Television in Germany: Channels, Rundfunkbeitrag, Online, and Streaming

Television in Germany is structured in three tiers: the public broadcasters ARD and ZDF, commercial broadcasters such as RTL and ProSiebenSat.1, and online platforms where you can watch live broadcasts, access media libraries, and stream subscription-based movies. There’s another important detail for residents of Germany: the Rundfunkbeitrag is paid per apartment, even if there’s no TV at home.

The information below will help you understand which channels are available in Germany, why all households pay for ARD and ZDF, where to watch German TV online, and why TV towers have become more of an urban symbol than the primary means of signal delivery.

A Brief History of German Television

Regular television broadcasting in Germany began in the 1930s. Berlin was home to the Paul Nipkow channel, named after Paul Nipkow, one of the pioneers of mechanical image transmission. The technology developed rapidly: mechanical solutions gave way to electronic television, and the broadcasts of the 1936 Olympics marked an important milestone in early television history.

After World War II, television developed separately in West and East Germany. In 1952, the ARD network began broadcasting in West Germany, while the DFF launched in East Germany. Color television debuted in West Germany in 1967. Commercial TV channels appeared in West Germany in 1984, and from that point on, a private TV market grew alongside the public broadcasters.

Television telephone, Germany, 1936.

Public Television: ARD, ZDF, and Regional Channels

German public television is funded through the Rundfunkbeitrag. Its mission is to provide news, education, culture, regional information, children’s programs, sports, and entertainment content without being entirely dependent on the advertising market.

Key public broadcasters:

ARD / Das Erste — an association of regional broadcasters and the federal channel Das Erste.
ZDF — the second nationwide public television channel.
Regional “third channels” — WDR, NDR, SWR, BR, MDR, rbb, hr, Radio Bremen TV, SR Fernsehen, and other regional channels.
3sat — a German-language cultural channel for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Arte — a German-French cultural channel.
Phoenix — politics, documentaries, and parliamentary broadcasts.
KiKA — the children’s channel of ARD and ZDF.
ZDFneo, One, tagesschau24, ARD-alpha — specialty and supplementary channels.

Broadcasting map of regional channels in Germany.

Rundfunkbeitrag in 2026

In 2026, the standard Rundfunkbeitrag for private households is €18.36 per month per apartment. The number of residents and whether there is a TV set do not matter: if several people live together, only one fee is usually paid per Wohnadresse.

There are exceptions and exemptions: for example, for certain recipients of social benefits, students receiving BAföG, and people with an RF designation. You need to check the exemption rules on a case-by-case basis, because simply saying “I don’t watch TV” does not in itself exempt you from the fee.

Commercial Television

Commercial channels are funded by advertising, paid subscription packages, licensing, and their own streaming platforms. Major groups in the German market include:

RTL Group — RTL, VOX, RTL Zwei, ntv, Super RTL, and related online offerings.
ProSiebenSat.1 Media — ProSieben, Sat.1, Kabel Eins, Sixx, ProSieben Maxx, Sat.1 Gold, Kabel Eins Doku, and Joyn.
WeltN24 — Welt’s news channel.
Sport1, Eurosport, Sky/Wow — sports and pay-per-view content, depending on broadcast rights.

Audience shares change every year. In recent years, ZDF and Das Erste have remained among the leaders in linear TV, while private channels are competing more fiercely for younger audiences and online viewership. Therefore, it’s best to check the exact percentages for each channel using the latest AGF statistics rather than relying on tables from previous years.

How to Watch German TV Online

Almost all major channels have their own websites, apps, and media libraries:

ARD Mediathek and ZDFmediathek — live broadcasts, archives, documentaries, series, and news.
Arte.tv, 3sat-Mediathek, KiKA, Phoenix — themed content from public broadcasters.
RTL+ — live TV and the media library of RTL Group channels; some content is available by subscription.
Joyn — live TV, a media library, and content from ProSiebenSat.1; offers both free and paid tiers.
WOW / Sky — paid sports, movie, and TV series packages.

Online aggregators bundle channels into a single app and add features such as TV guides, the ability to rewatch episodes, or catch-up viewing. However, terms, channel availability, advertising, and subscription prices change frequently, so it’s worth checking the channel list, device compatibility, and cancellation policies before paying.

TV towers in Germany are no longer just infrastructure—they’re also historical landmarks.

