In Berlin, many services are organized within districts or neighborhoods rather than centrally. In Germany, a neighborhoods is often called a "Kiez". Find interesting places and social services near you.
How can I get to know people in my Kiez (neighborhood)?
Most neighbourhoods have community spaces, events, or festivals where you can meet other people. There are also many free activities and services for local residents.
Stadtteilzentrum (neighborhood center)
These are open spaces where you can meet people from your neighborhood. You can also find support to help you settle into your local area. Some centers offer language cafés or special activities for children.
Find a neighborhood center near you
Quartiersmanagement (neighborhood management)
These support community life and social projects in the neighborhood. They renovate youth clubs and improve parks so that you can make better use of them.
Find your local neighborhood management
BENN
If you live in accommodation for refugees or there is accommodation near you, there may be a BENN program in your area. They organize events and help you connect with your neighborhood. BENN stands for Berlin Entwickelt Neue Nachbarschaften (Berlin develops new neighborhoods).
How can I turn my idea for my Kiez (neighborhood) into reality?
Whether gardening, cooking, or sports – many things are more fun in a group. If you are looking for people in your neighborhood to help bring your idea to life, you have different options:
- Ask your local BENN office, Quartiersmanagement (neighborhood management) office, or Stadtteilzentrum (neighborhood center) whether they can support your idea. They may even have a space you can use
- Put up a notice, a flyer, or paper with your idea and your contact information
- Use social media groups. Many neighborhoods have local groups where you can find activities or announce events
- There are also online platforms where you can register and connect with your neighbors. For example: Nebenan.de
What other services are available in my area?
Many neighborhoods offer a range of activities and services, for example language courses, programmes for children, and arts and cultural activities. In Berlin, they are often funded by the government or organized by volunteers. This means that many services and activities are free or very affordable.
- Find events in your area through your district office's event calendar.
- Find neighborhood festivals in your area here: Nachbarschaftsfeste
- Find an overview of free or affordable services and activities for people receiving social benefits here: Fairgnügen
- Here you can find social services and community organizations in your area: Soziales Berlin
- If you have children, find free services and activities for you and your child at the Berliner Familienzentren.
