The DKE 38 was the third and smallest model in a series of German "people's receivers" that flooded Germany and its occupied Central European territories after 1938. The designation "DKE" stands for Deutscher Kleinempfänger, meaning "German small receiver."

Earlier, larger models in the series did not sell as well as Nazi leadership had hoped. However, this smallest and cheapest version—priced at 35 Reichsmarks—was far more successful in meeting their expectations. The DKE made its way into numerous German households, carrying with it the propaganda of Joseph Goebbels. This association was so direct and undeniable that the radio was commonly referred to as "Goebbels’ mouthpiece."

Even before turning it on, its design and the emblem above the tuning dial made it clear that aesthetics and craftsmanship were secondary considerations in its creation.