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Germany

Last update: 01.07.2024 - older versions

DAB+ in Schleswig-Holstein: Switching from FM to DAB+ digital radio

Private and public radio stations have reached an agreement with the state government and the state media authority to gradually switch to DAB+ digital radio broadcasting via FM antennas in the northernmost federal state from 2025 to 2031.

In 2025, RADIO BOB! rockt Schleswig-Holstein, delta radio and Antenne Sylt will migrate completely from FM to DAB+ and IP web radio. Further stations will then follow, including Deutschlandradio which will switch to purely digital coverage with DAB+ for 16 FM stations from mid-2025. The switchover from FM to DAB+ will then be completed for all parties involved with the R.SH station at the end of June 2031.

DAB+ in 2023: Steady development in radio's anniversary year

DAB+ radio draws a positive conclusion on the centenary of radio. Despite a challenging market environment, digital radio will continue to enjoy stable growth in 2023. More and more people are listening to digital radio, more and more programmes are available via DAB+ and the steadily increasing attractiveness is also reflected in the usage and sales figures.

According to the "Audio Trends 2023" study by the media authorities, the number of DAB+ radios in households (car and stationary devices) grew to 28.3 million, which is 4.4 million more than in the previous year. This corresponds to a relative increase of 19 per cent.

New digital radios are replacing decommissioned FM sets: Compared to the previous year, the number of FM radios is down by 5.5 million. In cars, buyers of new vehicles are benefiting from the digital radio obligation. With 94 per cent DAB+ in new cars and 41 per cent DAB+ in used cars, digital radio has reached a new record here.

Read the Digitalradio Büro Deutschland press release

Launch of second national multiplex

In October 2020, Antenne Deutschland launched a second DAB+ multiplex that will host up to 16 new national commercial radio stations. In addition to distributing its own programs, Antenne Deutschland also plans to offer stations to third parties. The NRJ Group will be also be broadcasting its popular Nostalgie station on the multiplex.

DAB+ regulation

According to Germany's Telecoms Law, all new car radios should be capable of receiving digital terrestrial radio from 21th 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. Read the press release on the new German national legislation here

An overview of the status of DAB+ digital radio in Germany is available at www.dabplus.de/sender

Last update: 08.10.2020 - 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 www.digitalradio.de/empfang.

Last update: 10.05.2023 - older versions

In this country there are

on air.

An up-to-date overview of the DAB+ digital radio services on air in Germany is available at www.dabplus.de/sender.

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	70	270

Last update: 16.02.2022 - older versions

94% of new cars sold equipped with DAB+

In Germany, as of H2 2021, 94% of new cars were sold with digital radio as standard (Source: JATO Dynamics 2022).

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: 04.03.2021 - older versions

Receiver sales and revenues

In 2020, over 1.83 million DAB+ receivers were sold in Germany - this represents a 15.2 percent growth compared to 2019.

Revenues from DAB+ receiver sales also grew by 13 percent, from €216 million in 2019 to the current record of €244 million in 2020.

As of Q2 2020, cumulative DAB/DAB+ receiver sales stood at 16,623,000 (including line fit automotive).

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: 08.09.2020 - older versions

The following websites provide information on all available services, the latest marketing and receivers for home and on the move.

dabplus.de

Rundfunk Forum

DAB+ promotion campaigns

In this 3-minute DAB+ promotional video published by German broadcaster ARD Digital, media personality Anni Dunkelmann explains to consumers the various benefits of DAB+, such as improved sound quality, a wider choice of listening and the ability of certain receivers to show visual displays.

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.

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: 08.09.2020 - older versions

There are currently no news available for this section.

Kult Radio launches on DAB+ in Bavaria

12.01.2015 - Germany

Kult Radio today launched on DAB+ on Channel 12D. "Cult Radio is the first Bavaria-wide private station broadcasting from Franconia" said media manager Peter Maisel. At KULT RADIO music will play the the cult hits of the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s with news,weather and traffic.

