.de domains
The AuthInfo code, DENIC's nameserver check and what to do about a nameserver error.
DENIC manages the .de extension. Anyone may register a .de domain. The biggest difference from other extensions: DENIC checks the nameservers before a change is applied.
At a glance
| Topic | .de |
|---|---|
| Registration period | 1 year, then renewed one year at a time |
| Transfer code | The AuthInfo code |
| Code valid for | 40 days |
| Transfer | Immediate. The domain then runs for one year from the transfer date. |
| Transfer lock | Does not exist for .de |
| After the expiry date | 30 days of quarantine |
| DNSSEC | Supported. See What is DNSSEC? |
Transfers
You request the AuthInfo code in the customer panel, see Requesting a transfer code. The code is valid for 40 days. After the transfer, the registration restarts with one year from the transfer date. Any remaining time at the old provider is lost.
Previous provider will not give you a code? DENIC can send the code to the holder by post. If the holder is not based in Germany, the letter goes to the admin contact. DENIC charges extra for this. Create a ticket and we will request the letter.
Nameservers are checked in advance
Changing the nameservers of a .de domain, as described in Changing nameservers? DENIC first tests whether the new nameservers work properly. If the test fails, DENIC rejects the change with a nameserver error. The old nameservers then stay active.
If you choose Knippin DNS, everything is already set up correctly. The check mainly matters for your own nameservers. The most common causes:
| Cause | Solution |
|---|---|
| The zone does not exist yet on the new nameservers (NXDOMAIN) | Create the zone on the new nameservers first, and only then change the nameservers. |
| The NS records in the zone do not match the nameservers you enter | Make sure the NS records in the zone list exactly the same nameservers. |
| All nameservers are in the same network (the same /24, for example 192.0.2.10 and 192.0.2.11) | Use at least one nameserver in a different network. |
With the free NAST test on DENIC's website (denic.de) you can check in advance whether your nameservers will pass.