Every flat pays the broadcasting fee
Rundfunkbeitrag
Every flat in Germany pays €18.36 a month for public TV and radio, whether you watch or not.
The rule
The Rundfunkbeitrag (often still called "GEZ") pays for public TV and radio. It is charged per flat, not per person and not per device. It does not matter whether you own a TV.
It is €18.36 a month (usually paid every three months: €55.08).
In a shared flat (WG), only one person registers and pays; the others share the cost. Tell the others your contribution number so they can show they are covered.
After you register your address, you will get a letter. If nobody in your flat is registered for the fee yet, you must register.
Some people can be exempted, for example students who receive BAföG and do not live with their parents. Most international students do not qualify.
What it costs
| If you… | Fine or cost |
|---|---|
| Not paying | the fee is collected for the past months, with late charges; unpaid fees can be enforced |
India vs Germany
In India, you pay for a cable or DTH plan only if you want TV. In Germany, this fee is for every home, and ignoring the letters makes it more expensive, not go away.
German words for this
- der Rundfunkbeitrag · broadcasting fee
- die Beitragsnummer · contribution number
- die Wohngemeinschaft (WG) · shared flat
- die Befreiung · exemption
Official sources
Last checked: 8 November 2026, against the official sources named on each page. General information for learners, not legal advice: rules can change and some depend on your state or city. If something matters for you, check the official source or ask the office.
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