Money and banking
Rundfunkbeitrag
Broadcasting fee
Last updated: September 28, 2026
What does Rundfunkbeitrag mean?
The Rundfunkbeitrag is the mandatory fee that funds public broadcasting in Germany: €18.36 a month per household, whether or not you own a TV or radio. One person per home pays; flatmates share it. Recipients of certain benefits can be exempted, and you must deregister it yourself when you leave.
Key facts
| Amount | €18.36 per month |
| Charged per | Household, not per person |
| TV required? | No, everyone with a home pays |
| Stops automatically when you leave? | No |
What to do
- After your Anmeldung, expect a letter from the Beitragsservice. Register once per household.
- In a shared flat, check whether someone already pays and give their contribution number.
- Apply for an exemption if you receive Grundsicherungsgeld, BAföG (not living with parents) or similar benefits.
- Leaving Germany? Deregister with your Abmeldebestätigung.
Worth knowing
Ignoring the letters does not make the fee go away: arrears are enforced like taxes, including by bailiffs.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay the Rundfunkbeitrag without a TV?
Yes. It is charged per household, regardless of devices. One payment covers everyone living in the home.
How do I stop paying the Rundfunkbeitrag when I leave Germany?
Deregister online at rundfunkbeitrag.de with the reason 'moving abroad' and upload your Abmeldebestätigung. It does not stop automatically.
Read next
Sources
More German terms: money and banking
Plain-English explanations of the words on your letters and forms.