.DE Domain Names
Table of Contents
.DE domains are governed by DENIC, the German registry. This article covers DENIC rules for accurate contact data (including verification under NIS2), what happens when data is flagged, and transfer behavior that differs from typical gTLDs.
DENIC contact data, risk checks, and verification
DENIC requires registrant and contact information for .DE to be accurate and complete. These expectations align with the EU NIS2 directive and related national implementation.
From 14 April 2026, DENIC applies risk assessment to new contact creations and new domain registrations. If information is considered suspicious or high-risk, DNSimple will ask the account owner to verify or correct it. If required verification is not completed, DENIC may quarantine the domain and may ultimately delete the registration.
These requirements also apply to existing contact records DENIC has already seen. If DENIC flags a contact as suspicious, you must review and update that contact so the data is accurate by 14 April 2026. After that date, contacts that are still flagged cannot be used to register new .DE domains until the issue is resolved.
If verification is still outstanding three weeks after 14 April 2026, or three weeks after a new contact is created (depending on which situation applies), DENIC may also email the domain holder directly.
Keep contact details current in your DNSimple account. To update a person or organization tied to a domain, follow Changing Domain Contacts. For background on how contacts work in DNSimple, see What are domain contacts?.
Note
If we email you about specific .DE contacts or domains that need review, use that message together with this article to decide what to update in your account.
Warning
Ignoring verification requests can lead to loss of eligibility for new .DE registrations on affected contacts, domain quarantine, or deletion under DENIC policy.
Transferring a .DE domain
Unlike standard gTLD domains, .DE has some unique transfer rules.
Following a successful transfer, the expiration of the domain is extended 1 year from the date of the transfer (not from the previous expiration). For example, if on 10 Mar, 2020 you transfer a domain that expires on 15 Sept, 2020, when the transfer completes, the new expiration date will be 10 Mar, 2021.
Have more questions?
If you have any questions about registering, transferring, or renewing your .DE domain, contact us, and we’ll be happy to help.