The Rundfunkbeitrag (commonly known as GEZ after its former collection agency) is a mandatory broadcasting fee of €18.36 per month per household in Germany. If you live in Germany, you are required to pay it — regardless of whether you watch public television or listen to public radio.
Who Pays
One fee per household (Wohneinheit), not per person. If you live in a flat-share (WG), the household pays once total — not once per resident. The residents decide among themselves how to split the cost; legally, only one registration is required. If you move into a WG where someone is already registered and paying, you do not need to register a second time for the same address.
How to Register
Register online at rundfunkbeitrag.de within one month of moving into a new German address. You will receive a Beitragsnummer (contribution number). Payment is via SEPA direct debit (quarterly, €55.08) or bank transfer. You need a German bank account for SEPA setup.
Exemptions
Recipients of certain state benefits are exempt: BAföG (student financial aid), Arbeitslosengeld II (unemployment benefit), Sozialhilfe, and similar means-tested benefits. Students receiving BAföG must apply for the exemption — it is not automatic. Apply online at rundfunkbeitrag.de with your BAföG notification letter. The exemption is granted retroactively to the date of your application.
Very low-income earners not receiving a formal benefit can also apply for a hardship exemption (Befreiung aus sozialen Gründen), subject to income verification.
Enforcement
Non-payment is followed up with Mahngebühren (late fees) and eventually Vollstreckung (enforcement proceedings) — the same mechanism used for unpaid tax. The Rundfunkbeitrag has full legal authority to collect. Ignoring the letters does not make it go away. If you are liable, register and pay; if you believe you are exempt, apply for exemption.
