ZDF is a free-to-air German streaming service. It offers Live TV and on-demand series, documentaries, news, movies, dramas, etc.
Since ZDF is a German service, it isn’t available in Canada or anywhere outside Germany. The only way to watch ZDF in Canada is with the help of a VPN.
Hence if you try to stream a show without a VPN, the following geo-restriction error will stop you in your tracks:
“For legal reasons, this contribution can only be shown in Germany”
I was able to unblock ZDF from Canada with the help of ExpressVPN. ExpressVPN is our top choice.
Our Recommended VPN - ExpressVPN
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How to Watch ZDF in Canada
ZDF is free to stream but can only be accessed in Canada through a VPN. You need a sign up for a free account and here’s how you can do it.
Follow the steps below to watch ZDF in Canada:
Step 1: Subscribe to a VPN (ExpressVPN is our recommended choice)
Step 2: Download the ExpressVPN app and install it on your device
Step 3: Open the VPN app and connect to the German server
Step 4: Open the ZDF website and click on “MY ZDF”
Step 5: Now click on “Create New Account”
Step 6: Enter your email and password
Step 7: Choose a display name for you
Step 8: Click on the link you will receive in your mailbox to confirm the signup
Step 9: Click on “Continue”
Step 10: Now login with your credentials
Step 11: Go to the “Live TV” section from the top bar
Step 12: Start streaming
Recommended VPN Services to Unblock ZDF in Canada
Out of the 35+ VPNs that I tested, only 3 VPNs were able to bypass the geo-restrictions of ZDF in a snap.
1. ExpressVPN – #1 VPN for Unblocking ZDF
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Global Reach | 3200 servers in 100+ countries |
| ZDF Unblocking | Three servers in Germany |
| Exclusive deal | $6.67/month (30-day money-back guarantee) |
| Multi-Device Compatibility | Connect up to 8 devices at once – Windows, Android, Mac, and more |
| Enhanced Streaming | Fast and throttle-free streaming with Smart DNS, Split Tunneling, and Lightway Protocol. |
| Top-notch Privacy | Digital privacy with 256-bit Encryption, Kill Switch, and No Log policy. |
ExpressVPN is our recommended choice to access ZDF in Canada by bypassing geo-blocks with a wide network of high-speed servers.
Speed Test: When I connected to ExpressVPN’s German server, I tested its speed and got 43 Mbps out of 50 Mbps.
With that fast speed, I could instantly access ZDF and enjoy smooth streaming without any buffering!
With that fast speed not only I was able to instantly access ZDF but had a smooth streaming experience without any buffering!
Beyond ZDF: Why limit yourself to French channels? ExpressVPN is your golden ticket to accessing geo-restricted channels and services in Canada such as USA Network, PBS, Frndly TV, Prende TV, Paramount Network, etc.
2. Surfshark- Affordable VPN for Unblocking ZDF
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Global Coverage | 3000+ servers in 100 countries |
| ZDF Unblocking | Servers in Frankfurt and Berlin |
| Price | $2.19/month (30-day money-back guarantee) |
| Device Compatibility | Unlimited devices – Windows, Android, Mac, and more |
| Fast Streaming | Uninterrupted streaming with Higher bandwidth per user, and numerous servers |
| Added Privacy | Secure the connection with Camouflage Mode, AES-256-GCM Encryption, Kill Switch, and No-Logs Policy. |
Surfshark is our next top pick for unblocking ZDF in Canada effortlessly. Its affordability and cutting-edge features earn it a spot on our list.
During testing, I found it to be efficient at unblocking and offering satisfactory features for its price.
This VPN service also unblocks other geo-restricted channels and services in Canada, such as 9Now, 10 Play, TVNZ+ etc.
3. NordVPN – Biggest Server Pool to Unblock ZDF
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Global Coverage | 6000+ servers in 60 countries |
| Kijk Unblocking | 240 German servers |
| Price | $3.39/month (30-day money-back guarantee) |
| Device Compatibility | Up to 6 devices simultaneously – Windows, Android, Mac, and more |
| Enhanced Streaming | Faster streaming with a Wider server range & NordLynx Protocol. |
| Added Privacy | Military-grade encryption, Double VPN, CyberSec, and No logs policy, |
NordVPN is MY final recommendation for accessing ZDF in Canada. It stands out for having one of the largest pools of servers among available VPNs.
