If you are new to Germany, you will probably receive a letter from the ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice sooner or later. Many international professionals, students, and expats are surprised:
“Why do I have to pay for television or radio when I don’t even use them?”
The answer lies in Germany’s public broadcasting system. This guide explains in simple terms what the broadcasting fee is, who has to pay it, and whether any exemptions are available.
What Is the Broadcasting Fee?
The broadcasting fee (Rundfunkbeitrag) is a legally required contribution used to finance Germany’s public broadcasting system.
Among the broadcasters funded by this fee are:
- ARD
- ZDF
- Deutschlandradio
- Regional public broadcasters (such as WDR, BR, NDR, or SWR)
These broadcasters are responsible for providing independent news, educational programming, cultural content, documentaries, and entertainment for the general public.
One important point to understand is:
The broadcasting fee is not a subscription for television or radio. It is a household-based contribution.
This means that what matters is whether you live in a home or apartment in Germany, not whether you actually watch TV, listen to the radio, or use the broadcasters’ services.
How Much Is the Broadcasting Fee?
The broadcasting fee is currently €18.36 per month per household.
The following rules apply:
- One home = one broadcasting fee.
- It does not matter how many people live there.
- The number of televisions, radios, computers, or smartphones is irrelevant.
Example
Maria from Spain lives in a shared apartment with two roommates.
The apartment pays only one broadcasting fee in total. The roommates can decide among themselves who pays the bill and how they split the cost.
Who Has to Pay the Broadcasting Fee?
As a general rule, you must pay the broadcasting fee if you:
- are at least 18 years old,
- have a registered residence in Germany,
- and are not already covered through another person living in the same household.
This applies in particular to:
- international professionals,
- international students,
- apprentices,
- expats,
- employees with a residence permit,
- people working from home.
Your nationality does not matter.
Do I Have to Pay If I Don’t Watch German TV?
Yes.
This is one of the most common questions.
Many newcomers say:
“I only watch Netflix.”
“I only use YouTube.”
“I don’t speak German.”
Even so, you are generally still required to pay the broadcasting fee.
The fee finances Germany’s public broadcasting system regardless of whether individual residents actually use its services.
Does Every Roommate Have to Pay?
No.
Only one broadcasting fee is charged per household.
If one roommate is already paying, the other residents can simply provide that person’s contribution number (Beitragsnummer) to the Beitragsservice.
This prevents multiple people in the same household from paying the fee twice.
What Happens After You Register Your Address?
After you register your address (Anmeldung) with the local registration office (Bürgeramt), your details are legally forwarded to the Beitragsservice.
A few weeks later, you will usually receive a letter asking you either to:
- register for the broadcasting fee, or
- inform them that someone else in your household is already paying.
For this reason, you should not ignore these letters.
What Happens If I Ignore the Letter?
If you ignore the broadcasting fee for an extended period, there can be consequences.
Possible consequences include:
- backdated payment claims,
- reminder notices,
- late payment surcharges,
- enforcement measures.
It is therefore advisable to deal with the matter as early as possible.
Are There Any Exemptions?
Yes.
Under certain circumstances, people may qualify for an exemption or a reduced broadcasting fee.
Examples include:
- recipients of certain social welfare benefits,
- people with certain disabilities,
- residents of specific care or support facilities.
For international students:
Receiving BAföG (German student financial aid) may qualify you for an exemption under certain conditions.
However, simply holding a student visa or having a low income does not automatically exempt you from paying the broadcasting fee.
What Happens If I Move?
If you move to another address within Germany, you should inform the Beitragsservice of your new address.
If you leave Germany permanently, you should deregister your residence properly and also notify the Beitragsservice.
Doing so helps prevent unnecessary payment claims after your departure.
Common Misunderstandings
“I don’t own a television.”
That does not matter.
“I only use streaming services.”
You are generally still required to pay the broadcasting fee.
“I’m a foreigner.”
The broadcasting fee applies regardless of your nationality.
“I live in a shared apartment.”
In that case, one broadcasting fee for the entire household is usually sufficient.
Tips for International Professionals and Students in Germany
If you are new to Germany:
- Check your mail regularly.
- Do not ignore letters from the Beitragsservice.
- If you live in shared accommodation, decide early who will pay the broadcasting fee.
- Keep your contribution number in a safe place.
- Notify the Beitragsservice promptly whenever you move or leave Germany.