Television Licenses

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 2024 fees are €18.36 per month and can be paid quarterly (€55.08) or €220.32 per year
The fee 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 you have subscriptions to Sky, Netflix etc.

You can apply for an exemption or a reduction.
When you rent a place where it is included in the price (always ask!!!), or your flatmate is already paying, you have to let the GEZ know that someone else is paying on your behalf.
You can find the form on this site

You can also find more information on the official website, it is only available in German.

Please inform yourself about broadcasting rules and copyrights governed by GEMA. and the following warning about using VPN’s.

VPN

Warning!
VPN’s are legal in Germany, but infringing on copyright and accessing content that should not be available can result in legal action. VPNs encrypt data and mask users’ IP addresses, making it harder for ISPs and authorities to track their online activities. However, when it comes to streaming content, especially music and videos, users should be aware of the copyright regulations enforced by organizations like GEMA (Gesellschaft für musikalische Aufführungs- und mechanische Vervielfältigungsrechte) – English: Society for musical performing and mechanical reproduction rights. GEMA manages music rights in Germany and licenses the public performance and broadcasting of copyrighted works. VPN users should ensure they are not circumventing licensing agreements or engaging in illegal streaming, as GEMA and similar organizations actively monitor and enforce copyright laws to protect the rights of artists and content creators.

Basically this means if you want to watch a South African program but it has no license to air in Germany, and GEMA does not earn their fees, it would be considered illegal to watch it in Germany.
So although it is possible to watch DStv in Germany via a VPN, it is not recommended.

Downloading Movies, Music and other media

Watching movies via the Internet or downloading songs is often prohibited. Many online file-sharing services are illegal. German laws are strict about this.
Please inform yourself about what is allowed and what the penalties are for not adhering to the rules

Article from Deutsche Welle – Warning on illegal downloads
Information from the European Consumer Centre can be found here

German Television

You can find a list of German state-operated television stations here.
Your bouquet will depend on your internet service provider for example this list from Vodafone

Pay Television

Sky
Sony, this channel can also be added to your Amazon prime account
Disney

Streaming Services

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 authorized 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:

Licensed Platforms: Platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and local services like Joyn and Maxdome are fully licensed to distribute their content in Germany. Subscribing to these services ensures you are accessing content legally.
Public Broadcasting: Germany has a robust public broadcasting system. Channels like ARD, ZDF, and their associated streaming services (e.g., ARD Mediathek, ZDF Mediathek) offer a wide range of content legally and often for free.
Subscription and Pay-Per-View Services: Services such as Sky Ticket, DAZN, and Apple TV+ operate on a subscription or pay-per-view basis, providing access to a wide array of sports, movies, and TV shows legally.
Ad-Supported Platforms: Platforms like YouTube offer legal streaming of a vast amount of content, provided that the content is uploaded by authorized channels or individuals who own the rights.

Illegal Streaming: The Risks and Consequences

Illegal streaming involves accessing content through unauthorized 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:

Pirate Websites: Websites that offer free streaming of movies, TV shows, and sports events without proper licensing are illegal. Examples include sites like Kinox.to and Movie4k.to.
Torrenting and Peer-to-Peer Sharing: Using torrents or peer-to-peer networks to download or stream copyrighted content without permission is illegal in Germany. Popular platforms like The Pirate Bay and other similar services are not legal sources.
Consequences: Engaging in illegal streaming can lead to serious consequences. German law is stringent on copyright infringement. Users caught streaming illegally can face hefty fines and even legal action.
Monitoring and Enforcement: Internet service providers (ISPs) and copyright enforcement agencies in Germany monitor illegal streaming activities. They can track IP addresses involved in illegal streaming and take legal action against offenders.

How to Stay Safe and Legal

To avoid the pitfalls of illegal streaming, here are some tips:

1. Use Legal Streaming Services: Stick to reputable streaming services that have the necessary licenses. This not only ensures you’re on the right side of the law but also supports content creators.
2. Be Wary of Free Streaming Sites: If a site offers the latest movies or TV shows for free, it’s likely illegal. Always check the legitimacy of the streaming platform.
3. Look for Secure Sites: Legal streaming sites usually have secure, HTTPS websites. Be cautious of sites with poor design, numerous pop-ups, or requests for unnecessary permissions.
4. Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the latest laws and regulations regarding streaming. Germany frequently updates its policies to combat piracy, and being aware of these changes can help you avoid legal trouble.

You can read more about streaming on the European Consumer Centre Germany – and download their English Safer-Streaming-EN.pdf file