German regulations on building acoustics - The new standard DIN 4109

The German standard DIN 4109 "Sound insulation in building construction" contains the minimum requirements for sound insulation for all new buildings in Germany. The standard was first revised and published in 2016. In 2018, two parts were changed and republished. In particular the changes affect the sound insulation of facades to protect the indoor space and the residents against external noise. A major deficit of the old DIN 4109 from 1989 was the inadequate protection in buildings from nocturnal noise. For the maintenance of the psychomotor efficiency and health, undisturbed sleep in sufficient duration is of central importance. Therefore, the external noise levels at nighttime must be taken into account now when determining the required exterior sound insulation of buildings. In most cases this entails an increase of the requirements for the external building components in comparison to DIN 4109:1989. The presentation shows the German standard values in building acoustics and the subject of external noise. The remaining and new problems of the current standard DIN 4109:2018 will also be discussed.