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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 launches new DAB+ transmitter Hammelburg in Lower Franconia
10.12.2024 - Germany Germany
Bayerischer Rundfunk is now also broadcasting its DAB+ programme from the transmitter site in Hammelburg in Lower Franconia. The new transmitter improves DAB+ reception in Hammelburg and the surrounding area. Ten BR programmes and the following private radio stations can be received with a DAB+ radio: ANTENNE BAYERN, Arabella Bayern, egoFM, Radio Charivari Würzburg, Radio Galaxy Aschaffenburg, Radio Gong Würzburg, Radio Hashtag+, Radio Primaton, Radio Primavera, Radio TEDDY and ROCK ANTENNE. With the launch of the new transmitter, the DAB+ transmitter network will increase to 91 locations throughout Bavaria. Currently, 97.6 per cent of people in Bavaria can receive DAB+ radio indoors.

(Bayern Digital Radio GmbH) Read more

NDR announces 2025 DAB+ expansion plans
09.12.2024 - Germany Germany
Subject to the necessary authorisation procedures, NDR is planning the further expansion of DAB+ in the following regions: Spring 2025: Nordfriesland (Langenhorn, Leck, Süderlügum), Osnabrücker Land (Ostercappeln, Ankum, Berge), Niedergrafschaft (Emlichheim, Uelsen, Itterbeck); Summer 2025: Lauenburg region,Ticino region; Autumn 2025: Verden region, Mirow region, Stadtoldendorf. Further regions are being planned for the roll-out from 2026. In the Cuxhaven area, NDR DAB+ programmes will change frequencies in the course of 2025.

(Norddeutscher Rundfunk) Read more

Media Council awards DAB capacity to Radio Galaxy Allgäu
09.12.2024 - Bayerische Landeszentrale fur neue Medien (BLM) WorldDAB Member - Germany Germany
A young target group and more programme diversity: Radio Galaxy Allgäu, a station produced especially for the region by Digitaler Rundfunk Bayern GmbH & Co. KG, will receive the DAB capacity put out to tender for the Allgäu-Donau-Iller broadcasting area. The corresponding data capacities will be allocated for ten years, limited until 31 December 2034. This was decided on 5 December by the Media Council of the Bavarian Regulatory Authority for New Media (BLM). Dr Thorsten Schmiege, President of BLM: ‘With the special Galaxy music format, the station has the potential to reach young listeners for radio who are not covered by existing programmes. Today's decision by the Media Council therefore contributes to the balance of all programmes in the Allgäu.’

(Bayerischen Landeszentrale für neue Medien (BLM)) Read more

ON AIR support switches on Reutlingen and Witthoh sites
04.12.2024 - Germany Germany
Network operator ON AIR support GmbH writes: "At the turn of November/December 2024, we were able to put the Reutlingen and Witthoh transmitters into operation. The Reutlingen transmitter significantly improves indoor coverage in Reutlingen and Tübingen and also covers some streets in the two cities that were not optimally covered. The Witthoh transmitter improves reception on the A81 motorway, section Geisingen - Beuren. The district of Tuttlingen is also covered throughout." The sites are part of the commercial DAB+ network in Baden-Württemberg.

(ON AIR support GmbH) Read more

KISS FM now broadcasts in Hamburg via DAB+
03.12.2024 - Germany Germany
Hamburg has a new radio station: KISS FM ‘Home of HipHop & R'n'B’. The young, urban programme can now be heard by two and a half million people throughout the greater Hamburg area via DAB+. The programme is broadcast via the DAB+ multiplex on channel 10D. ‘KISS FM is the hip-hop station in Germany, which is why it was more than overdue for us to be available here on DAB+. I'm delighted that we can now offer the unique KISS FM style and the best hip-hop playlist 24/7 on all digital channels in Hamburg - especially via the dashboard in the car radio, when car sharing or in a taxi. We are where our community is. Now also in Hamburg,’ says KISS FM programme director York Strempel.