I tested it for unblocking ZDF in Canada and enjoyed smooth streaming without any throttling or security issues.
In addition to ZDF, it also helps access other geo-restricted channels and services in Canada, such as Max, Hulu, Fubo, Sling etc.
Why Do You Need a VPN to Access ZDF in Canada?
Since ZDF is restricted to viewers in specific countries like Germany, accessing its content requires a different IP address (internet location).
This limitation is due to copyright ownership and licensing agreements, which make it inaccessible without using a VPN.
By connecting to a VPN server in Germany, your device will receive a German IP address.
With this new IP address, ZDF will assume that you are located in Germany instead of Canada, allowing you access to its content. ExpressVPN is our top choice.
How to Watch ZDF Outside Germany on Mobile Phone
By following the steps below, you can watch ZDF on your mobile phone too:
Step 1: Connect to the German server of ExpressVPN
Step 2: Download the ZDF app from the Play Store
Step 4: Open the app and go to “Live TV”
Step 5: Click on the play button
Step 6: Start streaming
What to Watch on ZDF?
ZDF has a wide genre of content to keep you entertained. From series, movies, and documentaries to news, variety shows, dramas, etc. it gives you a good amount of options to choose from that can actually you confused to take a start.
1. Drama Series
- Die Bergretter
- SOKO Leipzig
- Der Bergdoktor
2. Comedy/Satire
- heute-show
- ZDF Magazin Royale
- Die Anstalt
3. Crime/Thriller
- Tatort
- Der Kommissar und das Meer
- Ein Fall für zwei
4. Talk Shows
- Markus Lanz
- maybrit illner
- aspekte
Accessibility via Sign Language, Audio Films & Subtitles
ZDF provides a wide range of accessible content, including videos with subtitles, audio descriptions, and sign language. This ensures inclusivity for viewers with various accessibility needs.
In ZDF’s media library, viewers can find accessible videos under dedicated sections. Subtitles, audio descriptions, and sign language interpretation are available for easy access to barrier-free content.
Videos with audio descriptions are tailored for visually impaired users, while subtitles assist those with hearing difficulties. Sign language options (DGS) provide further support, ensuring all audiences are included.
Live Channels on ZDF:
ZDF offers live streaming of the following channels through its online platform, ZDFmediathek:
- ZDF
- ZDFinfo
- ZDFneo
- Arte
- KiKA
- 3sat
- Phoenix
Other Streaming Services to Watch in Canada
You can watch the following German TV services and channels in Canada as well apart from ZDF, but with the help of a VPN:
- Watch Zattoo TV in Canada
- Watch 7TV in Canada
- Watch Arte TV in Canada
- Watch 3sat in Canada
- Watch TVNow in Canada
FAQs – ZDF
How can I access on-demand content on the ZDF platform?
On-demand content is accessible through the ZDFmediathek, where you can watch a variety of shows, documentaries, and news programs at your convenience.
What video quality options are available for streaming?
The ZDF platform provides multiple video quality settings, including standard definition (SD) and high definition (HD), allowing users to choose based on their internet connection.
How can I adjust the video quality during playback?
During playback, you can adjust the video quality by clicking on the settings icon (usually represented by a gear symbol) and selecting your preferred quality level.
What should I do if I experience buffering or playback issues?
If you encounter buffering or playback problems, try refreshing the page, checking your internet connection, or reducing the video quality to improve streaming performance.
Is there a mobile app for accessing ZDF content?
Yes, ZDF offers a mobile app called “ZDFmediathek,” available for both iOS and Android devices, providing access to live TV and on-demand content.
How can I enable subtitles for videos?
To enable subtitles, click on the “UT” (Untertitel) button during video playback, and select your preferred subtitle language, if available.
Conclusion
ZDF implied some geo-limitations, which means that people outside of Germany won’t be able to watch ZDF in Canada or from anywhere outside of Germany.
The only possible way there is that can help you unblock ZDF from Canada, and is through a VPN. I highly recommend ExpressVPN for being the fastest among all, it worked perfectly fine for us.
Additionally, you can choose any other VPN service that effectively lifts all restrictions and enhances your streaming experience in general.
