\u00a0<\/h1>\nWhat is the Rundfunkbeitrag\u00a0in Germany?\u00a0<\/i>Explaining the public service media tax<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/strong>The <\/span>Rundfunkbeitrag <\/span><\/i>is a licence fee for public service broadcasting.<\/span><\/p>\nIt funds the production of radio, TV, and other services from the broadcasters ARD (Das Erste), ZDF (Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen) and Deutschlandradio.<\/span>
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<\/span>This also includes the regional TV and radio broadcasters such as SWR, HR, BR, RBB, NDR, MDR, WDR etc, which are also publicly funded bodies.<\/span>
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<\/span>In some circles you may hear the Rundfunkbeitrag referred to as GEZ. This was the previous name for this fee, prior to 2013, when some changes to the law were made. It also follows why you have no choice but to pay the Rundfunkbeitrag in Germany.<\/span>
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<\/span>Be aware that searching online for \u201cGEZ\u201d rather than \u201cRundfunkbeitrag\u201d will throw up outdated information.<\/span>
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<\/span>How do they know who I am and where I live?<\/b><\/h2>\nWithin a few weeks of your arrival, you’ll typically receive a letter from the authorities asking you to register for it. They’ll know who you are and where you live because they have access to information from municipal citizen registration offices (<\/span>Anmeldungen <\/span><\/i>or <\/span>Einwohnermeldungen<\/span><\/i>).<\/span><\/p>\nAfter you\u2019ve done your Anmeldung<\/a>, fumbled through getting some <\/span>health insurance<\/span><\/a>, opened a <\/span>bank account<\/span><\/a>, got a <\/span>German SIM card<\/span><\/a> and got some <\/span>personal liability insurance<\/span><\/a>, \u2013 (deep breath) \u2013 this will most likely be the next <\/span>bureaucratic hassle<\/span><\/a> that will occupy your time.<\/span>
<\/span><\/p>\nSave<\/span>Save<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.26.6″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”How does it work?” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ text_orientation=”justify” hover_enabled=”0″ z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” text_text_align=”justify”]<\/p>\n
How does the Rundfunkbeitrag work?<\/b><\/h2>\n
The fee is payable in quarterly instalments. Since 1st April 2015, this fee has been set at \u20ac17.50 per month. It is levied per household, and not per person, which is one of the few saving graces of the system.<\/span>
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<\/span>It\u2019s probably best to let the Rundfunkbeitragsservice explain it though.<\/span>
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<\/span>Their <\/span>downloadable guide<\/span><\/a> in English is actually a very good overview of how it works. It explains in simple language what the Rundfunkbeitrag in Germany is, and how it’s administered.<\/span>
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<\/span>Any household is legally obliged to pay this quarterly fee, regardless of whether or not you watch the TV channels or listen to the radio stations covered by it. The Rundfunkbeitrag<\/span> also covers online media consumption via on-demand services such as media players, podcasts and streaming services.<\/span>
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<\/span>Shared households (Wohngemeinschaften) are only required to pay this once per household, so 4 students living together for example would only be liable for paying the fee once. <\/span><\/p>\nMy tip here would be: Don\u2019t be the chump who ends up being the bill payer.<\/span><\/p>\nSave<\/span>Save<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.4.2″][et_pb_code admin_label=”Ad winSIM” _builder_version=”4.4.2″ text_orientation=”center”] ![](\"https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/209ce3120a8be61eeceea86201f14083-3.gif\")
<\/a> [\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”What if you don’t pay?” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ text_orientation=”justify” hover_enabled=”0″ z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” text_text_align=”justify”]<\/p>\nWhat happens if I don’t pay it?<\/strong><\/h2>\nIf you choose to ignore the correspondence from the Rundfunkbeitragsservice, usually the process is as follows:<\/span>
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<\/span>You will receive numerous reminders to register, which will ultimately result in them forcibly registering you and assigning a number to your case. You will then receive demands for payment, which will have late fees added to them if you don\u2019t pay. If you ignore these, your case will be referred to a collection agency who will then pursue the payment through the legal channels available to them.<\/span>
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<\/span>Ultimately, they will give your case to a bailiff. If you continue to refuse to pay, or do not allow the bailiff access to your apartment, then they may freeze your bank account and take what is owed plus any administration fees they have incurred for collecting the money.<\/span><\/p>\n
Can I get away with not paying it?<\/b>
