The Rundfunkbeitrag, literally translated as “broadcasting contribution,” is a fee that supports public broadcasting in Germany. Every household in Germany is required to pay this fee, which is used to finance public television and radio channels.
What is “Rundfunkbeitrag”?
The Rundfunkbeitrag is a mandatory fee for all households in Germany, regardless of whether they own a television or radio. The fee ensures the funding of public broadcasting services, which include television, radio, and online content. This system is designed to keep public broadcasting independent of commercial interests and political influence[1][12].
More information about “Rundfunkbeitrag”
The fee is collected by the ARDThe ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice, often referred to as the "Beitragsservice," is the organisation responsible for collecting broadcasting contributions in... More ZDFThe ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice, often referred to as the "Beitragsservice," is the organisation responsible for collecting broadcasting contributions in... More DeutschlandradioThe ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice, often referred to as the "Beitragsservice," is the organisation responsible for collecting broadcasting contributions in... More BeitragsserviceThe ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice, often referred to as the "Beitragsservice," is the organisation responsible for collecting broadcasting contributions in... More, formerly known as GEZGEZ, short for "Gebühreneinzugszentrale," translates to "Fee Collection Center" in English. This term is commonly associated with the public broadcasting... More (Gebühreneinzugszentrale). As of the information available, the monthly fee per household is 18.36€[1]. There are exemptions and reductions available for students receiving BAföGBAföG stands for Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz, which translates to the Federal Training Assistance Act in English. It is a German financial aid... More, people with disabilities, and recipients of certain social benefits[2][5][7][17]. It is important for residents to register for the Rundfunkbeitrag upon moving into a new dwelling, as the residents’ registration office will notify the BeitragsserviceThe ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice, often referred to as the "Beitragsservice," is the organisation responsible for collecting broadcasting contributions in... More of new residents[17].
Related to “Rundfunkbeitrag”
Here are some additional terms that are related to Rundfunkbeitrag:
- BAföGBAföG stands for Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz, which translates to the Federal Training Assistance Act in English. It is a German financial aid... More: A state-supported financial assistance for students in Germany, which can affect eligibility for Rundfunkbeitrag exemption[2].
- BeitragsserviceThe ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice, often referred to as the "Beitragsservice," is the organisation responsible for collecting broadcasting contributions in... More: The organization responsible for collecting the Rundfunkbeitrag[12].
- GEZGEZ, short for "Gebühreneinzugszentrale," translates to "Fee Collection Center" in English. This term is commonly associated with the public broadcasting... More: The former name for the BeitragsserviceThe ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice, often referred to as the "Beitragsservice," is the organisation responsible for collecting broadcasting contributions in... More, which collected the broadcasting fee until 2012[18].
- ARDThe ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice, often referred to as the "Beitragsservice," is the organisation responsible for collecting broadcasting contributions in... More, ZDFThe ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice, often referred to as the "Beitragsservice," is the organisation responsible for collecting broadcasting contributions in... More, DeutschlandradioThe ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice, often referred to as the "Beitragsservice," is the organisation responsible for collecting broadcasting contributions in... More: Public broadcasting entities in Germany that are financed by the Rundfunkbeitrag[11][16].
The Rundfunkbeitrag is a key component of Germany’s public broadcasting funding model, ensuring that quality content is available to all residents without the influence of commercial advertising or political bias.