What is VG Wort?
VG Wort is the German collecting society for authors and publishers of written works. It collects statutory fees – for example for photocopying, scanning and the use of works in libraries – and distributes them to the authors and publishers who have registered their works. VG Wort is supervised by the German Patent and Trade Mark Office.
Do I have to share my royalties with my publisher?
No. Under German copyright law, authors keep their copyright; publishers only hold licences. Publishers have their own, separate claim and receive their own share from VG Wort. You do not owe your publisher anything from your royalties.
Which of my publications qualify?
Scholarly, professional and non-fiction books, as well as articles of at least two standard pages (3,000 characters) in journals and edited volumes. The language and the place of publication do not matter.
How much can I expect?
The rates are set every year. In 2026, authors received €1,150 for each eligible scholarly book and €1.90 per standard page (1,500 characters) for scholarly articles. If several authors contributed, each of them can register the publication. Send us your publication list for a free estimate.
How far back can I claim?
Publications from the past three years can still be registered.
What do I have to do?
Very little. Send us your publication list, then sign the licence agreement with VG Wort that we prepare for you and post it to VG Wort. We take care of registration and reporting.
When will I be paid?
Once your publications have been registered, VG Wort pays out the royalties in its annual distributions – usually in the calendar year after publication. We keep you informed.
What does your service cost?
There are no upfront or annual fees. Our fee is a share of the royalties VG Wort distributes to you. If VG Wort pays nothing, you pay nothing.
Do I need to speak German?
No. We handle all communication with VG Wort in German and keep you informed in English.
Can publishers use Parnassus too?
Yes. Since 2021, publishers have had their own claim to participate in VG Wort distributions, independent of their authors’ consent. Publishers based outside Germany can conclude a licence agreement with VG Wort, provided they act as independent businesses, hold the relevant rights from their authors and carry out genuine publishing activities. In 2026, publishers received €340 per scholarly book and €1.05 per standard page.
Are royalties taxable?
Royalties are usually part of your income. Whether and how they are taxed in your country of residence depends on your individual situation; please ask a tax adviser.
Is German tax deducted?
Yes. If you neither live nor usually stay in Germany, VG Wort is required to withhold German tax under Section 50a of the German Income Tax Act: 15 % plus a solidarity surcharge of 5.5 % on that tax, 15.825 % in total. You do not need to file a German tax return for this income. Whether you can obtain relief under a double taxation agreement depends on your country of residence.