Broadcasting fee

The broadcasting fee in Germany is a household fee that everyone has to pay. It currently amounts to 18.36 euros per month. The fee is collected per household, even if the household does not own a radio set.

As an adult resident, you are legally obliged to register if you are the only person living in the household in question. If several persons liable to pay live together, it is sufficient if one member of the household is registered.

Registration takes place at the ARD, ZDF and Deutschlandradio contribution service (formerly the GEZ fee collection center). The same applies to deregistration.

Exemption from the broadcasting fee

Sometimes you can obtain an exemption from the broadcasting fee so that you do not have to pay it. You can submit a corresponding application to the same offices that accept your registration.

You can receive an exemption, for example, if you are a student receiving BAföG and a trainee receiving vocational training allowance (BAB). Recipients of social benefits can also be exempted from compulsory payment. In addition, there are forms of reduction and hardship regulations.