====== Broadcasting contribution for a private room or shared flat ======

For the German broadcasting contribution, the key question is whether your room counts as a separate dwelling or forms part of a shared flat behind one shared entrance door. Check the actual layout first and use only the official Beitragsservice for registration, deregistration or an exemption.

===== Does my room count as a separate dwelling? =====

  * **Room opening directly onto a generally accessible corridor:** the room generally counts as a separate dwelling. The contribution is payable for the room even if the kitchen or bathroom is shared.
  * **Several rooms behind one shared entrance door:** the unit is generally treated as a shared flat. One adult pays for the dwelling; the flatmates can share the cost internally.

<WRAP ww-note ww-note-official>
**Official classification**

The [[https://www.rundfunkbeitrag.de/welcome/english/students-and-apprentices|Beitragsservice information for students and trainees]] explains the current distinction.
</WRAP>

===== Amount & payment cycle =====

The current calculation is **€18.36 per month and dwelling**. The statutory payment is collected for three months at a time, amounting to **€55.08**; other advance-payment cycles are also available. Ordinary monthly payment is not offered.

[[https://www.rundfunkbeitrag.de/buergerinnen-und-buerger/informationen/zahlung|Open current Beitragsservice payment information (German)]]

===== In a shared flat =====

If one person is already registered for the shared dwelling, the other residents can deregister using that person's contribution number. Share the number only within the flat and never publicly.

===== Exemption or reduction =====

Students receiving BAföG who do not live with their parents can apply for an exemption. Beitragsservice assesses further exceptions and hardship cases from the application and evidence; exemption is not automatic.

[[https://www.rundfunkbeitrag.de/welcome/english/students-and-apprentices|Check exemption information with Beitragsservice]]

===== What you can do now =====

  - Check whether your room opens directly onto a generally accessible corridor or lies behind one shared entrance door.
  - In a shared flat, find out whether a contribution account already exists for the dwelling.
  - Use the appropriate official form for registration, deregistration or exemption.

<WRAP ww-related>
===== Related pages =====

  * [[en:einzug:2_2_vor_dem_einzug|Prepare before moving in]]
  * [[en:hilfe:beratung|Advice for financial or personal concerns]]
  * [[en:hilfe:wichtige_stellen|Important official services]]
</WRAP>