<\/span><\/h2>\nThere’s a very long thread over on the Toytown Germany forum<\/a> which I used to summarise the above information. It’s a fantastic reference, although it is over 40 pages worth of posts. The thread also extensively charts some of the personal experiences of expats who have fought the system and refused to pay the Rundfunkbeitrag in Germany.<\/span><\/p>\nWhilst I definitely would not condone or recommend this, I take my hat off to them for their stance against what seems to be an overpriced, poor quality product which we’re forced to pay for whether we want to or not.<\/p>\n
Essentially, if you are only going to stay in Germany for a few months (a semester at a German university, for example), and do not plan living here again, then you can probably get away with not paying without any serious consequences.<\/p>\n
For any other circumstances, it\u2019s probably not worth the stress fighting the system because it is highly likely that you will lose in the end.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Isn’t this just another tax?” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ text_orientation=”justify” z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” text_text_align=”justify”]<\/p>\n
Isn’t this effectively just another tax?<\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen is a tax not a tax? When it\u2019s called the <\/span>Rundfunkbeitrag <\/span><\/i>of course!<\/span>
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<\/span>This has been an ongoing debate for years. Reforms were made to the law in 2013 to make this charge payable by all households, regardless of whether or not they own media devices.<\/span>
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<\/span>Following this change, it was taken all the way to the Federal Constitutional Court in Germany, the <\/span>Bundesverfassungsgericht <\/span><\/i>in Karlsruhe. First, to protest that the forced payment of a licence fee was\u00a0 <\/span>unconstitutional<\/span><\/a>, and then again to protest that it <\/span>constitutes a tax<\/span><\/a> because everyone is forced to pay it.<\/span>
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<\/span>Sounds fair enough, right? Surely any forced transfer of money from a citizen to a state-run institution can reasonably be considered to be a tax.<\/span>
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<\/span>Ah, but no. It\u2019s not a tax\u2026<\/span>
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<\/span>Two essential arguments were put before the <\/span>Bundesverfassungsgericht<\/span><\/i> (the highest court in Germany): <\/span><\/p>\nFirstly, that the fee is collected separately from income tax, as a way to give public broadcasting companies their independence. <\/span><\/p>\nSecondly, it was argued that if a household can <\/span>theoretically <\/span><\/i>receive this service then they can also <\/span>theoretically <\/span><\/i>consume it, even if they make the choice not to.<\/span>
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<\/span>On this basis, it was declared that the charges are not unconstitutional and thus, paying the <\/span>Rundfunkbeitrag <\/span><\/i>in Germany<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/i>is not an optional choice.<\/span>
<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.0.7″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.7″][et_pb_code admin_label=”LINGODA” _builder_version=”4.4.2″ text_orientation=”center”]![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.tqlkg.com\/image-9095601-13075469\")
<\/a>[\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Why is it so unpopular?” _builder_version=”4.4.3″ text_orientation=”justify” z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” text_text_align=”justify”]<\/p>\nWhy is it so unpopular?<\/strong><\/h2>\nPayment is compulsory, even if you don\u2019t consume their content<\/strong><\/h3>\nIt seems like a logical argument: why pay for the <\/span>Rundfunkbeitrag<\/span><\/i> if it\u2019s something you never use?<\/span>
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<\/span>There are arguments for and against this. Not everybody uses libraries for example, but they are funded through taxation and are seen as a service which is generally there for the public good.<\/span>
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<\/span>However, libraries have no substitute, for-profit services as an alternative ( i.e. a commercial service for borrowing books and recorded media). Therefore the vast majority of people do not object to funding public libraries through taxation. Whereas on the other hand, there are numerous commercial providers of television channels and on-demand services.<\/span>
<\/span><\/p>\nDespite this fee, these channels still run commercials<\/strong>
<\/span><\/h3>\nYou would think, having paid \u20ac200 per year for public service broadcasting, that content would come to you without the annoyance of commercial breaks.<\/span>
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<\/span>You would be wrong.<\/span>
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<\/span>So maybe the commercial breaks are not as long as they are on private broadcasters such as Pro7 and RTL. Nonetheless, there are still frequent breaks for adverts on public service TV and radio.<\/span><\/p>\nBy international standards, German public service TV is poor quality<\/strong><\/h3>\nJudging a product to be good or bad is always something of a subjective argument. Nonetheless, I have tried to objectively argue that compared to the BBC, German public service broadcasting costs the taxpayer more and is inferior in quality (see next section).<\/span><\/p>\nI don\u2019t expect too many people who have experienced both of them to put forward a solid counterargument.<\/span>
