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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.

Digitisation Report Audio 2022: Radio use via DAB+ continues to rise

09.09.2022 - Media Broadcast GmbH WorldDAB Member - Germany

The reception of radio programmes via DAB+ in Germany is becoming increasingly popular. This is confirmed by the results of the Media Authorities' Digitisation Report Audio 2022, which were presented today as part of the online presentation "Audiotrends 2022". According to the report, 30.8% of households in Germany now have at least one DAB+ radio. The proportion of people over the age of 14 with access to a DAB+ receiver grew by 10% to more than 23 million, which corresponds to 33.5% of the population.Growth was particularly strong in the most populous federal state, North Rhine-Westphalia, where usage rose by 35% compared to the previous year.

(Media Broadcast) Read more

Hamburg: barba radio will start on September 9th, 2022 on DAB+

06.09.2022 - Germany

One of Germany's most popular presenters, Barbara Schöneberger, is launching her own radio station in Hamburg via DAB+. The station "barba radio" will be broadcast from 09.09.2022 in Hamburg and the surrounding area on channel 12C. Barbara Schöneberger has already been on air with barba radio since 24 October 2018, with the radio company REGIOCAST as a partner.

(radionews.de) Read more

DAB+: deployment in Europe continues

06.09.2022 - France - Switzerland - Germany - Sweden

While regional deployments are continuing in France and Switzerland is preparing to abandon FM for good in favour of digital radio, even though digital radio now accounts for more than half of all car radio listening there, several European countries are stepping up their initiatives... In Germany, a study shows that the DAB+ audience is younger on average than the radio audience. This is good news for the rejuvenation of the radio audience. In Sweden, the country has just transposed the European directive on DAB+ (obligation to integrate DAB+ into car receivers). Sweden was one of the last countries not to have transposed the directive in the EU.

(La Lettre Pro de la Radio) Read more

New Mudau transmitter for private radio stations in Baden-Württemberg

02.09.2022 - Germany

On Thursday, September 1, the network operator On Air Support put the Mudau transmitter into operation for the private DAB+ multiplex in Baden-Württemberg. This fills the gap between Heidelberg, Heilbronn and Langenburg in channel 11B with an output of 10 kW and opens up the area in the north of Baden-Württemberg up to the Hessian state border.

(SatelliFax) Read more

FM remains important for Radio ffn, but the broadcasting group also wants to grow on DAB+

01.09.2022 - Germany

An interview with Managing Director Harald Gehrung: "For our company I can at least say that we will start with DAB+ when there is "relevant" use. And that's only the case now, but it wasn't like that 20 years ago. Due to the EU directive, DAB+ has now become the standard in Germany. In an international comparison, Germany is certainly far ahead in terms of absolute usage figures, even if the majority of users still don't give a damn how they receive their favorite channel. As the operator of RADIO BOLLERWAGEN, we would of course also be happy about a DAB+ mux on Mallorca, where the FM supply seems to have stopped in the 80s."

(teltarif.de) Read more

Alternative programme feed to DAB+ stations successfully tested

01.09.2022 - Germany

As part of the development of solutions for alternative programme feeds to DAB+ transmitters in the event of a disaster, RFmondial successfully carried out a field test in Hanover under real conditions. This was announced by the service provider for digital broadcasting based in Hanover on September 1st In the event of a failure of programme feeds (modulation lines) to digital radio transmitters (DAB+), a stable broadcasting supply for the population must be guaranteed. To do this, the company has developed a system that uses the air interface for program delivery, so-called rebroadcasting.

(INFOSAT) Read more

New national warning service in development, international standardisation aimed for, first devices at the IFA

01.09.2022 - Germany

DAB+, today's digital radio standard, offers more than clear sound and the transmission of music and voice. DAB+ is also capable of broadcasting alarm and warning messages. DAB+ could save lives and protect the population in crisis situations as soon as this warning service is implemented. The members of the association Digitalradio Deutschland have now voted with a large majority in favor of adding this additional service to the internationally standardised DAB+ system. Against the current background of natural disasters, such as in the Ahr Valley and parts of Upper Bavaria in 2021 and the tense international situation (e.g. war in Ukraine), the members of Digitalradio Deutschland eV are committed to the international standardisation of warning messages. Together with the broadcasters, media institutions and network operators, the manufacturers in the association are working intensively on the development of a public warning system via DAB+ radio.

(Digitalradio Büro Deutschland) Read more

Star*Sat Radio plans DAB+ launch in Hamburg

29.08.2022 - Germany

The private radio station Star*Sat Radio can now also expand into markets outside of Berlin and Brandenburg. The Commission for Licensing and Supervision of the State Media Authorities (ZAK) issued a nationwide broadcasting licence on August 5th. There are already concrete plans for expansion: "We expect Star*Sat Radio to be launched in Hamburg at the beginning of October," said a spokesman for the organiser when asked by SatelliFax. Distribution is to take place on the DAB+ multiplex on channel 10D.

(SatelliFax) Read more

DAB+ regional and local muxes in Saxony will start in spring 2023

26.08.2022 - Germany

Divicon Media Holding GmbH, nationwide service provider and operator of numerous radio networks in the private and public sector, will be the platform operator of all DAB+ regional and local muxes in Saxony. The choice of platform operator was made for the first time on the basis of the amended Telecommunications Act (TKG) by the organisers themselves; a call for tenders is no longer required under the new version with unanimity. This clears the way for a comprehensive DAB+ station offering from many established radio brands around the Saxony locations of Chemnitz, Dresden, Freiberg and Leipzig.

(Divicon Media Holding GmbH) Read more

NDR plans new DAB+ transmitters and performance increases

23.08.2022 - Germany

Norddeutsche Rundfunk (NDR) is planning new transmitters and enhancements for digital radio DAB+ in Schleswig-Holstein, Lower Saxony and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. This emerges from the planning documents of the Federal Network Agency.

(Satellifax) Read more

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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