Remarks
Various web applications of the Deutscher Wetterdienst contain extensive information (metadata) about the climate data available and facilitate access to the data sets.
WebWerdis(Web-based Weather Request and Distribution System) provides for substantial metadata and allows access to many of the freely available data without the necessity of registration. WebWerdis is aimed at users with some prior subject knowledge, in particular from research and educational institutions and public authorities. Proper registration with WebWerdis, however, allows full access to the wide variety of contents and manifold possibilities of use offered.
Even more comprehensive metadata are contained in the Climate Catalogue of the DWD's Climate Data Center (CDC). This data catalogue is currently still being extended and will in the end contain nationally and internationally standardised metadata (ISO 19115 and ISO 19139) for all data available at the DWD. Direct access will be possible in many cases.
The Global Data Set (GDS) comprises not only freely available data and products relating to current weather and weather forecasts but also free climate data. The data and products are usually presented in a form, which is used for their exchange within and among the national meteorological services. Access is possible via ftp (file transfer protocol). The use of GDS is free of charge, but requires cost-free registration.