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<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Let’s compare with the BBC” _builder_version=”4.4.3″ text_orientation=”justify” z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” text_text_align=”justify”]<\/p>\n
Let’s compare with the BBC<\/strong><\/h2>\nSo, I think it\u2019s fair to say that I am not a huge fan of the <\/span>Rundfunkbeitrag<\/span><\/i>. Allow me to justify this view with a simple comparison against the BBC.<\/span>
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<\/span>The BBC is a respected public broadcaster, whose programmes and content are exported to all corners of the world. It is also funded by an <\/span>annual licence fee<\/span><\/a> of \u00a3147 (around \u20ac164), paid by the general public. Any household in the UK that watches live television, or has access to BBC content online, must pay the licence fee.<\/span>
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<\/span>Aside from the quality of the programming and the lower price, however, there are 2 key differences.<\/span><\/p>\n1.<\/span>People who don’t watch live television, or who haven’t signed up to the BBC’s online services, are not forced to pay the licence fee. You can easily opt out. It is also free for anybody over the age of 75.<\/p>\n2. Radio and TV programmes broadcast by the BBC aren’t interrupted by commercials from private advertisers. The only commercial breaks occur between programmes, and consist of one or two short adverts for upcoming BBC programmes.<\/span>
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<\/span>So, in summary, the BBC offers better programming, at a lower cost to the licence fee payer, and with no commercial advertisement breaks in their programming.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Make sure to deregister” _builder_version=”4.4.3″ text_orientation=”justify” z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” text_text_align=”justify”]<\/p>\n
Make sure to deregister when you leave!<\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen you leave Germany, make sure that you deregister <\/span>(Abmelden) <\/span><\/i>with the <\/span>Rundfunkbeitrag <\/span><\/i>service <\/span>before you leave<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>
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<\/span>I know someone who lived here, moved back to the US, and then returned to Germany almost 3 years later. Because she never de-registered from the <\/span>Rundfunkbeitrag<\/span><\/i>, they came after her for three years\u2019 worth of back payments.<\/span>
<\/span>
<\/span>Even though she could prove that she was not physically in the country at that time.<\/span><\/p>\nIs this madness or sheer extortion?<\/span><\/p>\nYou choose.<\/span><\/p>\nJust make sure you avoid this and be sure to <\/span>de-register<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>
<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.5.7″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#f8f8f8″ width=”80%” width_tablet=”60%” width_phone=”90%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”2vw||||false|false” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” border_width_all=”1px” global_module=”47539″ saved_tabs=”all”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.5.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”|auto|0px|auto|false|false” custom_padding=”1vw||0vw||false|false”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.5.7″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”1vw||1vw||true|false”]<\/p>\n
Looking for helpful content on another topic?<\/h4>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.5.7″ width=”100%” custom_margin=”1vw||2vw||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|50px|0px|50px|false|false”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.26.3″ custom_padding=”|15px||15px|false|false”][et_pb_blurb title=”FINDING A JOB” url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/finding-a-job\/” image=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/finding-a-job-1.png” alt=”finding a job in germany” image_max_width=”40%” admin_label=”Finding a Job” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ header_font_size=”16px” background_enable_color=”off” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|10px||10px|false|true” custom_padding=”5px|10px|5px|10px|true|true” link_option_url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/finding-a-job\/” z_index_tablet=”500″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#4d4d4d” background_color__hover=”rgba(251,219,71,0.5)” background_enable_color__hover=”on” background__hover_enabled=”on|hover”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.26.3″ custom_padding=”|15px||15px|false|false”][et_pb_blurb title=”RESIDENCE PERMITS” url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/visas-residence-permits\/” image=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/visas-and-residence-permits.png” alt=”visas and residence permits” image_max_width=”40%” admin_label=”Visas” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ header_font_size=”16px” background_enable_color=”off” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|10px||10px|false|true” custom_padding=”5px|10px|5px|10px|true|true” link_option_url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/visas-residence-permits\/” z_index_tablet=”500″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#4d4d4d” background_enable_color__hover=”on” background__hover_enabled=”on|hover”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.26.3″ custom_padding=”|15px||15px|false|false”][et_pb_blurb title=”%22HOW TO%22 GUIDES” url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/how-to-guides\/” image=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/how-to-articles.png” alt=”how to articles” image_max_width=”40%” admin_label=”How to Articles” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ header_font_size=”16px” background_enable_color=”off” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|10px||10px|false|true” custom_padding=”5px|10px|5px|10px|true|true” link_option_url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/how-to-guides\/” z_index_tablet=”500″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#4d4d4d” background_enable_color__hover=”on” background__hover_enabled=”on|hover”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.5.7″ width=”100%” custom_margin=”0vw|auto|0vw|auto|true|false” custom_padding=”0px|50px|2vw|50px|false|false”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.26.3″ custom_padding=”|15px||15px|false|false”][et_pb_blurb title=”LIFE IN GERMANY” url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/life-in-germany\/” image=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/life-in-germany.png” alt=”life in germany” image_max_width=”40%” admin_label=”Life in Germany” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ header_font_size=”16px” background_enable_color=”off” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|10px||10px|false|true” custom_padding=”5px|10px|5px|10px|true|true” link_option_url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/life-in-germany\/” z_index_tablet=”500″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#4d4d4d” background_enable_color__hover=”on” background__hover_enabled=”on|hover”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.26.3″ custom_padding=”|15px||15px|false|false”][et_pb_blurb title=”HEALTHCARE” url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/healthcare\/” image=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/healthcare.png” alt=”health insurance in Germany” image_max_width=”40%” admin_label=”Healthcare” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ header_font_size=”16px” background_enable_color=”off” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|10px||10px|false|true” custom_padding=”5px|10px|5px|10px|true|true” link_option_url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/healthcare\/” z_index_tablet=”500″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#4d4d4d” background_enable_color__hover=”on” background__hover_enabled=”on|hover”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.26.3″ custom_padding=”|15px||15px|false|false”][et_pb_blurb title=”HOUSING” url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/housing\/” image=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/housing.png” alt=”apartments in Germany” image_max_width=”40%” admin_label=”Housing” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ header_font_size=”16px” background_enable_color=”off” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|10px||10px|false|true” custom_padding=”5px|10px|5px|10px|true|true” link_option_url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/housing\/” z_index_tablet=”500″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#4d4d4d” background_enable_color__hover=”on” background__hover_enabled=”on|hover”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
It’s one of the most controversial topics in everyday German life. It affects pretty much every expat who moves here. And we\u2019re going to explain why, unfortunately, you have little chance of avoiding it… \u00a0 What is the Rundfunkbeitrag\u00a0in Germany?\u00a0Explaining the public service media tax The Rundfunkbeitrag is a licence fee for public service broadcasting. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":47780,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"\u00a0\r\n
What Is The\u00a0Rundfunkbeitrag\u00a0<\/em>And Why Do I Have To Pay It?<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nWe take a look here at one of the most controversial topics in everyday German life...we are going to examine what is the Rundfunkbeitrag\u00a0<\/strong>and explain why you have little choice but to pay it.\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nBefore you read the article, a quick call-to-action! Please subscribe to us on YouTube<\/strong><\/a> if you would like to see new videos when we upload them. We will add new content every couple of weeks. Thanks! :-)<\/em>\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\nBackground<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe Rundfunkbeitrag<\/em> is most simply described as a\u00a0licence fee for public service broadcasting.\r\n\r\nIt covers the cost of producing radio and TV programmes, as well as some of the offshoot services, from the TV stations ARD (Das Erste) and ZDF (Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen) and Deutschlandradio.\r\n\r\nThis also includes the regional TV and radio broadcasters such as SWR, HR, BR, RBB, NDR, MDR, WDR etc, which are also publicly funded bodies.\r\n\r\nIn some circles you may hear the Rundfunkbeitrag<\/em> referred to as GEZ<\/em>, which is the previous name this fee went by pre-changes to the law which came into force at the beginning of 2013 which determined legally since then why you have to pay the Rundfunkbeitrag<\/em>. However, searching online for \"what is the GEZ\" rather than \"what is the Rundfunkbeitrag\" will throw up outdated information.\r\n\r\nYou will typically receive a letter from the authorities responsible for administering payment, asking you to register within a few weeks of your arrival in Germany, They know who you are and where you live because they are allowed to access information from municipal citizen registration offices (Anmeldungen<\/em> or
