The broadcasting contribution (Rundfunkbeitrag)

1. One contribution per household

The contribution is tied to the dwelling. One flat means one contribution, however many people live there and whatever devices they own. This is the part that most often surprises people arriving from countries with a device-based licence.

Because it follows the dwelling, a shared flat should pay once. If several housemates each receive a letter, one person registers and the others give that person’s contribution number.

2. Registering, and the letter that arrives

Registering your address and registering for the contribution are separate steps, but the second usually follows the first automatically: the Beitragsservice is notified and writes to you.

Answer the letter rather than ignoring it. The contribution is a legal obligation and unpaid amounts are enforced, so an unanswered letter tends to become a larger problem than the contribution itself.

Use the official forms to register a dwelling, report a move or say that another person already pays. Keep the contribution number with your household records because a flatmate, partner or future move may require it.

3. Payment, moving and shared flats

The published amount is a monthly rate, but the Beitragsservice normally collects it for a three-month period. The official payment options include direct debit and bank transfer. Follow the payment reference and due date on your notice so the payment is allocated correctly.

When you move, update the dwelling rather than opening a second account without checking the old one. If you join a household that already pays, provide the existing contribution number. If two registered households combine, the person whose account is no longer needed should deregister it with the reason and evidence requested by the official form.

4. Exemption and reduction

Some people can be exempted or pay a reduced amount, including recipients of certain social benefits and some students receiving state support. Certain disabilities give a reduction. These are applications with evidence, not automatic.

Eligibility depends on the exact benefit, status and evidence. A low income by itself does not automatically establish an exemption. Check the official category that applies to you, submit the required notice or certificate, and note the effective period on the decision.