A directional coupler having (a) a first coupled microstrip section having a first terminus (T1) and a second terminus (T2), (b) a second coupled microstrip section having a first terminus at T2 and a second terminus (T3), and (c) a first phase-velocity-compensating capacitor connected across the conductors of the microstrip sections at T2 is disclosed. The coupler also may include a second phase-velocity-compensating capacitor connected at T1, and a third phase-velocity compensating capacitor connected across the conductors at T3.