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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.

BR radio frequencies change in four communities in the Traunstein district on 18 March

11.02.2025 - Bayerischer Rundfunk WorldDAB Member - Germany

Listeners in the communities of Grassau, Marquartstein, Reit im Winkl and Unterwössen (Traunstein district) may have to choose different frequencies on their FM radio on 18 March. Due to a technical changeover, Bayerischer Rundfunk will only broadcast its FM programmes BAYERN 1, Bayern 2, BAYERN 3, BR-Klassik and BR24 for the region via the Wendelstein and Hochberg transmitters in future. The reason for the frequency change is the decommissioning of the FM filler transmitter Reit im Winkl am Walmberg for economic reasons and to achieve greater energy efficiency in broadcasting.

(Bayerischer Rundfunk) Read more

DAB+ on World Radio Day: digital, reliable, future-proof

11.02.2025 - Germany

On 13 February, World Radio Day commemorates the founding of United Nations Radio in 1946 - and thus 79 years of radio as a reliable source of information. Even in the digital age, the medium remains indispensable. DAB+ radio, the digital successor to FM, will ensure that future generations will also have free and non-discriminatory access to relevant news. According to the EBU, terrestrial radio is the most trusted medium in 28 out of 31 European countries. The share of digital radio receivers is growing continuously. In 2024, over 1.2 million DAB+ receivers were sold in Germany (GfK retail panel), which corresponds to 50 per cent of all radio receivers sold - a significant increase compared to 2020, when the share was 35 per cent.

(Digitalradio Büro Deutschland) Read more

Germany sees further DAB+ developments

04.02.2025 - Germany

Südwestrundfunk has detailed its DAB+ expansion plans for 2025. In Baden-Württemberg, the Mosbach-Bismarck Tower and Murrhardt-Auenwald sites will be added alongside Alpirsbach, Bad Wildbad and Langenburg, which were planned last year. Neumagen is among the planned sites in Rhineland-Palatinate, while the Hohe Derst site in South Palatinate remains on hold due to structural issues. The Medienrat der Medienanstalt Berlin-Brandenburg has approved a tender for several private radio DAB+ slots serving the city. Channel 10B has two available capacities, while channels 7B and 12D each have at least one open slot following the withdrawal of rbb’s Cosmo program. Private radio station Antenne Wiesbaden will launch on May 2.

(RedTech) Read more

antenne WIESBADEN launches on 2 May in southern Hesse via DAB+

31.01.2025 - Germany

Since 5 October 2011, ANTENNE MAINZ has been broadcasting a 24-hour local radio programme on VHF 106.6 MHz for Mainz and Wiesbaden and the Rheinhessen region. This year, the state capital of Hesse is getting its own radio station: antenne WIESBADEN. In an interview with RADIOSZENE, Managing Director Vittorio Nobile reveals more about the new radio project. "We will start on 2 May 2025 via the DAB+ multiplex for southern Hesse with a technical reach of over 7 million listeners and, of course, the Internet. The Hesse multiplex is perfect for a station in the state capital and does not immediately break up in the car if you leave the city limits. You can reach Koblenz, Aschaffenburg or Mannheim this way without having to change the transmitter in the car."

(RADIOSZENE) Read more

mabb puts DAB+ capacities out to tender and promotes digital switchover

31.01.2025 - Germany

At its meeting on 29 January 2025, the Media Council of Medienanstalt Berlin-Brandenburg (mabb) decided to invite tenders for several DAB+ transmission capacities for private radio broadcasters. Additionally, for the first time, mabb is launching a parallel funding programme to make it easier for private radio broadcasters to switch to digital distribution channels. ‘With this funding programme, we are supporting the digital transformation of the radio market in Berlin and Brandenburg and are fulfilling our mission as a media authority to provide citizens in the region with diverse local journalistic content across the board,’ says mabb Director Dr Eva Flecken.

(Medienrat der Medienanstalt Berlin-Brandenburg (mabb)) Read more

Digital radio: SWR's DAB+ expansion plans

29.01.2025 - Germany

Südwestrundfunk SWR recently announced its plans for the DAB+ transmitter network expansion for the year 2025. SWR plans to switch on a total of six new transmitter sites this year and thus further expand the coverage of its programmes on DAB+. The main aim is to close gaps in coverage and improve indoor reception, which is not yet guaranteed to a satisfactory extent everywhere. All of SWR's new DAB+ transmitter sites planned for 2025 are located away from the major conurbations. This means that rural regions will now also be able to enjoy good and reliable DAB+ reception of SWR programmes.

(Digitalfernsehen) Read more

Stefan Gruhner: ARD broadcasters and Deutschlandradio to present plan by 2027 for Thuringia FM phase-out

28.01.2025 - Deutschlandradio WorldDAB Member - Germany

Stefan Gruhner (CDU), Head of the State Chancellery in Thuringia responds to questions from medienpolitik.net: "It would be absurd to continue broadcasting FM and DAB+ in parallel for decades because of those unwilling to spend 25 euros on a new radio. MDR is setting a good example in this area: it has announced that it will switch off 37 of its 173 FM transmitters in the 2025 to 2028 contribution period. Deutschlandradio has already given up 52 of its previously more than 300 FM frequencies since 2018. I expect the state broadcasters and Deutschlandradio to have a plan for a complete FM phase-out during the 2029 to 2032 contribution period by 2027 at the latest."

(medienpolitik.net) Read more

Radio consumer tip: Enjoy digital sound with a DAB+ radio after the analogue switch-off on cable

22.01.2025 - Germany

Following the switch-off of FM programmes in the cable network, the time is right for radio listeners to switch to DAB+ digital radio. DAB+, the digital successor to FM, offers clear reception without additional costs for internet access. Stereo systems can be easily retrofitted using an adapter. Listening to the radio via DAB+ offers enormous advantages: Digital terrestrial radio offers a wider selection of programmes than cable FM, with clear and noise-free quality. Depending on the location, up to 80 digital stations are available, offering a variety of programmes to suit every taste. For example, the three Deutschlandradio programmes Deutschlandfunk, Deutschlandfunk Kultur and the digital-only youth programme Deutschlandfunk Nova are reliably available nationwide via DAB+.

(Digitalradio Büro Deutschland) Read more

DAB+: Greater Heidenheim area is better covered with commercial channels

17.01.2025 - Germany

In the greater Heidenheim an der Brenz area, private radio programmes from Baden-Württemberg can now be received even better via DAB+ digital radio (state-wide multiplex, channel 11B). Network operator On Air Support has switched on the Osterholz transmitter with a transmission power of 5 kW for this purpose.

(SatelliFax) Read more

SUNSHINE LIVE switches off FM frequencies in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

11.01.2025 - Germany

At the turn of the year, the private broadcaster SUNSHINE LIVE switched off its FM frequencies in Rostock (92.4 MHz) and Stralsund (103.1 MHz). This measure affects many listeners in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, who now have to switch to alternative reception channels. SUNSHINE LIVE will continue to be available via DAB+ and via live stream on the Internet, so that fans of electronic music will not have to do without their favourite programme. The switch-off of FM frequencies is part of a larger changeover in which SUNSHINE LIVE is increasingly focussing on digital distribution channels. This enables better sound quality and a wider reach. In Stuttgart, however, SUNSHINE LIVE's FM transmitter will remain in operation.

(radioWOCHE.de) 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