(Kult Radio) Read more

LG "bringing DAB smartphones to German market "

11.01.2015 - Germany

Phone manufacture LG is rumoured to be launching its first smartphone with DAB+. Phones with DAB+ already existed in China, this will be the first launch of this type of product in Germany. Expected launch is in said to be in March 2015.

(teltarif.de) Read more

Grunding showcase new DAB+ receivers at CES Show

07.01.2015 - Germany

Grunding presented 3 DAB+ enabled receivers at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, one of the world’s biggest home electronics fairs. Director Product Marketing & Quality at Grundig Intermedia GmbH, gave a keynote speech at the event. He believes that the new additions to the Grundig audio range have the right stuff: “The Cosmopolit 4 WEB DAB+ and Cosmopolit 8 WEB DAB+ internet radios plus the Sonoclock 895 WEB DAB+ kitchen radio represent another step towards home connectivity and combine tradition with innovation.

(Grundig) Read more

MeinungsBarometer Digital Radio DAB+ Auto Report for Germany – chapter summaries in English available to WorldDMB members only

18.12.2014 -

- Germany

MeinungsBarometer has published the first Digital Radio DAB+ Auto Report for Germany. This comprehensive industry survey comes three years after the country's DAB+ launch and includes data on relevant cars available on the German market, broken down by manufacturer to include report on the level of equipment with DAB+ receivers on customer interest, sales success and forecasts. To complete the survey, decision makers for all relevant German car brands were interviewed. Chapter summaries only are now available to WorldDMB members.

(WorldDMB) Read more

Germany experience robust digital radio growth

17.12.2014 - Germany

In a review of the year, Germany has experienced a robust growth of digital radio thanks to new transmitter sites, additional radio channels and a growing variety of digital radio services. This growth is reflected in the increase in listening of DAB+ with 5 million receivers in households.

(Initiative Digital Deutschland) Read more

Megaradio to broadcast in DAB+ in Hesse

16.12.2014 - Germany

The LPR Hessen Assembly has authorised the broadcast of Megaradio on DAB+ for the Hesse region. The station will broadcast 24 hours a day including German language content from the Russian state broadcasting company 'Voice of Russia'. The approval is subject to the provio that LPR Hessen, a modified co-operation agreement with the Zulassungsnehmerin the "Voice of Russia" is presented.

Bavarian Radio Continues Expansion of DAB+ Network

14.12.2014 - Bayerischer Rundfunk WorldDAB Member - Germany

By the end of 2014, Bayerischer Rundfunk will add 4 new DAB+ mux transmitters to its network. The transmitters, at Alzenau, Amberg, Deggendorf and Hohenpeißenberg, will be heard on channel 11 D. With the addition of these transmitters, the BR network will have expanded from 28 to 32 locations scattered across Bavaria.

(Bayerischer Rundfunk) Read more

Emergency Warning Functionality DAB pilot in Bavaria begins

11.12.2014 - Fraunhofer IIS WorldDAB Member - Germany

As part of an emergency exercise in the district of Bayreuth, Digital Radio "Emergency Warning Functionality" (EWF) has been successfully subjected to its first practical test. The Emergency Warning Functionality test is currently developed and promoted by Fraunhofer IIS, NOXON mbH, TMT GmbH & Co.KG and Bayern Digital Radio GmbH.

(Fraunhofer IIS) Read more

Consortium of auto manufacturers and city of Hanover join forces to deliver traffic information via DAB+

11.12.2014 - Germany

The ECODyNIS have reported the successful completion of improvements that have been made to car navigation in urban areas of Germany which will provide traffic information via digital radio.

(EcoDyNIS) Read more

Improved digital radio reception in Central Germany

09.12.2014 - Germany

Listeners in Saxony, Thuringia and Saxony-Anhalt are now experiencing improved digital radio reception. This means a better reception across the network, thus further increased receptivity total for all MDR radio stations in Central Germany.

(Digital Radio Deutschland) Read more

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Key Information

Status:	regular
Population:	83.8 million
Population coverage:	98%
Services:	270 DAB+
New cars with DAB/DAB+ as standard:	95%
Total Sales (cumulative):	25,800,000 devices
Penetration by household:	34%
Last update: 26.02.2024