GEMA: Tariff calculator - how to use it correctly

With the GEMA tariff calculator you can calculate the GEMA costs for an event and also report them directly. You can also use the tool for your event calculation. Then you already know what costs you will incur and how you can reduce GEMA costs.

Use the GEMA tariff calculator: Step by step to the calculation

First you have to open the GEMA tariff calculator here. Then select the type of event that best applies to you (see picture). If nothing applies, contact GEMA directly on 030 588 58 999.

1. In our example we choose a concert with light music. To only see the expected price, select: "only a non-binding price information based on estimated data".
2. To register a concert with GEMA, click on "Pre-registration". Please note that all events with music must be registered with GEMA in advance.
3. Next you have to explain in more detail in which environment the concert takes place. The idea behind this is that the artist should also benefit from large advertising and sponsorship revenues. In our example calculation, we select the following point: "mostly live music performed with or without entrance fee plus other monetary benefits (eg income from advertising, sponsoring, etc.)".
4. On the following page you will find a PDF document with all tariff details at the very top. You can download it and see how the GEMA contribution changes with different entrance fees and different numbers of listeners. Then enter the date and time of the event as well as the number of visitors and the amount of the entrance fee (including sales tax, excl. Advance booking and system fees).
5. At the end, select "Add to shopping basket" and can report the event to GEMA. You have 7 days after the event to report the actual number of visitors to GEMA. Because, of course, you only pay as much GEMA fees as there were actually visitors.

Savings tips at GEMA: How to legally cut costs

• For the tariff chosen here, the contribution always changes with 150 listeners. If you only allow 300 listeners instead of 305 listeners, this is cheaper for you.
• You can also read about the discounts in the PDF for the tariff - maybe there is a discount?
• You can also legally press the price via the room size: with most tariffs, the costs increase with every 100 sqm. This is very annoying with a room of 305 square meters. Often, however, rooms can be artificially reduced in size, or the cloakroom may officially count as part of the booked event space, but is there no music?
• An annual flat-rate contract is worthwhile for many events: From the 11th event in the year there is a discount with annual prepayment. So it's worth it at a monthly party.
• If you don't want to pay GEMA fees at all, you can also use GEMA-free music. The authors are not represented by GEMA and often offer their music themselves free of charge.