How to watch ZDF in the UK in July 2024

ZDF, a well-known German public television channel headquartered in Mainz, Rhineland-Palatinate, is known for programs like the newscast heute and the popular shows Wetten, dass…? They also produce other hits including The Chelsea Detective, Another Monday, and Dead Pixels. If you are excited and want to watch ZDF in the UK, a VPN will be your secure tool to overcome the Geo-barriers.

We put a bunch of VPNs to the test and found the absolute best 3 for streaming. We’ll be diving deep into each one soon, but just a heads up, we might make a small commission if you buy through our links. Don’t worry though, our picks are all about making your streaming experience awesome, no strings attached!

How to watch ZDF in the UK

• Get a premium VPN [Recommended: ExpressVPN ]
• Download the VPN app and sign in
• Connect to a server in Germany [Recommended: Frankfurt-1 server ]
• Visit ZDF and log in to your account
• Start streaming ZDF in UK

What is ZDF?

ZDF, short for “Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen,” is a German public-service television broadcaster based in Mainz. It was founded in 1961 and began broadcasting in 1963. As one of Germany’s major television networks, ZDF provides a wide range of programming, including news, entertainment, cultural shows, sports, and children’s content. The channel is known for its high-quality journalism and comprehensive coverage of both national and international events. ZDF operates under public law, funded primarily by television license fees and some advertising revenue, ensuring its independence and focus on public service broadcasting.

ZDF Sign-Up Process

Can I watch ZDF in the UK?

ZDF stands for Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen, which means “Second German Television” in English. It is a television service based in Germany and is exclusively available within the country. To watch ZDF in the UK, you can use a VPN to change your IP address to a German one, allowing you to bypass regional restrictions.

What Error Might appear when I try to access ZDF in the UK?

The ZDF streaming platform is restricted to viewers within Germany due to geographic limitations. Attempting to access ZDF from the UK will result in access being denied and an error message being displayed.

Error: “Diese Sendung kann Ihnen leider wegen rechtlicher Beschränkungen nicht angeboten werden.“

Translation: “Unfortunately, this program cannot be offered to you due to legal restrictions.”

How Does a VPN help to watch ZDF in the UK?

A VPN helps you watch ZDF in the UK by masking your actual location and making it appear as if you are accessing the internet from Germany. When you connect to a VPN server located in Germany, your IP address is changed to a German one. This allows you to bypass the geographic restrictions imposed by ZDF’s streaming platform. As a result, you can access and stream ZDF content as if you were physically present in Germany, despite being in the UK.

How can I Sign-Up to watch ZDF in the UK after connecting to a VPN?

• Connect to a German VPN server.
• Visit ZDF’s official website.
• Register for an account using your email.
• Verify your email to complete the sign-up process.

ZDF Price & Plan

ZDF itself doesn’t have a separate subscription cost. ZDF is a public broadcaster in Germany. Their content is funded through a mandatory fee called “Rundfunkbeitrag” (broadcasting contribution). Every household in Germany pays this monthly fee, regardless of whether they use ZDF or not. The current fee is €18.36 per month. This fee also grants access to other public broadcasters like ARD and Deutschlandradio.

Best VPNs to watch ZDF

As a VPN analyst, I’ve been diving deep into the world of streaming and ZDF access for our UK viewers. The good news is, with the right VPN, you can unblock ZDF’s content and enjoy German programming from anywhere in Britain. Today, we’ll be putting three top providers – ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark – to the test to see which one unlocks ZDF flawlessly and delivers the smoothest streaming experience. Stay tuned for a breakdown of their strengths and which VPN might be the perfect fit for you!

ExpressVPN- Our Recommended VPN

After navigating a sea of VPN contenders, a clear winner emerges victorious in conquering ZDF’s geo-restrictions for UK viewers: ExpressVPN! Let’s cast off the lines and explore why it claims the streaming treasure:

Unwavering Stability: We bombarded ExpressVPN with a relentless assault of streaming services – Netflix, Hulu, the whole armada! They consistently sailed through with stellar performance, translating to smooth, uninterrupted streaming of your favorite ZDF shows. No more choppy waters or buffering delays to torpedo your viewing experience!

Blazing-Fast Speeds: When it comes to download and upload speeds across the server network, ExpressVPN reigns supreme. This translates to smooth sailing when streaming ZDF content, guaranteeing you zero lag or frustrating interruptions that could disrupt your binge-watching voyage.

Impenetrable Security: ExpressVPN prioritizes user privacy like a captain values a loyal first mate. They adhere to a strict no-logs policy, utilize top-notch encryption to shield your data, and even go the extra mile with independent audits that verify their commitment to keeping your online activity hidden. This means you can relax and enjoy all your favorite ZDF shows with complete peace of mind, knowing your online activity remains a secret under lock and key.

Additional Information

• ExpressVPN operates over 20 servers in the USA and maintains a global network with more than 3,000 servers across 94 regions.
• It utilizes AES encryption to ensure robust data security.
• The service offers fast server connections, which are essential for improving internet performance.
• Tests conducted in 2024 indicate that it maintains strong streaming capabilities, with only a 10% speed reduction.
• ExpressVPN is proven effective for streaming purposes.

