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14. October 2009

Domain names

DENIC eG Introduces New Domain Guidelines

1. So far, it has only been possible to register domain names in the "de" domain comprising at least three letters. Registration of two-letter or even only one-letter domain names, such as "xy.de" or "x.de", has not been possible. This changed on Friday, October 23, 2009, 9:00 a.m. (MEST): The German administrative agency for Internet domains (DENIC eG) changed the rules. As of October 23, 2009, anyone is allowed to register domain names comprised of one or two letters. Additionally, domain names identical to German motor vehicle number plates or Top Level Domains are released for registration as well.

2. As of October 23, 2009, the following registration rules apply for domain names under the TLD .de:

• The minimum length of a domain name is one character.
• The maximum length of a domain name is 63 characters.
• Domain names solely comprised of digits may be registered.
• Domain names identical to German motor vehicle number plates or TLDs are released for registration.
• A domain name may be comprised of the digits 0 to 9, hyphens, the letters a to z of the Latin alphabet, and the further letters of the currently valid annex to the Domain Name Guidelines for Germany.
• A domain name must neither begin nor end with a hyphen. It must not have hyphens as both its third and fourth characters.

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