Rundfunkbeitrag for students: who pays in a shared flat?
Short answer: Germany's broadcasting fee is €18.36 a month per household, not per person, usually billed as €55.08 every three months. In a shared flat, one person registers and pays; the others tell the fee service that the flat is already registered, and you split the cost among yourselves.
What it is
The Rundfunkbeitrag (often still called "GEZ") funds public broadcasting in Germany. It is charged per dwelling, whether or not you own a TV or radio. If you live in Germany and have your own flat or a room in a shared flat, it applies to you.
How much and how often
| Payment rhythm | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly equivalent | €18.36 |
| Every 3 months (standard) | €55.08 |
| Every 6 months | €110.16 |
| Once a year | €220.32 |
Source: ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice. The fee service says the €18.36 amount applies until further notice.
Shared flat (WG): how to do it
- Agree who registers. One person registers the flat online at rundfunkbeitrag.de and receives a 9-digit contribution number (Beitragsnummer).
- Everyone else reports that the flat is already covered, giving that contribution number. This stops letters and bills addressed to you personally.
- Split the cost privately, for example €4.59 a month each in a flat of four.
- When the paying person moves out, the contribution number belongs to that person, not to the flat. Someone else must take over the registration, or the flat is suddenly unregistered and letters start again.
You got a letter: what now?
After your address registration (Anmeldung), the fee service receives your data and writes to you. Do not ignore it: unanswered letters can lead to a registration made on your behalf and to reminders with extra fees. Answer online with either your own registration or the contribution number of the flatmate who already pays.
Exemptions
Exemptions and reductions exist for people receiving certain social benefits (for example BAföG for students who don't live with their parents) and must be applied for; they are not automatic. Most international students don't receive these benefits, so the exemption rarely applies, but check if you do.
Next step in order: the first 90 days checklist.