Streaming Services in Germany

For movies and TV series in Germany, people use both international and German platforms. The most notable options are:

Amazon Prime Video — Prime subscription, rental and purchase of individual movies, German and international library.
Netflix — a subscription service for movies, TV series, and original content.
Disney+ — Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and Star.
Apple TV+ — Apple’s original series and movies.
RTL+ — RTL Group content, shows, series, live TV, and additional media packages.
Joyn / Joyn PLUS+ — a free live TV tier and a paid tier with an expanded library.
WOW — Sky’s streaming service for sports, TV series, and movies without a traditional cable subscription.
Maxdome Store — not a traditional monthly subscription, but a service for renting and purchasing individual movies and TV episodes.

The old Maxdome, as a subscription-based online video library, is no longer a viable option: the subscription service has been discontinued, and the brand now operates as a transactional video-on-demand service. Therefore, it’s best not to follow the old instructions regarding a monthly Maxdome subscription and how to cancel it.

What Should a Newcomer to Germany Choose?

If your goal is to keep up with the news and improve your German, it’s enough to start with ARD Mediathek, ZDF Mediathek, Arte, and your state’s regional channel. Talk shows, regional news, and documentaries are useful for learning everyday German.

If you’re looking for entertainment, it’s worth comparing Joyn and RTL+. For sports, the choice depends on specific broadcasting rights: the Bundesliga, Champions League, Formula 1, tennis, and other events may be distributed across different platforms.

Before subscribing, check:

whether the desired language for audio and subtitles is available;
Is your TV, set-top box, or smartphone supported?
Can you watch outside of Germany?
how many simultaneous streams are allowed;
How does Kündigung work, and is there a Mindestlaufzeit?;
Does the service accept payment by credit card, PayPal, or via bank account;
Does it include live TV or just the media library?

German TV Towers

TV towers originally served as infrastructure for signal transmission, but over time they have become urban landmarks. Cable, satellite, IPTV, and the internet have reduced their practical role for the average TV viewer, yet the structures themselves remain a prominent part of the urban landscape.

Not all towers are open to visitors. Restaurants and observation decks require costly maintenance and strict safety regulations, so visiting hours may vary. It’s best to check the official website of the specific tower before your trip.

The Berlin TV Tower remains one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.

The Berlin TV Tower

Berlin’s Fernsehturm on Alexanderplatz opened in 1969 and became an architectural symbol of the GDR; after German reunification, it became one of the capital’s main landmarks. The tower is approximately 368 meters tall. Its observation deck and revolving restaurant make it one of Germany’s most visited vantage points.

The tower still operates as a tourist attraction, but it’s best to check ticket prices, visiting hours, and the accessibility of specific areas in advance: there are large crowds of tourists, and the schedule is subject to change.

Frankfurt’s Europaturm is a prominent feature of the city’s skyline.

Frankfurt’s Europaturm

The Europaturm in Frankfurt, known as the “Ginnheimer Spargel,” opened in 1979. It stands approximately 337.5 meters tall. The tower used to house a restaurant and an observation deck, but it has been closed to the public since the late 1990s. Today, it serves primarily as a telecommunications facility for Deutsche Telekom.

The Nuremberg TV Tower

The Nuremberg TV tower, nicknamed the “Nürnberger Ei,” was built in 1980. It stands approximately 292.8 meters tall. The observation deck and restaurant have been closed to visitors since the early 1990s, but the tower remains Bavaria’s tallest structure and is used for communications.

In Nuremberg, Bavaria’s tallest structure is not open to visitors.

Munich’s Olympiaturm

The Olympiaturm in Munich was built for the 1972 Olympic Games and is located in the Olympic Park. The tower is known for its observation deck, restaurant, and views of the city, the park, BMW Welt, and the Alps on clear days.

Before your visit, it’s worth checking the official operating hours: tourist attractions may be closed for renovations, special events, or maintenance. If you’re visiting Munich in the fall, it’s a good idea to combine a trip to the tower with a walk through the Olympic Park, rather than just with Oktoberfest.

The Olympiaturm is located in the Olympic Park and blends well into the cityscape.

FAQ

Do I have to pay the Rundfunkbeitrag if I only watch Netflix?

Yes, in a typical apartment, the fee is paid regardless of whether you have a TV or watch ARD/ZDF. Exemptions are possible only under specific circumstances.

Which German channels are free online?

Many public channels are available through ARD Mediathek, ZDF Mediathek, Arte, and other official media libraries. For commercial channels, some live TV and archived content may require registration or a subscription.

What’s the best way to learn German?

To get off to a smooth start, try documentaries on ARD, ZDF, and Arte, regional news, and programs with subtitles. Entertainment shows are great for learning colloquial speech, but they can be more challenging due to slang and the fast pace.

Is Maxdome still up and running?

Yes, the Maxdome brand still exists as a store for renting and purchasing individual movies and TV episodes. The old monthly Maxdome subscription package has been discontinued and should not be considered a current subscription option.