to Mondays at 06:00 Freie BürgerRadio Slubfurt e.V. will receive capacity on Berlin-Brandenburg channel 12D for its non-commercial radio program Radio Slubfurt. In the meantime, ten broadcasters have applied for DAB+ capacity on channel 12D, which Berlin’s media authority Medienanstalt Berlin-Brandenburg has put out to tender.

(RedTech) Read more

DAB+ in the federal states 2023: An overview
10.05.2023 - Germany Germany
DAB+, the radio standard of today and digital successor to FM, will continue to be an important driver of the digitisation of radio in 2023. Figures from the HEMIX (Home Electronics Market Index) show around 1.9 million DAB+ radios sold in 2022. DAB+ is also one of the clear winners of the last radio audience study ma 2023 Audio I. Distribution via DAB+ continues to grow in importance, while online audio loses slightly. DAB+ is listened to by 28.5 per cent of the population (ma 2022 Audio II: 27.0 per cent) in the so-called widest listener group (WHK) and is used disproportionately in the target group of 30 to 59 year olds in particular (WHK: 32.0 per cent - ma 2022 Audio II: 30.1 per cent).

(Digitalradio Büro Deutschland) Read more

Bayern Digital Radio turns 25
08.05.2023 - Bayerische Landeszentrale fur neue Medien (BLM) WorldDAB Member - Bayerischer Rundfunk WorldDAB Member - Media Broadcast GmbH WorldDAB Member - Germany Germany
Bayern Digital Radio was founded 25 years ago on 8 May 1998 and was the first licensed transmitter network operator for DAB/DAB+ in Germany in 1999. The shareholders are Bayerischer Rundfunk, Media Broadcast GmbH and Bayerische Medien Technik GmbH. The interests of the commercial broadcasters are represented by the Bavarian Regulatory Authority for Commercial Broadcasting (BLM). The company's core business is the rapid and efficient expansion of the transmitter networks for DAB/DAB+ in Bavaria.

(Bayern Digital Radio) Read more

BR switches off FM site in Lower Franconia
05.05.2023 - Bayerischer Rundfunk WorldDAB Member - Germany Germany
Bayerischer Rundfunk (BR) has switched off its VHF filler transmitter in Burgsinn im Sinngrund. The programmes BAYERN 1, Bayern 2, BAYERN 3, BR-KLASSIK and BR24 were broadcast via the site in the Lower Franconian district of Main-Spessart. The BR refers local listeners to the frequencies from the Kreuzberg transmitter in the Rhön region and to DAB+ as a continuing FM alternative. The Bavaria-wide DAB+ multiplex on channel 11D and the Lower Franconia Mux on channel 10A will continue to be broadcast from Burgsinn. In the course of the ongoing DAB+ expansion, BR already switched off the VHF filler transmitter Burgberg in Oberallgäu at the end of February and the VHF site Mittenwald in summer 2021.

(radioWOCHE.de) Read more

Radio broadcasters push for regional DAB+ tender in NRW
05.05.2023 - Germany Germany
Eighteen months after the launch of the first commercial state-wide DAB+ multiplex in North Rhine-Westphalia, the State Media Authority has reached a conclusion. In autumn or winter, a maximum of 96 places in DAB+ multiplexes are to be put out to tender. Many interested parties expressed a need for a total of 118 places. For thirty years, the most densely populated radio market was closed off, with access only possible for new providers within the framework of temporary DAB+ trials. Interest in the NRW radio market continues.

(RADIOSZENE) Read more

Everybody dance now! 90s90s Radio launches second format on DAB+
03.05.2023 - Germany Germany
Germany's radio station for the cool sound of the 90s has launched a second live radio programme - 90s90s DANCE RADIO - in addition to its existing national station. It can be received digitally via the 90s90s App, website, Skill as well as on all radio aggregators and via DAB+ in Saxony. "The sound has many fans, especially in Saxony - so it's all the nicer that we can also be heard here via DAB+," says Sebastian Voigt, Programme Director Digital REGIOCAST.

(REGIOCAST) Read more

Bavaria testing novel approach to DAB+
02.05.2023 - Germany Germany
A project funded by Germany’s Bavarian State Chancellery is testing a novel approach to digital radio: Using technical clustering to combine different channels into a single, bespoke broadcast experience for a listener. The project, titled ART [Announcement Radio Toolbox] is a collaboration between the Bayerische Medien Technik, the Bavarian Regulatory Authority for new media, Mediaschool Bayern, Bayerische Lokal-Radioprogramme and Bayern Digital Radio. In the project, different music genres, such as electro, country and jazz, are broadcast parallel to an information channel via DAB+ in Bavaria.

(RedTech) 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