Pros	Cons
✅ Distinguished servers provide exceptional speed performance. ✅ Smooth functionality across diverse devices guarantees uninterrupted usage. ✅ A user-friendly 30-day refund policy ensures easy returns for accessibility and convenience.	❌ The pricing is higher compared to other alternatives available in the market. ❌ The service offers a limited range of features.

NordVPN- The Biggest Network

Geo-Block Buster: NordVPN has a reputation for smashing through geo-blocks on popular streaming services. They have a strong chance of cracking ZDF’s defenses and granting you access to the treasure trove of German shows you crave.

Server Armada: NordVPN boasts a vast fleet of servers, including some strategically located in Germany. By connecting to a German server, you can potentially trick ZDF into thinking you’re a local viewer, granting access to their entire content library.

Speedy Streaming: While not always the absolute fastest, NordVPN generally delivers good download and upload speeds, crucial for smooth streaming of ZDF’s content. Imagine the frustration of buffering interrupting a nail-biting crime scene! NordVPN’s speeds aim to keep those interruptions at bay, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted viewing experience.

Additional Information

• Claims the largest server network in the industry, spanning approximately 5,310 servers across more than 59 regions.
• Offers swift connections and robust security features.
• Tests conducted in 2024 revealed a 12% speed reduction, yet still suitable for torrenting and streaming.
• Enforces restrictions on simultaneous device connections compared to ExpressVPN.
• The Linux interface is perceived as less user-friendly, potentially impacting overall usability.

Pros	Cons
✔️ Claims the largest server network in the industry. ✔️ Ensures seamless streaming on all devices. ✔️ Demonstrates outstanding compatibility across diverse devices and platforms.	❌ The Linux interface is considered subpar in user experience. ❌ Limited to a maximum of six simultaneous device streams. ❌ The free plan imposes restrictions on available features.

SurfShark- An Affordable VPN

Seamless UK-Wide Streaming: No matter where you are in the UK, Surfshark promises smooth sailing. Our evaluations consistently showed impressive download and upload speeds across their entire server network. This translates directly to lag-free ZDF streams, ensuring you can enjoy every episode from start to finish without a hitch.

Speed Demon with a MultiHop Secret: While ExpressVPN and NordVPN are formidable contenders, Surfshark boasts a secret weapon: WireGuard technology. Renowned for its lightning-fast speeds, Surfshark takes it a step further with their innovative MultiHop feature. This clever tech routes your connection through multiple servers, especially beneficial during peak internet usage times. The result? Uninterrupted, buffer-free ZDF streams, even during those congested hours.

Unwavering Security: Just like other leading VPNs, Surfshark prioritizes user privacy. Their strict no-logs policy guarantees your online activity stays completely confidential. So relax and enjoy all your favorite ZDF shows with complete peace of mind, knowing your online adventures remain a secret under lock and key.

Additional Information

• Ensures robust safeguarding of online privacy.
• Offers high-speed connections and supports unlimited simultaneous connections.
• Strictly follows a no-logs policy.
• Experienced a 16% speed reduction in 2024 testing.
• Shows less compatibility with iOS devices compared to ExpressVPN.

Pros	Cons
✔️ Offers cost-effective long-term subscription options. ✔️ Includes features such as NoBorders and Camouflage modes. ✔️ Implements stringent security protocols.	❌ Split tunneling feature is not available for iOS devices. ❌ Access to the router applet is not provided.

ZDF Device Compatibility

The following devices are compatible with ZDF:

• iOS Devices
• Android Devices
• Smart TV
• Apple TV
• Firestick
• Roku
• Xbox
• PC
• Windows

Trouble Shooting Steps for ZDF

• Check Internet Connection: Ensure you have a stable and strong internet connection.
• Verify VPN Connection: Confirm that your VPN is connected to a German server.
• Clear Cache: Clear the cache and cookies of your browser or app.
• Update Software: Make sure your browser, app, and VPN are up to date.
• Restart Device: Restart your streaming device to refresh connections.
• Re-login: Log out and log back into your ZDF account.
• Check Account Status: Ensure your ZDF account is active and not restricted.
• Try Different Server: Switch to another German server on your VPN.
• Disable Ad Blockers: Temporarily disable any ad blockers or extensions.
• Contact Support: If issues persist, contact ZDF or VPN customer support for further assistance.

Best Shows on ZDF

• It’s a Sin
• Riding in Darkness
• Mood
• Huss
• Alex Rider
• Survivors
• Killing Eve
• Country Queen
• Like a Loser
• Suspect

Best Movies on ZDF

• Postcard Killings
• Salvation
• Universal Soldier – The Return
• The Witch Princess
• Forecast Murder
• Hanni and Nanni
• 2012
• Deadly Infidelity
• Heart of Winter – Death on a cold night
• Theodosia

FAQs

Wrapping Up

That concludes our search for accessing ZDF in the UK! If you have any questions, feel free to email us using the address provided, and our team of VPN experts will gladly assist you. Stay tuned for more informative guides coming your way. Enjoy your streaming!