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.

Radio Teddy is conquering Germany!

12.11.2021 - Germany

Aimed at children and families, Radio TEDDY is Germany's first children and family oriented radio station launching in the German state of Saarland on 15 November. Managing Director Katrin Helmschrott said: Radio TEDDY is conquering Germany! By the end of the year we will be receivable in twelve federal states via FM or DAB+. We can proudly say that young people have pioneered the medium of radio."

(dabplus.de) Read more

New 7-year licences for four DAB+ stations in Berlin-Brandenburg

10.11.2021 - Germany

The unique radio landscape in Berlin and Brandenburg is gaining even more programmes thanks to a decision made by the Media Council to issue four 7-year radio licences for the following radio stations: Grosstadtradio, Radio Holiday, Radio BHeins and MEGA Radio Berlin.

(Radionews.de ) Read more

Germany: 91% expect radio as standard in the car

10.11.2021 - Germany

According to a study published by the Edison research almost all (91 percent) of German respondents said that terrestrial radio should be standard equipment in every car. This trend runs through all age groups. The survey also shows that a factory-installed radio has a major influence on consumers' purchasing decisions: 81 percent of potential car buyers in Germany stated that they would rarely buy or lease a vehicle without a built-in radio. Drivers in Germany listen to the radio significantly more than any other audio source: 45 percent of those surveyed stated that they often listen to the radio in their cars. 20 percent use online music streaming services, 13 percent listen to CDs.

(dabplus.de) Read more

Lower Saxony private broadcaster keen to expand

03.11.2021 - Germany

The Lower Saxony private broadcaster ffn wants to expand distribution of "Radio Bollerwagen", across more German states. Managing director Harald Gehrung has said the station will broadcast soon in Hamburg (presumably on the planned second, regional DAB+ mux) and "in a southern federal state" on DAB+ digital radio. Radio Bollerwagen launched last week on DAB+ in North Rhine-Westphalia.

(Satellifax) Read more

DAB+ now on air state-wide in North Rhine-Westfalia

29.10.2021 - Germany

With the symbolic pushing of the green button by representatives of the companies and institutions involved, ten new radio programmes went on air via DAB+ throughout North Rhine-Westphalia at 2pm on 29 October. Another six programmes will follow in the coming weeks and months. Head of the State Chancellery, State Secretary Nathanael Liminski, said: “Today's start of the state-wide private DAB+ multiplex symbolizes the strength of the radio landscape in North Rhine-Westphalia and the spirit of innovation of all involved."

(dabplus.de) Read more

WorldDAB to host Interoperability workshop

29.10.2021 - Germany

This year’s interoperability workshop, a technical test session organised by the WorldDAB Technical Committee (TC), will be a hybrid event held on 10 November from 11:00-16:00 CET at the Select Hotel Erlangen in Erlangen, Germany. The purpose of the workshop is to provide a discussion platform for all technical aspects of operating the DAB system. Transmission side experiments and receiver prototypes can be matched, and interoperability issues can be identified and addressed. Conclusions reached will be reviewed by the TC and may lead to specification updates.

(WorldDAB) Read more

Green light for "Oldie Antenne" to launch on DAB+

27.10.2021 - Germany

At its meeting on October 21, the Bavarian media council (BLM) granted Antenne Bayern permission to host and distribute state-wide the DAB+ radio service "Oldie Antenne". Said BLM President Dr. Thorsten Schmiege: “In terms of programming, Oldie Antenne is an interesting addition to the radio market and contributes to its diversity. In terms of media policy, the new station is a further commitment to DAB+ digital radio. Antenne Bayern is now a pioneer in DAB , and with this decision confirms the clear DAB+ strategy. Last but not least, the decision to offer the new station in the best DAB quality to a state wide audience strengthens Bavaria as a media location."

(Infosat.de ) Read more

egoFM officially starts on October 29th via DAB + in NRW

26.10.2021 - Germany

Radio listeners in North Rhine-Westphalia can look forward to ten new DAB + digital radio stations. The private broadcaster egoFM has also been there from the start. The station is looking forward to surprising listeners in NRW with a “beautiful, new world of radio”. The innovative audio platform egoFM, two-time German Radio Prize winner, promises a special radio programme based on the motto: Music that changes everything. Diversity that broadens your horizons. Ideas that save the world. "We are very pleased to be able to expand our broadcasting area with the DAB+ network of North Rhine-Westphalia," said Christian Strohmeier, Managing Director of Radio Next Generation GmbH & Co KG. This means that the station can potentially reach an additional 18 million people in a largely urban region. “From our point of view, the perfect audience for a station like egoFM”.

(Infosat.de) Read more

Schlager Radio launches state-wide on October 29th

25.10.2021 - Germany

Schlager Radio will start broadcasting on the North Rhine-Westfalia DAB+ multiplex to launch on 29 October. The launch of the station fills a gap in the offer to listeners, by providing a channel that plays the popular music genre "Schlager". North Rhine-Westphalia is the "Schlagerland" of the Federal Republic. Nowhere is the enthusiasm for the genre of music in Germany greater than in NRW and many popular artists come from North Rhine-Westphalia and have a huge fan base all over Germany.

(Infosat.de ) Read more

DAB+ multiplex in NRW opens new multimillion market

20.10.2021 - Germany

Radio listeners across North Rhine-Westphalia can listen to a wider selection of programmes from 29 October with 16 services via DAB+. Said Jan-Uwe Brinkmann: “Finally, a real radio market will also emerge in NRW with attractive nationwide providers and competition in private radio. According to estimates by market observers, up to 100 million euros in advertising money per year are wasted because the previous politically wanted radio landscape was unable to offer the appropriate advertising space. We and the other platform programmes will now change that with our nationwide offers. In this respect, the launch of DAB+ in NRW opens up a new multi-million market."

(Radioszene) Read more

« First
‹ Prev
…
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
…
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