“DENIC will amend its Domain Guidelines with effect from 23 October 2009 and will thus abolish most of the restrictions currently applicable with regard to the registration of second level domains under the TLD .de. In doing so, the registry creates room for a large number of new domains. In future, also one- and two-character domains (digits and letters) as well as domain names composed exclusively of numerals will be allowed.”
“Parties interested in a “new” domain may now apply for their desired domain with their Internet service provider. The launch phase for the new domains will start on 23 October 2009 at 09:00 (MEST). To ensure a quick, secure, transparent and above all fair assignment procedure, DENIC will register the new domains applying the “first come, first served” principle.”
As from 23 October 2009 the following additional rules will apply for domains under the TLD .de:
If I were DENIC I would sell new domains through auction. I would then pass money from the auction to some charity organization (DENIC is not-for-profit company). I am not sure if “first come, first served” is the best way to introduce one and two-digit domains on such a mature market as German one. What’s your opinion? Leave a comment!
Few facts about .DE (German) market:
| .DE | |
| Number of domains | 13,134,897 |
| Domains per 1000 residents | 160 |
| Registration fee | 3,00 EUR net |
| Renewal fee | 3,00 EUR net |
Source: DENIC – October 15th, 2009
Domain Market in Europe 
Dan said
Daniel,
Thank You for bringing us this news. With the fast growth of .DE, I often wonder when it will reach it’s saturation.
I agree with the suggestion of having an auction for these names and using monies for non profit use. I like to add, they can offer grants to help small business online who are developing 2nd or 3rd tier domains. This will help the continued growth and secure the ccTLD for the long term.
-Dan
Mark Fulton said
This is very cool. I assume you have to have residence in Germany? I haven’t looked in to it before. Is there some service than can register a domain on my behalf?
Daniel Dryzek said
You need administrative contact to be in Germany but there are a lot of registrars that offer .de registration for foreigners (they include local contact in their service).
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