Rundfunkbeitrag helper

Soon after your Anmeldung, a letter from the Beitragsservice usually lands in your mailbox — the registration office reports your move, so the letter finds you on its own. Here's what the fee is, what the letter means, and the terms on it, each fact linked to the official source. We explain and translate; we don't advise on payment or disputes.

What the fee is

The Rundfunkbeitrag (broadcasting fee) is a legally prescribed contribution that funds Germany's public broadcasters. It applies to households regardless of whether you own a TV or radio. Source ↗

For private households the fee is 18.36 euros per month. Source ↗

The letter you'll get

When you register a new address (Anmeldung), the residents' registration office notifies the contribution service, which then writes to you to clarify the contribution obligation. The letter is routine — everyone who registers gets contacted. Source ↗

In other words: receiving this letter is normal, not a sign of a problem. It arrives because you registered.

One dwelling, one fee

The rule is one dwelling, one fee: if several people live together in one dwelling, only one person pays. Flatmates do not each pay their own fee. Source ↗

The Beitragsnummer

The Beitragsnummer is your 9-digit contribution number. You find it on the registration confirmation, on your account statement, on a payment demand, or at the top right of any Beitragsservice letter. Source ↗

Reductions and exemptions

Reductions and exemptions exist — for example a reduced fee of 6.12 euros per month for people with severe disabilities (RF mark), and exemptions for deaf-blind people and recipients of certain social benefits including BAföG. Applications go through the contribution service. Source ↗

Leaving Germany

If you move abroad permanently and give up your German dwelling, you deregister with the contribution service; proof of your deregistration (Abmeldung) from the residents' registration office is required. If other people stay in the dwelling, one of them registers it for the fee instead. Source ↗

Letter terms, translated

Translations of terms you'll meet on Beitragsservice letters — what each word means, not what to answer.

Beitragsservice: The joint contribution service of the public broadcasters — the sender of the letter
Beitragsnummer: Your 9-digit contribution account number
Zahlungsaufforderung: Payment request
Lastschrift / SEPA-Lastschriftmandat: Direct debit / direct-debit mandate
Befreiung: Exemption from the fee
Ermäßigung: Reduced fee
Abmeldung: Deregistering your dwelling from the fee

When this page isn't enough

If you've received an enforcement notice (Festsetzungsbescheid), a debt-collection letter, or you want to object to the fee, that's beyond explaining terms. Use the contribution service's official routes or get professional advice — don't rely on this page for disputes.

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An automated assistant that organizes your information and applies publicly documented rules. Sources for each rule are cited.

This is not legal, tax, immigration, or financial advice, and not an official recognition, filing, or application. For decisions with legal or financial consequences, consult a qualified professional.

Rules last verified: 2026-07-14.