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.

Saxony: Media Broadcast "likely" to become network operator for state-wide DAB+ ensemble
24.10.2022 - Media Broadcast GmbH WorldDAB Member - Germany Germany
While the company Divicon Media will operate the regional and local multiplexes from spring 2023, Media Broadcast is expected to become the network operator of the state-wide, private DAB+ network in Saxony. This emerges from the tender for remaining capacities which has now been published. The Saxon State Media Authority (SLM) has put out to tender 228 capacity units (CU) for up to three additional radio programmes in the state-wide bouquet. Interested radio broadcasters can still apply until 17 November.

(Satellifax) Read more


DAB+ in Germany: better marketing for digital platforms
19.10.2022 - Germany Germany
Leading cross-auditory audio marketer RMS presents its new offer for customers and agencies in Germany's 2023 advertising market. The flagship for high-coverage national radio campaigns, the RMS SUPER KOMBI, is growing by 13 new stations. The largest offer is the DAB+ Deutschlandkombi, which goes into RMS marketing in a new composition with nine stations. Olaf Hopp, CEO NRJ GERMANY: "We are very pleased that we have been there from the start with our program NOSTALGIE, which is distributed nationwide via DAB+. DAB+ has established itself as a complementary radio transmission standard and DAB+ advertising combinations are only the logical consequence. The increasing relevance of DAB+ for both listeners and broadcasters is now logically expressed in the founding of this combination.”

(Digitalradio Deutschland) Read more


New radio station for Munich: 089Kult goes on air on 1 December
18.10.2022 - Germany Germany
37 years after the launch of Germany's first private radio station, Munich's most listened to radio station Gong 96.3 will soon be launching a second service. From 1 December, the station "089Kult" will be at the top of the station list on DAB+. With the new station, the Bavarian capital is getting a new service which, in addition to "cult hits" and current information and topics from Munich, will be devoted especially to culture.

(RADIOSZENE) Read more


Bayern Digital Radio at the Munich Media Days 2022
13.10.2022 - Germany Germany
This year, Medientage München returns to the big stage at the ICM. From 18 - 20 October, visitors can expect a three-day conference programme with current and relevant topics on five stages with more than 400 speakers, a varied expo, numerous networking opportunities and entertaining entertainment formats. Bayern Digital Radio will be on site as an exhibitor and will present the test network 10D with the topics SPI (Service and Programme Information), EWF (Emergency Warning Functionality) and TPEG-EAW (Transport Protocol Experts Group-Emergency Alerts and Warnings).

(Bayern Digital Radio) Read more


DAB+ in autumn: new campaign for DAB+ in Germany
07.10.2022 - Deutschlandradio WorldDAB Member - Germany Germany
From 14 November to 4 December, DAB+ will be the focus of marketing by the members of the Digital Radio Association Germany: for three weeks, ARD, Deutschlandradio, private programme providers, manufacturers and other members will provide cross-media information on the digital radio standard and its many advantages. The campaign period also marks the launch of a new cross-media communication campaign. The campaign claim "If you want to feel, you have to hear". sums up what it's all about: the emotional value of radio as a medium and unforgettable listening moments. The plus of the DAB+ logo plays an important visual role in the campaign elements and illustrates the "more" in programme variety, listening pleasure and quality. Keywords such as "passion+", "moments+" or "home+" reinforce the emotional message.

(Digitalradio Büro Deutschland) Read more


Transmission capacities for Saxony-wide DAB+ multiplex put out to tender
05.10.2022 - Germany Germany
At its meeting on 4 October 2022, the Medienrat der Sächsischen Landesmedienanstalt (SLM) decided on the invitation to tender for transmission capacities for use by private broadcasters for digital terrestrial radio programmes and telemedia for the Saxony-wide DAB+ multiplex. This concerns transmission capacities of up to 228 capacity units of a DAB+ coverage for the Free State of Saxony, which had not yet been awarded in the first tender procedure.

(Infosat.de) Read more


DAB+: 1st federal mux with new location in Schleswig-Holstein
04.10.2022 - Media Broadcast GmbH WorldDAB Member - Germany Germany
As of 4 October, the first DAB+ Bundesmux is broadcasting on channel 5C from the Schleswig-Holstein location of Hennstedt in the district of Steinburg, the transmitter network operator Media Broadcast announced on Twitter. The telecommunications tower is located between Itzehoe and Neumünster.

(radionews.de) Read more


antenne OSTALGIE starts on 3 October via DAB+
30.09.2022 - Germany Germany
A new radio station for Thuringia: ANTENNE THÜRINGEN expands its digital portfolio with antenne OSTALGIE. Under the motto "Weils zu uns gehört" (Because it belongs to us), antenne OSTALGIE can now be heard via DAB+ in the regions of Erfurt and Weimar. Jochen Fasco, Director of the Thuringian State Media Authority, is pleased that Thuringia's radio bouquet has been expanded by the station, making DAB+ even more attractive. "As a result, listeners in the Free State with an affinity for rock will also get their own Thuringian programme," Fasco says.

(RADIOSZENE) Read more


DAB+ gets new location in Ulm
30.09.2022 - Germany Germany
With Ulm, the regional network for DAB+ in the Allgäu and Donau-Iller regions now has a prominent new addition. The transmitter is the sixth location in channel 8B and optimises digital radio reception in the cities of Ulm and Neu-Ulm. In addition, the commissioning of the DAB transmitter in Bavaria improves DAB coverage in the districts of Neu-Ulm and Günzburg. This is also associated with better mobile DAB coverage on the A8 Stuttgart-Munich motorway on the section from Ulm to Augsburg.

(Bayern Digital Radio GmbH) Read more


Unterringingen transmitter on air for first national mux
28.09.2022 - Media Broadcast GmbH WorldDAB Member - Germany Germany
The first national DAB+ multiplex with four programmes from Deutschlandradio and nine private stations has added a transmitter at Unterringingen near Nördlingen in Bavaria. The ensemble on channel 5C is broadcast with a power of 10 kW.

(SatelliFax) 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