It funds the production of radio, TV, and other services from the broadcasters ARD (Das Erste), ZDF (Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen) and Deutschlandradio.<\/span> Within a few weeks of your arrival, you’ll typically receive a letter from the authorities asking you to register for it. They’ll know who you are and where you live because they have access to information from municipal citizen registration offices (<\/span>Anmeldungen <\/span><\/i>or <\/span>Einwohnermeldungen<\/span><\/i>).<\/span><\/p>\n After you\u2019ve done your Anmeldung<\/a>, fumbled through getting some <\/span>health insurance<\/span><\/a>, opened a <\/span>bank account<\/span><\/a>, got a <\/span>German SIM card<\/span><\/a> and got some <\/span>personal liability insurance<\/span><\/a>, \u2013 (deep breath) \u2013 this will most likely be the next <\/span>bureaucratic hassle<\/span><\/a> that will occupy your time.<\/span> Save<\/span>Save<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.26.6″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”How does it work?” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ text_orientation=”justify” hover_enabled=”0″ z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” text_text_align=”justify”]<\/p>\n The fee is payable in quarterly instalments. Since 1st April 2015, this fee has been set at \u20ac17.50 per month. It is levied per household, and not per person, which is one of the few saving graces of the system.<\/span> My tip here would be: Don\u2019t be the chump who ends up being the bill payer.<\/span><\/p>\n Save<\/span>Save<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.4.2″][et_pb_code admin_label=”Ad winSIM” _builder_version=”4.4.2″ text_orientation=”center”] If you choose to ignore the correspondence from the Rundfunkbeitragsservice, usually the process is as follows:<\/span> There’s a very long thread over on the Toytown Germany forum<\/a> which I used to summarise the above information. It’s a fantastic reference, although it is over 40 pages worth of posts. The thread also extensively charts some of the personal experiences of expats who have fought the system and refused to pay the Rundfunkbeitrag in Germany.<\/span><\/p>\n Whilst I definitely would not condone or recommend this, I take my hat off to them for their stance against what seems to be an overpriced, poor quality product which we’re forced to pay for whether we want to or not.<\/p>\n Essentially, if you are only going to stay in Germany for a few months (a semester at a German university, for example), and do not plan living here again, then you can probably get away with not paying without any serious consequences.<\/p>\n For any other circumstances, it\u2019s probably not worth the stress fighting the system because it is highly likely that you will lose in the end.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Isn’t this just another tax?” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ text_orientation=”justify” z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” text_text_align=”justify”]<\/p>\n When is a tax not a tax? When it\u2019s called the <\/span>Rundfunkbeitrag <\/span><\/i>of course!<\/span> Firstly, that the fee is collected separately from income tax, as a way to give public broadcasting companies their independence. <\/span><\/p>\n Secondly, it was argued that if a household can <\/span>theoretically <\/span><\/i>receive this service then they can also <\/span>theoretically <\/span><\/i>consume it, even if they make the choice not to.<\/span> [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.0.7″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.7″][et_pb_code admin_label=”LINGODA” _builder_version=”4.4.2″ text_orientation=”center”] It seems like a logical argument: why pay for the <\/span>Rundfunkbeitrag<\/span><\/i> if it\u2019s something you never use?<\/span> You would think, having paid \u20ac200 per year for public service broadcasting, that content would come to you without the annoyance of commercial breaks.<\/span> Judging a product to be good or bad is always something of a subjective argument. Nonetheless, I have tried to objectively argue that compared to the BBC, German public service broadcasting costs the taxpayer more and is inferior in quality (see next section).<\/span><\/p>\n I don\u2019t expect too many people who have experienced both of them to put forward a solid counterargument.<\/span> [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Let’s compare with the BBC” _builder_version=”4.4.3″ text_orientation=”justify” z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” text_text_align=”justify”]<\/p>\n So, I think it\u2019s fair to say that I am not a huge fan of the <\/span>Rundfunkbeitrag<\/span><\/i>. Allow me to justify this view with a simple comparison against the BBC.<\/span> 1.<\/span>People who don’t watch live television, or who haven’t signed up to the BBC’s online services, are not forced to pay the licence fee. You can easily opt out. It is also free for anybody over the age of 75.