What is the German broadcasting fee and how much is it in 2026?

The German broadcasting fee (formerly GEZ fee) funds public broadcasting in Germany. Since 2021, it is €18.36 per month per household (€55.08 per quarter, €220.32 per year). This amount remains unchanged in 2025 and 2026. The fee applies regardless of whether you own a TV, radio, or have internet access.

Who can be exempted from the broadcasting fee?

Full exemption is available for recipients of: Citizen's Benefit (ALG II), basic income support, social welfare, asylum seeker benefits, BAföG (full grant), and vocational training allowance. Also deafblind persons and those with severe sensory impairment. Persons with Marker RF in their disability ID receive a reduction to one third (€6.12/month).

I don't own a TV — do I still have to pay?

Yes. Since the reform in 2013, the broadcasting fee is charged per household, not per device. It doesn't matter if you own a TV, radio, or computer. Every household must pay — unless an exemption reason exists.

What is Marker RF and who qualifies?

Marker RF ("broadcasting fee exemption") is entered in the disability ID card. It's granted to persons who cannot participate in public events due to their disability — typically with a degree of disability (GdB) of at least 80 plus additional conditions. Blind and deaf persons usually receive it automatically. With Marker RF, you pay only one third: €6.12 instead of €18.36 per month.

How do I apply for an exemption?

Submit the application to the ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice. You can fill out the form online at rundfunkbeitrag.de or send it by mail. You need: your contribution number (on every invoice), current proof (e.g., approval notice, not older than 3 months), and a copy of your ID card. Processing usually takes 4 to 6 weeks.

Is the exemption retroactive?

Yes, the exemption can be applied retroactively for up to 3 years if the exemption reason already existed at that time. You must prove that you were eligible at the time in question. Already paid fees will be refunded. Important: The exemption reason must have existed continuously.

How does the broadcasting fee work in a shared flat?

In a shared flat (WG), only one broadcasting fee is due per household. One person registers as the fee payer, the other roommates are automatically covered. Internally, costs can be split equally: with 2 people €9.18 each, with 3 people €6.12 each, with 4 people €4.59 each per month. There's no obligation to split — it's a private arrangement.

Do I have to pay double for a second home?

No. Since the Constitutional Court ruling of 2018, no additional broadcasting fee is charged for a secondary residence. Requirement: A fee is already registered for the primary residence. You need to apply for exemption for the secondary residence and provide the contribution number of your primary residence.

What happens if I don't pay the broadcasting fee?

Non-payment triggers a multi-step process: First a payment reminder, then a formal notice with late payment surcharge (1% of overdue amount, minimum €8). If still unpaid, enforcement follows — the fee service can enforce directly without a court judgment. This can lead to bank account seizure, bailiff visits, or an entry in the debtor register.

Can I appeal the broadcasting fee?

Yes, you can appeal a formal notice within one month. The appeal must be submitted in writing to the fee service and must be justified. If rejected, you can file a lawsuit at the administrative court. However, lawsuits against the broadcasting fee itself have not been successful — the Constitutional Court confirmed its constitutionality in 2018.

Broadcasting Fee with Disability: Marker RF Explained | Broadcasting Fee Calculator

Broadcasting Fee with Disability: Marker RF Explained

People with severe disabilities may qualify for a significant reduction in the broadcasting fee — from €18.36 to just €6.12 per month. The key is "Merkzeichen RF" (marker RF) in the disability ID card. But understanding who qualifies, how to get marker RF, and how to apply for the reduction requires navigating some bureaucratic complexity. This guide walks you through it.

What Is Marker RF?

Merkzeichen RF stands for "Rundfunkgebührenbefreiung" (broadcasting fee exemption) — though today it results in a reduction rather than full exemption. It's a marker entered in the Schwerbehindertenausweis (severe disability ID card) indicating that the holder cannot participate in public events due to their disability.

With marker RF, you pay only one-third of the broadcasting fee: €6.12/month instead of €18.36/month. This saves €147.84 per year — or €1,478 over 10 years.

Who Qualifies for Marker RF?

Marker RF is granted to people who, due to their disability, are permanently unable to participate in public events. The criteria have been tightened over the years. Currently, you qualify if you are blind or have a visual impairment with GdB (degree of disability) of at least 60 for vision, deaf or have a hearing impairment with GdB of at least 50 for hearing, or have a GdB of at least 80 AND are unable to attend public events due to the disability (this must be specifically documented).

Important: a high GdB alone is NOT sufficient. You must specifically be unable to participate in public events. A person with a GdB of 100 due to a heart condition who can still attend events would not receive marker RF. A person with a GdB of 80 who is wheelchair-bound and cannot access most public venues might qualify.

How to Get Marker RF

If you don't already have marker RF in your disability ID, follow these steps. If you already have a Schwerbehindertenausweis: Apply for a change (Änderungsantrag) at your local Versorgungsamt or the authority responsible for disability matters in your Bundesland. Attach current medical documentation supporting why you cannot attend public events.

If you don't have a disability ID yet: Apply for a Schwerbehindertenausweis at your local Versorgungsamt. Include all relevant medical documentation and specifically request assessment for Merkzeichen RF. Processing time: 3-6 months (sometimes longer). You can appeal (Widerspruch) if marker RF is denied.

Applying for the Broadcasting Fee Reduction

Once you have marker RF in your disability ID, apply for the fee reduction. Submit the application form (available at rundfunkbeitrag.de), a copy of both sides of your Schwerbehindertenausweis showing Merkzeichen RF, and your Beitragsnummer.

The reduction begins from the month of application (or earlier if applied retroactively). Processing takes 4-6 weeks. The reduction is valid for as long as your disability ID with marker RF is valid.

Full Exemption for Deafblind Persons

People who are both deaf and blind (taubblind) qualify for full exemption — not just reduction. This applies regardless of whether they have marker RF. Submit proof of deafblindness (medical documentation or disability ID showing both conditions) to the Beitragsservice.

Severely Impaired Persons Without Marker RF

If you have a severe disability but don't qualify for marker RF, you may still be eligible for exemption through other channels. If your disability prevents you from working and you receive Grundsicherung bei Erwerbsminderung, you qualify for full exemption through the social benefit route. If you live in a care facility with costs covered by social assistance, you may qualify for exemption as a care facility resident.

Combining Reduction with Other Benefits

If you have marker RF AND receive a qualifying social benefit (e.g., Grundsicherung), you qualify for full exemption, not just reduction. The full exemption supersedes the reduction. Always apply for the most beneficial option.

The Appeal Process

If your application for marker RF is denied by the Versorgungsamt, you have the right to appeal (Widerspruch) within one month. Include additional medical documentation and, if possible, a detailed letter from your treating physician explaining why you cannot attend public events. If the appeal is also denied, you can file a lawsuit at the Sozialgericht (social court) — this is free of charge for disability matters.

Many disability advocacy organizations (VdK, SoVD, Sozialverband Deutschland) offer legal advice and support for appeals. Membership in these organizations (typically €5-8/month) includes legal representation in social court proceedings.

Important Reminders

Renew on time: When your disability ID expires and is renewed, submit the new ID to the Beitragsservice to continue the reduction. Report changes: If your disability status changes (marker RF removed), you're obligated to inform the Beitragsservice. Keep copies: Always keep copies of your disability ID and all correspondence with the Beitragsservice.

The marker RF reduction is a meaningful benefit that many eligible people don't claim. If you have a severe disability that limits your participation in public life, explore whether marker RF is available to you.