If you want to establish your own online presence, having your own domain is essential. In this article, we will explore the different options you have for registering a domain and what you should consider.
## What is a Domain?
A domain is a unique address on the internet that allows you to access a website by entering the domain name in your browser’s address bar. The domain extension, known as a top-level domain (TLD), comes after the domain name and is separated by a period. TLDs usually indicate the country where the website’s servers are located. In Germany, the .de TLD is commonly used, while commercial companies often use the .com TLD for their websites. Educational institutions typically register their domains under the .edu TLD, and government organizations in the US use the .gov TLD. You can find more general information about domains [here](insertlink).
## How to Register Your Own Domain
Domain registration is available to anyone in Germany and many other countries. It’s important to know that a domain name, also known as a second-level domain, can only be assigned once. Therefore, you should carefully consider the internet address you want to use. In general, the person who registers the domain name first will be allocated that domain. However, there are exceptions where other claims can arise based on various legal situations. To register a domain, you follow a process similar to online shopping. You visit the domain provider of your choice and check if your desired domain is available. The search results will indicate if the domain is already taken or if you can secure it. Some domains that are already registered may be available for purchase if the owner is selling them. If your desired domain is available, simply add it to your shopping cart. During the ordering process, you will need to provide your personal information (name, address, phone number, email address, and payment information) to create a customer account. Without this information, you cannot register your own domain. The domain provider will then submit your desired domain and owner information to the registration agency and request registration. Once the registration is successful, the registration agency notifies the provider. The provider will then notify you via email that the domain has been registered in your name. The time between the registration request and registration confirmation can vary from a few minutes to several hours depending on the domain provider and registration agency.
## Important Considerations for Registering Your Own Domain
You are free to choose your domain name. In general, you can use all letters of the alphabet, numbers 0-9, and a hyphen (-) for the domain name. Ideally, a domain should be easy to remember, concise, and as short as possible. Once you have found the perfect domain name, the next step is to check if it is available and not already in use by another user. The domain provider “Checkdomain” allows you to quickly and easily check the availability of your desired domain. If the domain check is successful, you can register your domain and even create your website through the provider. If you opt for hosting, you can choose from different hosting packages. You can find more information about hosting [here](insertlink).
## Comparison of Domain Providers
When you decide on a domain, you need to secure it through a domain provider. There are many providers available, and their offerings are often similar, differing mainly in details. Domain providers often offer additional services along with domain registration. These can include complete hosting packages or website creation services. We have compared three major domain providers and highlighted what they offer.
**Ionos by 1 &1**
At Ionos, you can quickly and easily enter your desired domain and secure it if it’s available. Depending on the desired TLD, domains cost between 8 and 70 cents per month. However, this price is only for the first year; the monthly costs increase significantly thereafter. For example, in the first year, a .de domain costs only 8 cents per month, but the cost rises to 1.30 euros per month in the second year. There is no registration fee. The domain offerings page on ionos.de is highly user-friendly.
**Strato**
Strato offers a similar range of services to Ionos, with some variation in costs from the second year onwards. In the first year, a .de domain also costs 8 cents per month, but in the second year, it is only 1 euro per month. A 2 GB email mailbox, like Ionos, is included. Additional features, such as more email mailboxes or another domain, can be purchased as add-on packages. The registration fee for a domain on strato.de is 15 euros. The domain offerings page on strato.de follows a similar format.
**United Domains**
United Domains is a German domain provider with a wide range of offerings, but with higher prices. For a .de domain, you pay 9 euros in the first year and 19 euros from the second year onwards. There are no registration fees for setting up a domain. Over 1000 domain extensions are available, and the provider also offers domains that are highly sought after due to their name, according to search engines. Additionally, the German company prides itself on using 100% green energy. United Domains lists all available TLDs with prices on their website.
As a young adult between 18 and 35 years old, registering your own domain can be an exciting step towards building your online presence. With the options available, you can find the perfect domain and get started on creating your own website or blog. Good luck with your domain registration journey!
