What is .de?
The .de domain is the country code TLD for Germany (Deutschland). With over 17 million registrations, it is the most popular country code domain in Europe and the second most registered ccTLD in the world of domains, behind only China's .cn.
A Brief History
The .de domain was established on November 5, 1986. It is managed by DENIC eG, a cooperative based in Frankfurt am Main. Germany's strong economy, tech-savvy population, and early internet adoption drove rapid growth throughout the 1990s and 2000s.
Why Choose .de?
- Largest European ccTLD — More .de domains exist than any other European country code.
- German market access — Essential for businesses targeting German-speaking consumers in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
- No residency requirement — Unlike many ccTLDs, anyone worldwide can register a .de domain.
- Strong SEO — Google gives .de domains preference in German-language search results.
Who Uses .de?
German businesses, international companies with German operations, and individuals. Major companies like BMW, Siemens, and Deutsche Bank all operate .de domains.
Did You Know?
- As of 2026, over 17 million .de domains are registered — the most of any European country.
- DENIC is a cooperative owned by its members (registrars), not a commercial entity.
- .de has no residency requirement — you only need an administrative contact with a German address.
Registration & Pricing
New .de domains are among the most affordable ccTLDs, typically $8-12 per year. DomainWorld offers .de registration — you can get a domain up and running in minutes.
The Future of .de
Germany remains Europe's largest economy and a global technology leader. The .de domain will continue to be one of the most important country codes in the world of domains.