Das Erste is ARD’s main national television channel in Germany.
Das Erste programmes and identity
Das Erste is ARD’s main national television channel in Germany. Its broad public-service schedule brings news, drama, entertainment and factual programmes into one place, while the regional ARD stations have their own separate services. The official ARD live directory keeps those channels distinct rather than presenting Das Erste as a name for every regional programme.
National news and a regional magazine answer different questions about Germany. Das Erste is a starting point for the national schedule; a local report may belong to the relevant regional broadcaster. Within the main channel, a television film, a serial and a factual programme also need different amounts of background, which is why the individual programme title is more informative than a broad genre label.
From the schedule to your screen
A television channel follows a running schedule. Its broadcaster may also have an app or on-demand collection, but a programme listed in one place does not automatically identify the same edition in another. Keeping the original channel name with a title makes the viewing route easier to recognise.
What to look for in the programme guide
ARD national channel, national versus regional programmes and mixed public-service viewing.
Open Das Erste broadcaster information
Following Das Erste from another time zone
A national television brand can have regional editions, and the household may be watching from another country altogether. The country guide includes a dated time converter so an announced programme start can be connected with the local calendar day.
Useful answers
Questions before you continue
Where can I find Das Erste programme details?
The broadcaster links on this page are the starting point for its current schedule and programme information.
Is Das Erste a separate streaming membership?
A scheduled channel and a broadcaster’s streaming app can be separate products. Use the broadcaster’s own account information for its platform.
Why keep the Das Erste channel name with a programme?
The title can appear in a repeat, an on-demand release or another regional edition. The channel identity helps distinguish the scheduled broadcast you mean.