In short
A domain registrar is a provider accredited by a registry, through which you register, renew and transfer domains. Besides registration, many registrars offer extras such as DNS management, forwarding, email, SSL or parking. The choice depends on price, TLD coverage, management and support.
Registrar vs. registry
The registry administers the TLD centrally; the registrar is the interface to the end customer. For .de the registry is DENIC.
Extra services beyond registration
- DNS/nameserver management and forwarding (see nameservers & DNS).
- Email mailboxes, SSL certificates.
- Parking and marketplace connection (see domain parking).
- Bulk management and transfer tools (auth code).
Selection criteria
Price and renewal costs, TLD coverage, management interface, transfer handling and support.
Frequently asked questions
What advantages does a registrar in Germany offer?
German-language support, familiarity with .de/DENIC processes, invoicing under local law and often easy handling of auth code and transfer. Still, price, feature set and reliability matter case by case.