What does Rundfunkbeitrag mean?
The Rundfunkbeitrag (broadcasting fee) is a regular fee for public radio and television. It is paid per home, not per person.
der Rundfunkbeitrag · die Rundfunkbeiträge (plural)
It is compulsory, even if you have no TV and no radio.
In a home, only one person pays. The others give the Beitragsservice that person's Beitragsnummer.
People who receive certain social benefits can be exempted if they apply. With some disabilities, you pay less.
If you do not pay, the broadcasting authority sets the fee by Bescheid. A Säumniszuschlag (late payment surcharge) is added.
Example sentence
Für Ihre Wohnung ist ein Rundfunkbeitrag zu zahlen.
A Rundfunkbeitrag must be paid for your home.
What you can do
Apply for an exemption as soon as you receive a qualifying benefit.
Related words
- Beitragsservice The Beitragsservice collects the Rundfunkbeitrag (broadcasting fee) for ARD, ZDF and Deutschlandradio.
- Beitragsnummer The Beitragsnummer (contribution number) is your number at the Beitragsservice, which collects the Rundfunkbeitrag.
- Säumniszuschlag A Säumniszuschlag (late payment surcharge) is an extra charge for paying a tax or a contribution late.
- Widerspruch With a Widerspruch, you tell the office: I do not agree with this Bescheid.