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.

• 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.

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.

Open current Beitragsservice payment information (German)

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.

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.

Check exemption information with Beitragsservice

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