Zahlungserinnerung zum Rundfunkbeitrag

Rundfunkbeitrag payment reminder (Zahlungserinnerung): what it means and what to do

From: The Beitragsservice (the joint office of the German public broadcasters), for your state broadcaster

This letter says that a Rundfunkbeitrag payment is still open. The Rundfunkbeitrag is the fee every household pays for public radio and TV. The Beitragsservice says it does not have to send a reminder before the next step, so take this letter seriously.

Why you got this letter

• You forgot to pay, or you paid with a wrong Beitragsnummer (contribution number).
• A direct debit failed or was returned by your bank.
• An exemption (Befreiung) ended. The Beitragsservice says an exemption based on a benefit notice with no end date is generally limited to three years, and it is not extended automatically.
• You could not pay the full amount at that time.

What to do

1. 1Find your Beitragsnummer (9 digits), the amount, and the period in the letter.
2. 2Check your bank account. If you already paid, keep the proof and write to the Beitragsservice (see the example letter).
3. 3If the amount is correct, pay it now. The Beitragsservice expects payment within four weeks after the due date.
4. 4If you cannot pay in one sum, ask early about Ratenzahlung (instalments) or Stundung (deferral). Instalments are only possible while enforcement has not started.
5. 5If you receive certain social benefits, you may be able to apply for an exemption. You must apply yourself and send a copy of your benefit notice. It does not happen automatically.
6. 6Keep this letter and your payment proof.

Deadline

Payment is expected within four weeks after the due date, according to the Beitragsservice. Your letter may also show its own date.

If you do nothing

The next step can be a Festsetzungsbescheid, an official decision that sets the amount you owe. It adds a late-payment surcharge (Säumniszuschlag) of 1 percent of the unpaid amount, at least 8 euros. If it stays unpaid, a Mahnung with fees can follow, and then enforcement (for example account or wage garnishment) with costs charged to you.

Words in this letter

Rundfunkbeitrag

The fee for public radio and TV. It is charged per apartment, not per person.

Beitragsnummer

Your 9-digit contribution number. Use it when you pay.

Zahlungserinnerung

A payment reminder. It is not an official decision.

Säumniszuschlag

A late-payment surcharge: 1 percent of the unpaid amount, at least 8 euros.

Festsetzungsbescheid

An official decision that sets the amount you owe. You can object to it.

Example reply

Tell the Beitragsservice that you already paid.

Betreff: Zahlungserinnerung zur Beitragsnummer [Ihre Beitragsnummer] – Zahlung bereits erfolgt

Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren,

ich habe Ihre Zahlungserinnerung vom [Datum] erhalten. Den Rundfunkbeitrag für den Zeitraum [Zeitraum] habe ich bereits am [Datum] in Höhe von [Betrag] Euro überwiesen. Einen Zahlungsnachweis füge ich bei.

Bitte prüfen Sie Ihre Buchung und bestätigen Sie mir, dass mein Beitragskonto ausgeglichen ist.

Mit freundlichen Grüßen
[Vor- und Nachname]
[Anschrift]
Beitragsnummer: [Beitragsnummer]

Subject: Payment reminder for contribution number [your number] – already paid

Dear Sir or Madam,

I received your payment reminder dated [date]. I already transferred the Rundfunkbeitrag for [period] on [date], in the amount of [amount] euros. I attach proof of payment.

Please check your records and confirm that my contribution account is settled.

Kind regards
[Full name]
[Address]
Contribution number: [number]

Questions people ask

Sources

• Rundfunkbeitrag: Zahlung (Beitragsservice)
• Rundfunkbeitrag: Empfänger von Sozialleistungen
• Rundfunkbeitrag: Startseite (amount per apartment)

Updated 2026-10-20. This page explains a common type of letter; it is not legal advice. Your letter may differ, so check its dates and amounts.