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: 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.

75th NDR DAB+ transmitter launching in Papenburg

23.01.2023 - Germany

With the commissioning of another DAB+ transmitter, radio listeners in Papenburg will be able to receive NDR radio programmes in even better quality from 24 January 2023. The new transmitter at NDR's 75th transmitter site serves the region between Surwold, Dörpen, Rhede, Weener and Saterland and can be received on block 10A. The DAB+ programme range continues to include the NDR programmes also broadcast on FM, such as NDR 1 Niedersachsen, NDR 2, NDR Kultur, NDR Info and N-JOY. In addition, NDR Schlager, NDR Blue and NDR Info Spezial can be heard exclusively on digital radio.

(Norddeutscher Rundfunk) Read more

90s90s Radio: Portrait of the new station on the second DAB+ federal mux

17.01.2023 - Germany

Regiocast has taken over the slot previously operated by Sportradio Deutschland on the second DAB+ Bundesmux. The previous offering will be replaced by 90s90s Radio. Since its launch in 2016, 90s90s has been there for everyone who loves the music of the 90s and wants to rediscover it in the here and now: From 90s house to rock to boy bands. The station complements Regiocast's existing national DAB+ portfolio with brands such as Radio Bob! Deutschlands Rockradio, 80s80s Radio and Sunshine Live.

(Digital Fernsehen) Read more

DF interview: Digital radio strategist Carsten Zorger on the future of DAB+

16.01.2023 - Deutschlandradio WorldDAB Member - Germany

Carsten Zorger has been head of the Digital Radio Office Germany, based at Deutschlandradio in Berlin, for over six years. The time under his aegis has certainly been a formative one for the new DAB+ radio standard. In an interview with Digital Fernsehen, however, he looks to the future of radio. "We expect many more stations to be launched in 2023, especially in the north. And because every new car is now delivered with DAB+ radio on board, we are counting on car drivers who want to discover new stations or listen to their favourite programmes in digital quality while driving," said Zorger.

(Digital Fernsehen) Read more

DAB+ in Jasmund and Wittow

16.01.2023 - Germany

NDR radio stations in the north-east of the island of Rügen can be received even better via digital radio DAB+ from 17 January. With the commissioning of another transmitter near Sagard, DAB+ coverage of NDR stations has improved for radio listeners on the Jasmund and Wittow peninsulas. For the most part, they can now also be received there indoors via digital radio, on Block 8B (197.648 MHz). The Baltic resort of Binz and other towns along the Prorer Wiek also benefit from the NDR's new DAB+ transmitter.

(Norddeutscher Rundfunk) Read more

Further details on the second WDR Mux in NRW

13.01.2023 - Germany

As reported, Westdeutscher Rundfunk (WDR) is planning a second DAB+ digital radio multiplex. In response to a SatellliFax enquiry, the ARD broadcaster confirmed the plan and has now announced further details: "The second DAB+ multiplex will cover part of NRW as a conurbation multiplex and supplement the existing first (state-wide) multiplex," it says. "In this way, the regionalisation of WDR 4 can be reflected and the audio quality of the content offered can be increased at the same time". According to WDR, the transmission of private stations is not planned on the second mux.

(SatelliFax) Read more

DAB+: Radio Holiday launched in Berlin on DAB+

12.01.2023 - Germany

Radio Holiday is now also broadcasting in Berlin. The private radio station all about holidays and leisure was switched on via DAB+ on the local multiplex (channel 7B). After North Rhine-Westphalia, Saarland and Thuringia, this is the fourth broadcast area in digital radio. The station also has a licence in Hesse, but is not yet active there via DAB+.

(SatelliFax) Read more

DAB+ coverage on the Upper Moselle improved

11.01.2023 - Germany

Südwestrundfunk (SWR) continues to expand its transmitter network for digital radio reception DAB+. The commissioning of the Palzem site, on Wednesday, 11 January 2023, will improve DAB+ coverage in frequency block (channel) 11A on the Upper Moselle along the B419 and in the area of Palzem, Kreuzweiler, Dilmar, Esingen, Helfant, Wehr and Wincheringen. From Südwestrundfunk, the stations SWR1 Rhineland-Palatinate, SWR2, SWR3, SWR4 Rhineland-Palatinate (with the regional programmes SWR4 Kaiserslautern and SWR4 Koblenz, SWR4 Ludwigshafen, SWR4 Mainz and SWR4 Trier) as well as SWR Aktuell and DASDING can be received.

(Südwestrundfunk) Read more

"Mein NRW DAB+": Power increases implemented

05.01.2023 - Germany

The radiated power at some transmitter sites of the private digital radio network "Mein NRW DAB+" was increased in recent weeks. At the Cologne location (Colonius), the radiated power was increased from 6.3 to 10 kW. In Münster (Fernmeldeturm) the power is now also 10 kW. Previously it was 5.6 kW. The radiated power was also increased at the locations in Aachen (Karlshöhe) from 3.2 to 5 kW, in Schöppingen from 5 to 10 kW and in Wesel (Büderich) from 2.5 to 10 kW.

(SatelliFax) Read more

BR plans new DAB+ site in the Bavarian Forest

03.01.2023 - Germany

The Bavarian Forest is one of the most difficult regions to cover in terms of radio technology. Despite numerous transmitter stations, there are still gaps in digital terrestrial radio reception. The Bavarian Broadcasting Corporation (BR) is now planning a new transmitter for digital radio DAB+ in the southern Bavarian Forest. On the Oberfrauenwald mountain near Waldkirchen in the district of Freyung-Grafenau, the state-wide package (channel 11D) and the regional bouquet of Lower Bavaria (channel 7D) are to be broadcast with a power of 6.3 kW. BR is also planning new transmitter sites at Balderschwang, Obernburg am Main and Pretzfeld.

(SatelliFax) Read more

90s90s Radio launches nationwide via DAB+

02.01.2023 - Germany

REGIOCAST will take over the slot previously operated by SPORTRADIO DEUTSCHLAND on the second DAB+ federal mux on 02.01.2023 at 12:00. The current offering will be replaced by 90s90s Radio, which is currently distributed throughout Germany via IP and, since 2018, also via DAB+ locally in Leipzig. Erwin Linnenbach, Managing Director of National German Radio: "90s90s Radio is an excellent addition to the diverse programme bouquet of Antenne Deutschland's private DAB+ platform. REGIOCAST's move clearly underlines once again how attractive nationwide radio and DAB+ are as a technical platform."

(RADIOSZENE) Read more

« First
‹ Prev
…
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
…
Next ›
Last »

Select Country:

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