<\/p>\n 2. Radio and TV programmes broadcast by the BBC aren’t interrupted by commercials from private advertisers. The only commercial breaks occur between programmes, and consist of one or two short adverts for upcoming BBC programmes.<\/span> [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Make sure to deregister” _builder_version=”4.4.3″ text_orientation=”justify” z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” text_text_align=”justify”]<\/p>\n When you leave Germany, make sure that you deregister <\/span>(Abmelden) <\/span><\/i>with the <\/span>Rundfunkbeitrag <\/span><\/i>service <\/span>before you leave<\/span><\/a>.<\/span> Is this madness or sheer extortion?<\/span><\/p>\n You choose.<\/span><\/p>\n Just make sure you avoid this and be sure to <\/span>de-register<\/span><\/a>.<\/span> [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.5.7″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#f8f8f8″ width=”80%” width_tablet=”60%” width_phone=”90%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”2vw||||false|false” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” border_width_all=”1px” global_module=”47539″ saved_tabs=”all”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.5.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”|auto|0px|auto|false|false” custom_padding=”1vw||0vw||false|false”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.5.7″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”1vw||1vw||true|false”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.5.7″ width=”100%” custom_margin=”1vw||2vw||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|50px|0px|50px|false|false”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.26.3″ custom_padding=”|15px||15px|false|false”][et_pb_blurb title=”FINDING A JOB” url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/finding-a-job\/” image=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/finding-a-job-1.png” alt=”finding a job in germany” image_max_width=”40%” admin_label=”Finding a Job” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ header_font_size=”16px” background_enable_color=”off” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|10px||10px|false|true” custom_padding=”5px|10px|5px|10px|true|true” link_option_url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/finding-a-job\/” z_index_tablet=”500″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#4d4d4d” background_color__hover=”rgba(251,219,71,0.5)” background_enable_color__hover=”on” background__hover_enabled=”on|hover”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.26.3″ custom_padding=”|15px||15px|false|false”][et_pb_blurb title=”RESIDENCE PERMITS” url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/visas-residence-permits\/” image=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/visas-and-residence-permits.png” alt=”visas and residence permits” image_max_width=”40%” admin_label=”Visas” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ header_font_size=”16px” background_enable_color=”off” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|10px||10px|false|true” custom_padding=”5px|10px|5px|10px|true|true” link_option_url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/visas-residence-permits\/” z_index_tablet=”500″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#4d4d4d” background_enable_color__hover=”on” background__hover_enabled=”on|hover”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.26.3″ custom_padding=”|15px||15px|false|false”][et_pb_blurb title=”%22HOW TO%22 GUIDES” url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/how-to-guides\/” image=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/how-to-articles.png” alt=”how to articles” image_max_width=”40%” admin_label=”How to Articles” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ header_font_size=”16px” background_enable_color=”off” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|10px||10px|false|true” custom_padding=”5px|10px|5px|10px|true|true” link_option_url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/how-to-guides\/” z_index_tablet=”500″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#4d4d4d” background_enable_color__hover=”on” background__hover_enabled=”on|hover”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.5.7″ width=”100%” custom_margin=”0vw|auto|0vw|auto|true|false” custom_padding=”0px|50px|2vw|50px|false|false”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.26.3″ custom_padding=”|15px||15px|false|false”][et_pb_blurb title=”LIFE IN GERMANY” url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/life-in-germany\/” image=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/life-in-germany.png” alt=”life in germany” image_max_width=”40%” admin_label=”Life in Germany” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ header_font_size=”16px” background_enable_color=”off” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|10px||10px|false|true” custom_padding=”5px|10px|5px|10px|true|true” link_option_url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/life-in-germany\/” z_index_tablet=”500″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#4d4d4d” background_enable_color__hover=”on” background__hover_enabled=”on|hover”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.26.3″ custom_padding=”|15px||15px|false|false”][et_pb_blurb title=”HEALTHCARE” url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/healthcare\/” image=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/healthcare.png” alt=”health