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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.

Local radio in the Allgäu: FM switch-off at the turn of the year
31.12.2024 - Germany Germany
At the turn of the year, local radio in the Allgäu will be switched off via FM. This affects RSA Radio in particular, which will cease broadcasting after almost 40 years. The decision was made due to falling advertising revenues, rising costs and increasing requirements from the state media centres. The first six FM transmitter sites were already switched off at the end of October, and the final shutdown will follow on 31 December. From January 2025, local radio in the Allgäu will only be broadcast via DAB+ and the internet. The Bavarian Regulatory Authority for New Media (BLM) has launched a digitalisation campaign to make the population aware of the remaining offerings via DAB+.

(radioWOCHE.de) Read more

More digital diversity in the Berlin-Brandenburg radio market
20.12.2024 - Germany Germany
The mabb Media Council has decided to invite tenders for five FM frequencies in Berlin and the state of Brandenburg. The digitisation of terrestrial radio broadcasting will be advanced with a requirement for FM/DAB+ simulcast. Martin Gorholt, Chairman of the mabb Media Council: ‘We want to further advance the digital transformation of the radio market. For this reason, we are combining the FM allocations with the requirement that the providers broadcast their respective programmes in a so-called FM/DAB+ simulcast, i.e. both via FM and simultaneously via DAB+. We want to offer all market participants the opportunity to accompany the digitisation process in a prudent and well-positioned manner.’

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

DAB+: Network expansion in Saxony-Anhalt
20.12.2024 - Germany Germany
On 20 December 2024, MDR will expand its DAB+ transmitter network in Saxony-Anhalt to include the new locations in Hettstedt and Eisleben. This will further improve DAB+ coverage in the Mansfelder Land region. ‘We are already very well positioned with digital radio reception in Central Germany. Now we need to close individual gaps in coverage and optimise the reception of all MDR radio stations via DAB+ as a whole,’ says Niels Schulze, Head of Programme Distribution at MDR. This increases the level of coverage in buildings in Saxony-Anhalt from 96 to 98 per cent; coverage for mobile reception is already at 99 per cent.

(Mitteldeutsche Rundfunk) Read more

DAB+ radio in 2024: increasing use / ‘ASA’ warning system presented / switch to digital radio in Switzerland
17.12.2024 - Germany Germany
DAB+ radio has reached significant milestones in 2024: The new ASA warning system, which will be available from summer 2025, will strengthen civil protection through digital terrestrial radio. Despite a challenging market environment, interest in DAB+ is growing among providers and listeners. In Switzerland, SRG will complete the switch to DAB+ digital radio by the end of the year, while radio stations in Schleswig-Holstein will switch from analogue to digital by 2031. After two years of intensive co-operation, 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 on the radio without an internet connection.

(Digitalradio Büro Deutschland) Read more

Hannover mux now also in the Hildesheim area
16.12.2024 - Germany Germany
In Lower Saxony, there are test broadcasts from a further DAB+ digital radio transmitter site. The private ensemble Hannover (channel 8C) is now also being broadcast from the Sibbesse transmitter site near Hildesheim with a power of 2 kW. Tests have also been reported in northern Lower Saxony since February. The Rosengarten site has gone on air here for the private ensemble ‘Altes Land’ on channel 7B (transmission power: 5 kW). This is the first network expansion for the commercial multiplexes launched in summer 2023.

(SatelliFax) Read more

Private broadcasters expanding broadcast area in Lower Saxony
16.12.2024 - Germany Germany
On 13 December, a private DAB+ multiplex was switched on at a further transmitter site in Lower Saxony. This was the first time that the broadcasting area of a private multiplex in Lower Saxony was expanded. With the Rosengarten/Langenrehm site, the ‘Altes Land’ ensemble has been expanded to include a second site. The multiplex is broadcast on channel 7B with a power of 5 kW ERP. The additional transmitter site will improve reception of the multiplex, especially south of the Hamburg mountains. This means that anyone travelling on the A1 or A7 motorways, for example, will benefit. Reception is also still possible in Hamburg. Eleven private radio programmes are broadcast via the package on channel 7B. In addition to ffn and The Wolf, these include 89.0 RTL, bigFM and Oldie Antenne.

(DIGITAL FERNSEHEN) Read more

Antenne Wiesbaden: Media Authority Hesse approves new DAB+ programme
12.12.2024 - Germany Germany
Radio Mainz Live Rundfunk GmbH has been granted a licence for the full radio programme ‘Antenne Wiesbaden’. The licence was approved by the Hesse Media Authority at its meeting on 9 December and will be valid for a period of five years from February 2025. The aim is to continue to promote and ensure programme diversity in Hesse. As part of the licence, Antenne Wiesbaden will be allocated digital transmission capacities in the DAB+ multiplex ‘Hessen Süd’ (channel 12C) for the same period. The programme will offer a broad spectrum of music with a special focus on regional reporting in order to provide the region with the latest news and information.

(RADIOSZENE) Read more

bigFM Hessen to be received throughout Hesse via DAB+ in future
12.12.2024 - Germany Germany
The radio programme bigFM Hessen will be available throughout Hesse via DAB+ in future. In addition to the existing distribution in North Hesse, listeners in South Hesse will now also be able to receive the programme. This is made possible by the authorisation for broadcasting in the DAB+ state mux ‘Hessen Süd’ (channel 12C), which was approved by the meeting of the responsible media supervisory authority. The musical focus of ‘bigFM Hessen’ is on the genres of pop, rock, black, urban and R'n'B. The programme is complemented by news and information formats. The licence for ‘bigFM Hessen’ was granted to Audiotainment Südwest GmbH & Co. KG this year from the Hessen Media Authority.

(RADIOSZENE) Read more

SWR improves DAB+ coverage in the Eifel district of Bitburg-Prüm
12.12.2024 - Germany Germany
Südwestrundfunk (SWR) is further expanding its transmitter network for DAB+ digital radio reception in Rhineland-Palatinate. The commissioning of the Bleialf site will improve DAB+ coverage in the respective regions. The Bleialf site will go into operation on 11 December 2024, improving DAB+ coverage to the right and left of the A60 between the Steinebrück border crossing and Waxweiler, along the E29 between the Arla roundabout and as far north as Olzheim and between Lützkampen, Waxweiler, Schönecken, Weinsheim, Schönfeld and in the border area with Belgium in frequency block (channel) 11A.

(Südwestrundfunk (SWR)) Read more

WorldDAB Summit: FM shutdowns in Germany and Switzerland
11.12.2024 - WorldDAB News - Switzerland Switzerland - Germany Germany
As DAB+ continues gaining traction in Europe, analog FM stations are set to be shutdown entirely in the northern German state of Schleswig-Holstein and all of Switzerland. The details of these “FM switch-offs” were discussed during the WorldDAB Summit 2024 session, “Switchover is Happening Here and Now.” WorldDAB, the industry group promoting the DAB+ digital radio standard, hosted the summit on Nov. 14 in Zagreb, Croatia. Dirk Schrödter, head of the state chancellery of Schleswig-Holstein, opened the session by declaring his state home to the happiest people in Germany. “This is surely due to the great radio stations we have in the north,” Schrödter proclaimed. “And now,” he added, “we are making people even happier: Schleswig-Holstein will be the first in Germany to fully switch to the new, more convenient DAB+ standard.”

(Radio World) 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