The Rundfunkbeitrag funds public TV and radio (ARD, ZDF and Deutschlandradio). It's charged per household, not per person or device, at €18.36 a month, usually billed every three months. You pay it even if you don't own a TV or radio.
The letter
The Beitragsservice receives registration data from the Bürgeramt and writes to new residents. Answer it: if you don't, they register you anyway and back-date the charge.
In a flat share
- One payment covers the whole flat. If a flatmate already pays, register under their contribution number (Beitragsnummer) so you aren't charged twice, and split the cost between you.
- In many student halls, each room that opens onto a shared corridor counts as its own dwelling, so each resident pays.
Who doesn't pay
- Students who receive BAföG and don't live with their parents.
- People receiving certain social benefits.
- Exemptions are granted on application with proof, and don't apply automatically.
Register or check your contribution
Register a new flat, register under a flatmate's number, or apply for an exemption.
Go to ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio BeitragsserviceWhen you move out of Germany, deregister from the fee too. See Leaving Germany.
Track Rundfunkbeitrag in HomeSettled
HomeSettled reminds you to answer the letter and to deregister when you leave.
Sources
Rules and amounts change. Check the official source before you rely on a figure.