---
title: "Testing .DE domain name servers before making a change"
canonical_url: "https://www.zone.lv/help/kb/testing-de-domain-name-servers-before-making-a-change/"
post_type: "ht_kb"
published: "2026-01-07T09:37:27+00:00"
modified: "2026-01-09T14:28:11+00:00"
language: "en"
author: "Ants Korsar"
taxonomies:
  ht_kb_category:
    - name: "German .DE domains"
      url: "https://www.zone.lv/help/kb-categories/de-domain/"
---

# Testing .DE domain name servers before making a change

Before changing the nameservers of a .DE domain, it is **mandatory to check** whether the new nameservers meet the technical requirements of **DENIC** (German Central Registry for .DE Domains).

If the nameservers do not pass DENIC’s check, the **nameserver change will fail** and the domain cannot be redirected to the new nameservers.

### Why is testing necessary?

DENIC applies stricter technical requirements to .DE domains than to many other top-level domains.
The purpose of testing is to ensure:

- DNS reliability
- correct and fast response to queries
- sufficient number and independence of name servers

Therefore, name server changes are only allowed if they meet all requirements.

### How does the test work?

1. Open https://nast.denic.de/
2. Enter the domain name and new nameservers (e.g. ns1.example.com, ns2.example.com)
3. Run the test and wait for the results

### Meaning of the test results

Green (OK)

- Name servers meet DENIC requirements
    → Name server change can be successfully performed ([instructions](https://www.zone.lv/help/en/kb/changing-domain-nameservers/))

Error or warning (Error / Warning)

- Name servers do not meet requirements
    → Name server change fails