Click to return to the index page
You are not currently logged in. Member Login
Become a member | Forgot your password? | Activate account
Select Country:

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.

Digital radio DAB+ on warning day: test alarms successful
09.12.2022 - Germany Germany
On the nationwide warning day, DAB+ digital terrestrial broadcasting proved to be an important, robust and reliable channel for transmitting messages in the event of a crisis. The alerting via the so-called "MoWaS" system of the federal government, the transmitting equipment and signal paths worked flawlessly as expected. Public and private stations participated editorially and in some cases with test and active alarm messages.

(Digitalradio Büro Deutschland) Read more

SWR: New transmitter in Rheinland-Pfalz for DAB+
09.12.2022 - Germany Germany
Südwestrundfunk (SWR) has improved DAB+ reception on the Moselle. The new Traben-Trarbach transmitter improves the indoor coverage of the multiplex on channel 11A. The private radio stations RPR.1, bigFM and Rockland Radio also benefit from the expansion.

(SatelliFax) Read more

Improved DAB+ reception in Münster
06.12.2022 - Germany Germany
With the activation of a new transmitter site in the city of Münster/Westphalia, reception of the 2nd national DAB+ station package in the region has improved significantly. Especially inside buildings, many more listeners can now receive the 16 stations in the best quality, and mobile reception on the move is now also possible without interference throughout the greater Münster area. "We are delighted that the new transmitter in Münster will enable DAB+ listeners in the city and the surrounding regions to receive the 2nd nationwide station package at home and on the move without interference. We would like to thank Brillux Radio in particular, whose commitment contributed significantly to the rapid implementation of the network expansion," said Mirko Drenger, CEO of Antenne Deutschland.

(Antenne Deutschland) Read more

NDR to improve DAB+ reception in 11 regions in 2023
06.12.2022 - Germany Germany
The DAB+ transmitter switch-on in the Hermannsburg region, originally planned for autumn 2022, will probably now take place in the second quarter of 2023. Instead, trial operation of filler transmitters with new technology (SFN repeaters) has begun in Celle and Wolfsburg in order to improve indoor reception in these towns. Subject to the necessary approval procedures, NDR is planning further expansion of DAB+ in the following regions in spring 2023: Papenburg region; Northeast Rügen region (Wittow and Jasmund peninsulas as well as Binz); Usedom East region (incl. Bansin, Heringsdorf, Ahlbeck) Rendsburg region; Kappeln region (incl. Gelting, Maasholm, Olpenitz).

(Norddeutscher Rundfunk) Read more

Torgelow transmitter on air for first nationwide DAB+ multiplex
06.12.2022 - Deutschlandradio WorldDAB Member - Germany Germany
The north-eastern region of Vorpommern around towns such as Pasewalk, Anklam, Ueckermünde and the south of the island of Usedom can look forward to more choice in DAB+ digital radio. On 5 December, Media Broadcast switched on the Torgelow transmitter in the district of Vorpommern-Greifswald for the first nationwide multiplex (channel 5C) with four stations from Deutschlandradio and nine private stations. The transmitter operates with a power of 5 kW.

(SatelliFax) Read more

Private radio broadcasters from Saxony-Anhalt participate in nationwide warning day via DAB+
05.12.2022 - Germany Germany
The next nationwide warning day is on 8 December 2022. The aim is to alert the population to warnings in crisis situations. On the joint action day of the federal government, the federal states and the municipalities, all available warning means are to be tested at 11 am. These include radio and television, warning apps, digital boards, loudspeaker trucks and sirens. Radio broadcasters Radio Brocken and radio SAW will repeatedly use the nationwide warning day to trigger an EWF test alarm on DAB+ channel 11C. In cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits and the Media Authority Saxony-Anhalt, a test announcement will be heard on 08.12.2022 at 11:00 and text information will be shown on the radio display.

(Medienanstalt Sachsen-Anhalt) Read more

Hamburg: FSK launched via DAB+
02.12.2022 - Germany Germany
The non-commercial station FSK (Freies Sender Kombinat) can now be heard again in the greater Hamburg area via digital radio DAB+. It is broadcasting in the second private radio ensemble on channel 12C. This means that the FM landscape from Hamburg is now completely mapped on DAB+. All analogue FM radio stations from the Hanseatic city can now also be heard digitally terrestrially.

(SatelliFax) Read more

New Brandenkopf and Alpirsbach transmitters for Baden-Württemberg DAB+ mux
02.12.2022 - Germany Germany
On 1 December, two DAB+ channel 11B transmitters in Brandenkopf and Alpirsbach were put into operation by digital radio operator On Air Support for the state-wide, private DAB+ multiplex in Baden-Württemberg. Large parts of the central Black Forest will now be covered. "We are pleased that the 16 radio stations we broadcast can now finally be received digitally in the entire Kinzig valley, from Freudenstadt to Offenburg," ON AIR support said.

(ON AIR support GmbH) Read more

Regionalradio BW: Small scale trial extended until end of June 2023
02.12.2022 - Germany Germany
The small scale DAB trial between Heilbronn and Stuttgart can continue. As founder Dana Diezemann from the consortium "Regionalradio BW" told SateliFax, the trial on channel 12B was approved on 1 December for an extension until 30 June 2023. Furthermore, a second location for the ensemble at the Güglingen telecommunications tower is to go on the air before the end of December. Regionalradio BW wants to offer smaller private radio stations or non-commercial radio projects a cheaper alternative in digital radio DAB+ in the medium term.

(SatelliFax) Read more

Nationwide warning day in Germany: information via DAB+
01.12.2022 - Germany Germany
A nationwide warning day will take place in Germany on 8 December 2022. Starting at 11:00 a.m., the participating authorities and emergency services will activate various warning devices such as radio and television, digital city display boards or warning apps. The main objective is to inform the people in Germany about the different warning means in dangerous situations. Bavaria is working on the implementation of a new warning system using the digital terrestrial radio standard DAB+. Due to its robust infrastructure, the terrestrial broadcasting system offers a reliable technology to safely warn and immediately inform the population even in the event of a disaster.

(Bayern Digital Radio GmbH) Read more

Select Country:

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