Streaming in Germany - Do it Legally? [2024] - Navigate Germany

Germany is an attractive country for expat from all over the world and streaming is something which expats must do very carefully because of the strict rules by German government. If you do not comply the laws, you will pay penalty of 1000 Euros.

Introduction of Streaming and Torrenting

Streaming is watching videon online and torrenting is the way to download videos. When videos are being downloaded from the central server, speed will be low with the increase number of downloads, but torrenting is uploading and downloading content at the same time with no compromise on teh speed.

Streaming, or Torrenting - Legal or Illegle?

Streaming is legal in Germany whereas torrenting is illegle. If you are sharing content through torrenting, you will expose your IP address to the network and anyone can access it.

Illegal Streaming Sites

There are multiple websites that seems legal but torrent in the background so they are actually illegal. Some of these illegal streaming sites are;

• Fmovies
• move4k.to
• Popcorn Time
• 123movies
• kinox.to

Streaming Sites That are Not Available in Germany

Hulu and SHOWTIME are the most popular streaming sites but unfortunately, these are not available in Germany. Use VPN to access these sites.

Stream Legally

Many servers allow legal streaming in Germany as mentioned;

Sky

Looking for live sports streaming? Go with sky to stream movies, series, TV shows, and much more. Their Sky Go app connects your account from TV to your mobile and you can stream easily.

Amazon Prime Video

Amazon is an online shopping platform with multiple extensions where you can shop anytime, anywhere. You need to get Amazon Prime membership which opens a whole gateway to entertainment. You can access movies, music, reading material, games, and especially prime delivery on your purchased products from Amazon.

Youtube

It is the most popular free streaming platform across the globe. It has legal content and streaming pattern and can be used in Germany without any fear.

Magenta TV

Magenta TV uses the network of Deutsche Telekom, offering movies, sports, TV channels, web series, and even Netflix content. Enjoy exciting features with their different subscriptions. A few programs include telephone and internet facilities while others offer netflix in their subscription, so subscribe to the program according to your needs and requirements.

TV NOW

TV NOW is offering streaming service in Germany where you can stream movies, series, sports, TV shows, and a lot more.

Apple TV+

Users who have an Apple ID can stream with Apple TV+ where you can stream series, dramas, documentaries, and much more.

Disney Plus

Disney is popular for cartoon series, animated series, and even some movies and TV shows especially for children. They have enhanced their audience range with their extension to the OTT platform where adults can stream movies and series for adults so you should stream on Disney Plus if you do not have kids.

Netflix

Netflix became popular in recent years and si an alternative to Youtube. You can get a monthly subscription to Netflix to watch dramas, movies, series, documentaries, etc. There are other subscription programs too which you can select and enjoy content.

Maxdome

It is the largest streaming platform in Germany with over 50,000 films, series episodes, documentaries, and children’s programs.

FilmOn

It is not just a streaming platform, you can upload content and create channels just like YouTube.

Rakuten TV

Rakuten TV is a Japanese platform to stream movies, and series in Germany in a legal way.

Joyn

If you want to stream online content or Joyn Originals, go with Joyn.

Free TV channels

Streaming German TV channels over the internet for free is possible in Germany. You can learn a lot through these channels. To get entertainment, check and stream whatever you like most

How To Choose The Right Streaming Service

It is very important to select a right streaming platform to get the maximum out of it. Here are the tips to follow while selecting the right streaming platform.

• Check your chosen plan carefully that what is included in it. Every additional service charge you the fee. So avoid paying for the services that you do not need.
• If you do not need TV or other additional services, tick off them at the time of subscription.
• Get a free trial if your rpovider is offering.
• Do not overlook your budget. Buy a plan that is easy to maintain and within your budget.
• Think about the content you need and choose your plan accordingly.

Warning letters from Copyright Lawyers

Copyright violation letters are called Abmahnung in German. Once you get this letter, do not sign anything without clear understanding. Consult a lawyer to get expert advise who can help you in reducing your panelties. Contact with YourXpert to get free consultation. legal insurance in germany can be beneficial for you but you cannot get it after receiving this letter.

Avoiding Abmahnung

To avoid warning letters in Germany, do not torrent and stream in a legal way. If torrenting is must, look for the protected ways to do it. Use VPN to hide your IP address and secure yourself from copyright lawyers and warning letters.

Things To Do After Geeting Abmahnung

Do not panic if you have received warning letter. Consult a lawyer to get solution in the easiest way. Remember that you need to pay the fines at any cost but you can minimze the fines with the professional legal help. Legal insurance or liability insurance can protect you. Some liability insurance covers the expensses if you got this letter due to someone else’s use. There are new laws to deal with such situations if someone else streamed illegally by pairing with your internet connection, but you need to prove this in the court. Once you prove it, you will not pay the fines. To avoid such situations, do not share your wifi password with anyone.

Conclusion

While streaming, be careful to avoid any issues. Remember that little ignorance can cost you 1000 Euros as fines. Do not share your password with anyone an dbe careful about the content you are streaming. Follow the tips to get maximum benefits.