insurance in Germany” image_max_width=”40%” admin_label=”Healthcare” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ header_font_size=”16px” background_enable_color=”off” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|10px||10px|false|true” custom_padding=”5px|10px|5px|10px|true|true” link_option_url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/healthcare\/” z_index_tablet=”500″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#4d4d4d” background_enable_color__hover=”on” background__hover_enabled=”on|hover”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.26.3″ custom_padding=”|15px||15px|false|false”][et_pb_blurb title=”HOUSING” url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/housing\/” image=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/housing.png” alt=”apartments in Germany” image_max_width=”40%” admin_label=”Housing” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ header_font_size=”16px” background_enable_color=”off” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|10px||10px|false|true” custom_padding=”5px|10px|5px|10px|true|true” link_option_url=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/blog\/housing\/” z_index_tablet=”500″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#4d4d4d” background_enable_color__hover=”on” background__hover_enabled=”on|hover”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" It’s one of the most controversial topics in everyday German life. It affects pretty much every expat who moves here. And we\u2019re going to explain why, unfortunately, you have little chance of avoiding it… \u00a0 What is the Rundfunkbeitrag\u00a0in Germany?\u00a0Explaining the public service media tax The Rundfunkbeitrag is a licence fee for public service broadcasting. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":47780,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"\u00a0\r\n
<\/strong>The <\/span>Rundfunkbeitrag <\/span><\/i>is a licence fee for public service broadcasting.<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/span>
<\/span>This also includes the regional TV and radio broadcasters such as SWR, HR, BR, RBB, NDR, MDR, WDR etc, which are also publicly funded bodies.<\/span>
<\/span>
<\/span>In some circles you may hear the Rundfunkbeitrag referred to as GEZ. This was the previous name for this fee, prior to 2013, when some changes to the law were made. It also follows why you have no choice but to pay the Rundfunkbeitrag in Germany.<\/span>
<\/span>
<\/span>Be aware that searching online for \u201cGEZ\u201d rather than \u201cRundfunkbeitrag\u201d will throw up outdated information.<\/span>
<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/span>How do they know who I am and where I live?<\/b><\/h2>\n
<\/span><\/p>\nHow does the Rundfunkbeitrag work?<\/b><\/h2>\n
<\/span>
<\/span>It\u2019s probably best to let the Rundfunkbeitragsservice explain it though.<\/span>
<\/span>
<\/span>Their <\/span>downloadable guide<\/span><\/a> in English is actually a very good overview of how it works. It explains in simple language what the Rundfunkbeitrag in Germany is, and how it’s administered.<\/span>
<\/span>
<\/span>Any household is legally obliged to pay this quarterly fee, regardless of whether or not you watch the TV channels or listen to the radio stations covered by it. The Rundfunkbeitrag<\/span> also covers online media consumption via on-demand services such as media players, podcasts and streaming services.<\/span>
<\/span>
<\/span>Shared households (Wohngemeinschaften) are only required to pay this once per household, so 4 students living together for example would only be liable for paying the fee once. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/a> [\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”What if you don’t pay?” _builder_version=”4.5.7″ text_orientation=”justify” hover_enabled=”0″ z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” text_text_align=”justify”]<\/p>\nWhat happens if I don’t pay it?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/span>
<\/span>You will receive numerous reminders to register, which will ultimately result in them forcibly registering you and assigning a number to your case. You will then receive demands for payment, which will have late fees added to them if you don\u2019t pay. If you ignore these, your case will be referred to a collection agency who will then pursue the payment through the legal channels available to them.<\/span>
<\/span>
<\/span>Ultimately, they will give your case to a bailiff. If you continue to refuse to pay, or do not allow the bailiff access to your apartment, then they may freeze your bank account and take what is owed plus any administration fees they have incurred for collecting the money.<\/span><\/p>\n
Can I get away with not paying it?<\/b>
<\/span><\/h2>\nIsn’t this effectively just another tax?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/span>
<\/span>This has been an ongoing debate for years. Reforms were made to the law in 2013 to make this charge payable by all households, regardless of whether or not they own media devices.<\/span>
<\/span>
<\/span>Following this change, it was taken all the way to the Federal Constitutional Court in Germany, the <\/span>Bundesverfassungsgericht <\/span><\/i>in Karlsruhe. First, to protest that the forced payment of a licence fee was\u00a0 <\/span>unconstitutional<\/span><\/a>, and then again to protest that it <\/span>constitutes a tax<\/span><\/a> because everyone is forced to pay it.<\/span>
<\/span>