(RADIOSZENE) Read more

Three new DAB+ transmitters for East and Central Hesse
28.11.2024 - Germany Germany
Hessischer Rundfunk (hr) has put three new DAB+ transmitters into operation this year. This significantly improves digital radio reception in eastern and central Hesse. In Eastern Hesse, the Rhön transmitter will start its regular broadcasting of hr stations in the DAB+ standard on 28 November 2024 and will ensure better mobile coverage in the region, for example when driving. The new transmitter also improves coverage in buildings from Hilders to Gersfeld and Ebersburg in particular. Since July and August 2024, hr has also been broadcasting via the Schlüchtern and Herborn-Burg transmitters in central Hesse. The further DAB+ transmitter network expansion of Hessischer Rundfunk for the year 2025 is currently being planned and prepared.

(Hessischer Rundfunk (hr)) Read more

Radio Grammo starts on 01.12.2024 at 12:00 CET on DAB+
27.11.2024 - Germany Germany
In cooperation with IDEE MEDIEN and Milling Broadcast Services GmbH, the new radio station ‘Radio Grammo’ will be launched on 1 December 2024 at 12 noon. The motto is clear: Digital clear noise-free reception with shellac ad absurdum, plus only in mono, because radio must rustle, rumble and crackle and not be a standardised mishmash. ‘Only genuine with 78 revolutions’, because only music titles are played that were first produced on shellac; and gramophones turn at 78 revolutions on the turntable. The DAB+ capacity on the DAB multiplex in the Bad Kreuznach-Mainz-Bingen area (Rhineland-Palatinate) will be used for the launch, which will be broadcast via three transmission towers. This will technically reach around 480,000 listeners. This multiplex is operated by Milling Broadcast Services GmbH from Nettersheim / Eifel.

(radioWOCHE.de) Read more

Totally local thanks to DAB+: BLM supports digitisation campaign in the Allgäu
21.11.2024 - Bayerische Landeszentrale fur neue Medien (BLM) WorldDAB Member - Germany Germany
‘More Allgäu on the radio’ - this is the slogan of a campaign for local radio on DAB+, which is currently being launched in the Allgäu. After the local radio station RSA ceases broadcasting at the end of the year for economic reasons after almost 40 years, the campaign refers to local news and services with a local focus on the DAB stations AllgäuHIT, Fantasy Allgäu and Radio Schwaben. This is because local information on the radio in the Allgäu will only be available via DAB and web radio from 2025. The Bavarian Regulatory Authority for New Media (BLM) initiated the digitisation campaign with the three local providers and Bayern Digital Radio GmbH as the central coordination office.

(Bayerische Landeszentrale für neue Medien (BLM)) Read more

Expansion programme of the first national DAB+ multiplex for 2024 successfully completed
20.11.2024 - Media Broadcast GmbH WorldDAB Member - Germany Germany
Media Broadcast has successfully completed the expansion programme of the nationwide transmitter network for the first national DAB+ programme package for 2024. An additional five new transmitter sites were added in five regions over the course of the year, ensuring even better reception of the 13 public and private programmes in the respective reception areas with immediate effect. The expansion will continue in 2025. With the completion of the expansion programme planned for 2024, the transmitter network now comprises a total of 170 locations, meaning that more than 91% of the population in Germany can receive the 13 channels at home with an indoor antenna. Area coverage for mobile reception is currently more than 97%, while motorway coverage is already over 99%, which is almost full coverage.

(Media Broadcast) Read more

WDR to launch second DAB+ network
18.11.2024 - Germany Germany
From 26 to 27 November, WDR will put the new multiplex on channel 9A into operation - and reorganise the distribution of its radio programmes via DAB+. WDR 2 listeners can look forward to better sound quality, while WDR 4 listeners will benefit twice over. Until now, the seven WDR 4 regional programmes were only available via FM and the Internet live stream - but not via DAB+. This is now set to change: On the night of Wednesday 27 November, WDR will expand and reorganise the distribution of its radio programmes via DAB+ by commissioning a second DAB+ network. As a result, all WDR 4 regional programmes will be receivable via DAB+ in future.

(WDR) 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