Forums » Germany » Legal Problems in Germany

• horlicks

  
   

  April 29, 2007 7:41:20 PM CEST

  (Not sure which forum to use so pse excuse the double posting)
  
  If there is cable TV in a block, does the charge normally include the TV licence (GEZ)?
  
  Comments appreciated ...
• biraada

  
   

  May 7, 2007 1:40:58 PM CEST

  Unfortunately no, the GEZ is paid directly to them seperate from cable fees. Similar to the UK, they have people who check whether you are watching illegally. You are required to pay GEZ regardless of cable, car-radio, TV, internet (the internet is new, and the reasoning is you can listen to the radio via internet).
  
  Here's the GEZ FAQ but it's all in German:
  
  http://www.gez.de/door/gebuehren/faqs/index.html
  
  cheers
  Dwight
• horlicks

  
   

  May 9, 2007 7:59:56 PM CEST

  VMT for your helpful reply.
  
  I had not realised that the scope was so wide. In GB, so I understand, no licence is required for radio alone. I also know someone who has a TV but no aerial and no cable (he can't get a signal with a set-top aerial) and he uses it solely for watching DVDs. He maintains that he does not need a licence. It's interesting to read about the requirement for a computer. This is bound to come in as more and more people get TV via b/b.
  
  In France, you are obliged to give your address when you buy a TV; the shop then has to tell the authorities your address. It may be like this in GB, too, but I'm not sure. Furthermore, in France, you are now deemed to have a TV unless you state to the contrary that you do not. So you have to opt out. You pay the TV licence together with your local tax.
  
  Mike