<\/span>Sounds fair enough, right? Surely any forced transfer of money from a citizen to a state-run institution can reasonably be considered to be a tax.<\/span>
<\/span>
<\/span>Ah, but no. It\u2019s not a tax\u2026<\/span>
<\/span>
<\/span>Two essential arguments were put before the <\/span>Bundesverfassungsgericht<\/span><\/i> (the highest court in Germany): <\/span><\/p>\n
<\/span>
<\/span>On this basis, it was declared that the charges are not unconstitutional and thus, paying the <\/span>Rundfunkbeitrag <\/span><\/i>in Germany<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/i>is not an optional choice.<\/span>
<\/span><\/p>\n<\/a>[\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Why is it so unpopular?” _builder_version=”4.4.3″ text_orientation=”justify” z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” text_text_align=”justify”]<\/p>\n
Why is it so unpopular?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Payment is compulsory, even if you don\u2019t consume their content<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/span>
<\/span>There are arguments for and against this. Not everybody uses libraries for example, but they are funded through taxation and are seen as a service which is generally there for the public good.<\/span>
<\/span>
<\/span>However, libraries have no substitute, for-profit services as an alternative ( i.e. a commercial service for borrowing books and recorded media). Therefore the vast majority of people do not object to funding public libraries through taxation. Whereas on the other hand, there are numerous commercial providers of television channels and on-demand services.<\/span>
<\/span><\/p>\nDespite this fee, these channels still run commercials<\/strong>
<\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/span>
<\/span>You would be wrong.<\/span>
<\/span>
<\/span>So maybe the commercial breaks are not as long as they are on private broadcasters such as Pro7 and RTL. Nonetheless, there are still frequent breaks for adverts on public service TV and radio.<\/span><\/p>\nBy international standards, German public service TV is poor quality<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/span>
<\/span><\/p>\nLet’s compare with the BBC<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/span>
<\/span>The BBC is a respected public broadcaster, whose programmes and content are exported to all corners of the world. It is also funded by an <\/span>annual licence fee<\/span><\/a> of \u00a3147 (around \u20ac164), paid by the general public. Any household in the UK that watches live television, or has access to BBC content online, must pay the licence fee.<\/span>
<\/span>
<\/span>Aside from the quality of the programming and the lower price, however, there are 2 key differences.<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/span>
<\/span>So, in summary, the BBC offers better programming, at a lower cost to the licence fee payer, and with no commercial advertisement breaks in their programming.<\/span><\/p>\nMake sure to deregister when you leave!<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/span>
<\/span>I know someone who lived here, moved back to the US, and then returned to Germany almost 3 years later. Because she never de-registered from the <\/span>Rundfunkbeitrag<\/span><\/i>, they came after her for three years\u2019 worth of back payments.<\/span>
<\/span>
<\/span>Even though she could prove that she was not physically in the country at that time.<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/span><\/p>\nLooking for helpful content on another topic?<\/h4>\n
What Is The\u00a0Rundfunkbeitrag\u00a0<\/em>And Why Do I Have To Pay It?<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nWe take a look here at one of the most controversial topics in everyday German life...we are going to examine what is the Rundfunkbeitrag\u00a0<\/strong>and explain why you have little choice but to pay it.\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nBefore you read the article, a quick call-to-action! Please subscribe to us on YouTube<\/strong><\/a> if you would like to see new videos when we upload them. We will add new content every couple of weeks. Thanks! :-)<\/em>\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n
Background<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe Rundfunkbeitrag<\/em> is most simply described as a\u00a0licence fee for public service broadcasting.\r\n\r\nIt covers the cost of producing radio and TV programmes, as well as some of the offshoot services, from the TV stations ARD (Das Erste) and ZDF (Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen) and Deutschlandradio.\r\n\r\nThis also includes the regional TV and radio broadcasters such as SWR, HR, BR, RBB, NDR, MDR, WDR etc, which are also publicly funded bodies.\r\n\r\nIn some circles you may hear the Rundfunkbeitrag<\/em> referred to as GEZ<\/em>, which is the previous name this fee went by pre-changes to the law which came into force at the beginning of 2013 which determined legally since then why you have to pay the Rundfunkbeitrag<\/em>. However, searching online for \"what is the GEZ\" rather than \"what is the Rundfunkbeitrag\" will throw up outdated information.\r\n\r\nYou will typically receive a letter from the authorities responsible for administering payment, asking you to register within a few weeks of your arrival in Germany, They know who you are and where you live because they are allowed to access information from municipal citizen registration offices (Anmeldungen<\/em> or