Shortly after registering your address in Germany, most students receive a letter about Rundfunkbeitrag (broadcasting fee).
This guide explains what it is, who must pay, how exemptions work, and how to avoid scams or unnecessary payments.
What Is Rundfunkbeitrag?
Rundfunkbeitrag is a mandatory public broadcasting fee that funds German public TV and radio services (ARD, ZDF, Deutschlandradio).
Key facts:
• It is charged per household, not per person
• The fee is currently €18.36 per month
• Payment is required regardless of whether you own a TV or radio
• The authority in charge is ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice
Why Do Students Receive a Rundfunk Letter?
After Anmeldung (address registration), your data is shared with public institutions.
The Beitragsservice then sends a letter to the registered address asking you to:
• Register your household
• Pay the monthly fee
• Or prove that you are exempt
Receiving this letter is normal and does not mean you did something wrong.
Do Students Have to Pay Rundfunk?
It depends on your situation.
You usually DO have to pay if:
• You live alone in a private apartment
• You rent a studio or one-room flat
• No one else in your household is registered as paying
You usually do NOT need to pay if:
• You live in a WG (shared apartment) and one roommate already pays
• You live in a student dorm where Rundfunk is handled centrally
In shared flats, only one person pays for the entire household. Others must provide the payer’s contribution number.
Student Exemptions (Befreiung): Who Qualifies?
Most students are not automatically exempt.
You may apply for exemption only if you receive certain social benefits, such as:
• BAföG (with housing allowance)
• Bürgergeld
• Certain disability-related benefits
International students without German social benefits usually must pay, unless covered by a roommate.
How to Register or Avoid Paying Twice
You have three main options when you receive the letter:
Option 1: Register and Pay
If you live alone, register online and set up payment.
Option 2: Declare an Existing Payer
If a roommate already pays:
• Enter their Beitragsnummer
• You will be removed from payment obligation
Option 3: Apply for Exemption
Only if you qualify (documents required).
Ignoring the letter can lead to late fees and enforcement actions, so always respond.
Common Mistakes Students Make
• Assuming dorm residents never need to respond
• Ignoring letters because they look unofficial
• Paying even though a roommate already pays
• Falling for fake payment requests
Rundfunk letters are often confusing, but they are not optional.
How to Recognize Rundfunk Scams
Real Rundfunk letters have these features:
• Sender: ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice
• No threats in the first letter
• No request for instant payment via link
• No WhatsApp or SMS messages
Red flags:
• Messages asking for payment via PayPal or gift cards
• Urgent threats of police action
• Links from unknown domains
If unsure, never click links — visit the official site manually.
What Happens If You Ignore Rundfunk?
If you do nothing:
• Reminder letters are sent
• Late fees are added
• Your case may be transferred to local enforcement authorities
In extreme cases, this can affect:
• Your SCHUFA record
• Future administrative processes
This does not affect your residence permit directly, but it creates unnecessary stress.
Practical Advice for International Students
Practical Advice for International Students
• Ask your WG early: “Who pays Rundfunk?”
• Keep a copy of the payer’s Beitragsnummer
• Respond to letters promptly
• Never assume dorms handle everything automatically
• Don’t pay twice — shared households only need one payer
Summary
Rundfunkbeitrag is a standard part of life in Germany.
While confusing at first, it is manageable once you understand the rules:
• One fee per household
• Students are not automatically exempt
• Shared apartments usually need only one payer
• Always respond to official letters
• Be cautious of scams
Understanding Rundfunk early helps you avoid fines, stress, and unnecessary payments.