What is the Rundfunkbeitrag?

The Rundfunkbeitrag is Germany's public broadcasting fee, collected by the Beitragsservice on behalf of ARD, ZDF and Deutschlandradio. It is charged per household (Wohnung), not per person or per device, and is currently €18.36 per month.

Is the Rundfunkbeitrag mandatory even if I don't watch TV?

Yes. Since 2013 the fee is owed per household regardless of whether you own a TV or use the programmes. Every registered residence must pay one contribution; the obligation has been confirmed by Germany's highest courts.

I already pay — why did I get a letter?

Only one contribution is due per Wohnung. If a flatmate or partner already pays for your address, you can object and give their Beitragsnummer. Newcomers are often registered automatically after their Anmeldung and receive a letter even though someone else already pays.

How do I object to a Rundfunkbeitrag Festsetzungsbescheid?

A Festsetzungsbescheid (a formal notice setting arrears) carries a Widerspruch period of usually one month. A plain payment request or account statement is not yet a Bescheid and has no such deadline. State your reason — e.g. double registration, an exemption, or wrong period — and enclose proof.

Guide

Rundfunkbeitrag: the German broadcasting fee

Almost every newcomer gets a letter from the Beitragsservice soon after registering their address. It is not a scam — but it is also not optional. Here is what it is and how to respond.

In short

The Rundfunkbeitrag is a per-household public broadcasting fee, currently €18.36 per month. It is mandatory — one contribution per residence, whether or not you own a TV.

What it is

The fee funds public broadcasters (ARD, ZDF, Deutschlandradio) and is collected by the Beitragsservice. Since 2013 it is owed per Wohnung (household) — not per person and not per device. If you share a flat, only one contribution is due for the whole address.

Is it really mandatory?

Yes. The obligation applies regardless of whether you watch or listen, and has been upheld by Germany’s highest courts. Ignoring the letters does not make it go away — unpaid amounts can be formally set by a Festsetzungsbescheid and enforced.

When a letter has a deadline

Ordinary payment requests and account statements are not yet Bescheide and carry no objection deadline. Only a Festsetzungsbescheid (which formally sets arrears) contains a Rechtsbehelfsbelehrung, usually with a one-month Widerspruch period.

Dates without guarantee. The binding source is the Rechtsbehelfsbelehrung in your letter. The fee amount can change; €18.36/month is the current level.

When an objection can be worth it

Double registration — someone at your address already pays; give their Beitragsnummer.
Exemption or reduction — e.g. certain social benefits; must be applied for.
Wrong period — you were charged for months before you moved in, or after you moved out (deregister when you leave).

This guide is general information and not legal advice. The basic obligation is settled law; an objection mainly helps with specific errors in your case.

Frequently asked

How much is it?

Currently €18.36 per month, per household — regardless of how many people live there or whether you own a TV.

Can I avoid it if I have no TV?

No. Since 2013 the fee is owed per residence regardless of devices or usage.

My flatmate already pays — do I still owe it?

No. Only one contribution per Wohnung. Object and provide your flatmate’s Beitragsnummer.

Not sure if it’s a bill or a Bescheid?

Photograph the letter — Mein Büro reads the German, tells you what it is, and flags any deadline with a countdown.

Scan a letter free

German deadlines (Frist): how they work Mahnung: a German payment reminder, explained

Rundfunkbeitrag: the German broadcasting fee

What it is

Is it really mandatory?

When a letter has a deadline

When an objection can be worth it

Frequently asked

Not sure if it’s a bill or a Bescheid?

Read more