Most providers in Germany offer bundled packages that combine internet, mobile, and television services.
Fibre optic (Glasfaser) internet is Germany’s fastest and most modern option, available in many cities and larger towns. It offers blazing speeds for streaming, video calls, and remote work. In some areas, cable internet is more prevalent and offers decent speeds, especially when combined with TV. For those living outside urban centres, DSL remains the most widely available option — slower, but generally stable.
In more rural areas, residents often rely on mobile data (4G/LTE) or even satellite internet, where traditional infrastructure just doesn’t reach.
After registering at the Bürgeramt, you’ll soon receive a letter from Rundfunkbeitrag, Germany’s TV and radio licensing authority. This is a mandatory household fee — not a subscription — and it applies whether or not you watch traditional TV. You can read more about it here.
Before settling in for your favourite South African shows or international series, be aware of the rules around VPN use, streaming services, and downloading music. Germany has strict laws regarding copyright infringement, and streaming or downloading from the wrong source can result in hefty fines.
The Telecommunications Modernisation Act (TKMoG) came into effect on December 1, 2021. Thanks to this update:
All in all, it’s a friendlier landscape for consumers than it used to be — but it still pays to read the fine print before signing up.
Television Licence (der Rundfunkbeitrag/GEZ-Gebühr) The first thing you are likely to get in your new mailbox after registering at the Bürgeramt is a reminder to pay your TV & radio broadcasting fees. The 2026 fees are €18.36 per month and can be paid quarterly (€55.08) or €220.32 per yearThe Rundfunkbeitrag is mandatory. Every household in Germany has to pay the fee even if you do not own a TV or radio. It does not matter if
Most major providers in Germany offer bundled packages that combine home internet, mobile phone, landline, and even digital TV — all under one contract. These packages can often save you money, but always check what’s actually available at your address before signing anything. This is known as the Verfügbarkeitsprüfung (availability check), and it’s an essential step, especially in rural areas where certain speeds or services may not be offered.
Here are some of the most well-known service providers in Germany:
In Germany, TV options can look quite different from what you’re used to back home — but don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to stay entertained (and even catch some familiar faces on international channels).
Germany has a range of state-operated TV stations, including well-known names like ARD, ZDF, and Arte. These channels are publicly funded through the TV licence fee (Rundfunkbeitrag), and cover news, entertainment, sport, and cultural content. You can find a full list of these stations here.
What Channels You Get Depends on Your Provider
Your channel bouquet (i.e., which TV stations you receive) often depends on which internet or cable provider you choose. For example, if you’re with Vodafone, you can check their full digital TV channel lineup here.
Some providers offer international packages too, including English-language or sports channels.
Many providers now offer TV via the internet (instead of traditional cable or satellite), known as IPTV. Telekom’s MagentaTV, Vodafone’s GigaTV, and Waipu.tv are popular options — some offer live German channels plus the ability to add international content or stream on multiple devices.
These require separate subscriptions but offer international content and more flexibility, especially good for English-language programs.
Streaming is legal in Germany as long as the service provider follows the correct copyright rules. Torrenting is illegal in Germany. Be very careful about making illegal downloads! You can get hefty fines. This also applies to guests using your internet service.
In today’s digital age, streaming has become a predominant way to consume media content. However, the distinction between legal and illegal streaming can often be blurred.
Legal streaming in Germany involves accessing content through authorised services that have the right to distribute the content. These services often require a subscription fee or offer ad-supported content. Here are some key points about legal streaming:
Illegal streaming involves accessing content through unauthorised means, often without the consent of the copyright holder. This is a violation of intellectual property rights and German law. Here’s what you need to know about illegal streaming:
To avoid the pitfalls of illegal streaming, here are some tips:
You can read more about streaming on the European Consumer Centre Germany, and download their English Safer-Streaming-EN.pdf file
Germany uses specific broadcast standards for digital television. Your TV (or decoder) must support one of the following formats to receive local channels:
👉 If your TV doesn’t support DVB-C or DVB-T2, you won’t be able to receive German TV channels directly. In that case, you’ll need a set-top box (receiver) — similar to an M-Net decoder — which connects to your TV via HDMI.
You can find affordable DVB receivers online by searching for “DVB-C Receiver” or “DVB-T2 Receiver” on Amazon or at local electronics stores. Prices start at around €30 for basic models and go up to €200 for advanced features like recording or time-shifting.
| English | German |
|---|---|
| Mobile phone | das Handy |
| Landline | das Festnetz |
| Fiber optic | das Glasfaser |
| DSL line | die DSL-Leitung |
| Connection | der Anschluss |
| Router | der Router |
| SIM card | die SIM-Karte |
| Contract | der Vertrag |
| Contract term | die Vertragslaufzeit |
| Tariff / Rate | der Tarif |
| Prepaid | Prepaid / ohne Vertrag |
| International rate | der Auslandstarif |
| Cancellation notice | die Kündigungsfrist |
| Service provider | der Anbieter |
How to watch South African Sport in Germany There’s nothing quite like the roar of a Springbok try or the crack of leather on willow, even from thousands of kilometres away. Rugby and cricket are more than just games for us; they’re pieces of home, shared with every cheer and
Television Licence (der Rundfunkbeitrag/GEZ-Gebühr) The first thing you are likely to get in your new mailbox after registering at the Bürgeramt is a reminder to pay your TV & radio broadcasting fees. The 2026 fees are €18.36 per month and can be paid quarterly (€55.08) or €220.32 per yearThe Rundfunkbeitrag
Streaming South African content A little screen-time comfort, done the right way. When homesickness hits, familiar voices, accents, and stories can feel like a warm blanket. The good news? You can legally watch some South African content in Germany — if you know where to look and where not to.
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