ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice letter explained in English
Broadcasting fee office. Collects the public TV and radio fee (Rundfunkbeitrag). Every household in Germany has to pay it, even without a TV.
Letters you may get
- Zahlungserinnerung — a payment reminder
- Festsetzungsbescheid — an official decision that you owe the fee plus a late fee
- Anmeldung — they registered your flat automatically
What to do
- Only one person per household pays. If a flatmate already pays, tell them their contribution number (Beitragsnummer).
- People on some benefits, like Bürgergeld or BAföG, can apply to be exempt.
- Find the deadline. Look for “Frist”, “bis zum”, “innerhalb”.
- Write the reference number from the letter on everything you send back, and keep copies.
- If you disagree with a decision, object in writing before the deadline (“Einspruch”, “Widerspruch”). See the template.
Words you may see
- Bescheid
- Official decision. It becomes final if you don’t object in time.
- Anmeldung
- Registering your address with the city.
- Rundfunkbeitrag
- Public TV and radio fee. One per household.
- Beitragsnummer
- Your account number for the TV and radio fee.
Questions
What is the ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice?
Broadcasting fee office. Collects the public TV and radio fee (Rundfunkbeitrag). Every household in Germany has to pay it, even without a TV.
How long do I have to answer a letter from the ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice?
It depends on the letter. Look for words like “Frist”, “bis zum”, “innerhalb” — they mark the deadline. In Germany, a posted official letter usually counts as delivered on the 4th day after it was sent. To object, the letter usually names the way to do it (“Einspruch”, “Widerspruch”).
Can I read a ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice letter in English?
Yes. Take a photo of the letter with Briefly. It explains the letter in plain English, finds the deadline and the amount, and gives you ready-made replies in German. Your letter never leaves your device.
Other offices in Germany
Finanzamt · Hauptzollamt · Jobcenter · Agentur für Arbeit · Ausländerbehörde · Bürgeramt · Krankenkasse · Familienkasse