Volunteering in Berlin as an English Speaker: 5 Opportunities

Are you living in Berlin and looking for ways to give back? Whether you’re an expat, international student, or English speaker new to the city, volunteering in Berlin is easier than you might think. With a wide variety of projects and organizations, anyone can make a positive impact, gain experience, and connect with the local community.

At GoVolunteer, we believe that language should never be a barrier. That’s why there are plenty of volunteer opportunities in Berlin where English-speaking volunteers are welcome. From empowering women through sports to supporting families in need, there’s something for everyone. This is how you can get started:

1. Who Can Volunteer in Berlin
2. What You Need to Volunteer
3. Where to Start Volunteering in Berlin
4. FAQ

Anyone with time, enthusiasm, and a willingness to help can participate in volunteering in Berlin. Expats, international students, retirees, families, and locals alike are welcome. A lot of projects are open to English-speaking volunteers, making it easy for newcomers to contribute. Oftentimes, no prior experience is required—just a positive attitude and a desire to support the community.

Take Doruk as an example. When he first moved to Berlin, he joined a community game club as a volunteer. Volunteering helped him improve his German, make friends, and feel part of a community. Now he also helps newcomers settle in, showing how volunteering can create meaningful connections and a cycle of support.

By volunteering, you not only help others but also gain new skills, meet people from around the world, and become part of Berlin’s important volunteer network.

To start volunteer work in Berlin, you don’t need much — just an open mind and a willingness to get involved. Many volunteer opportunities in Berlin don’t require fluent German; English is often enough. You also usually don’t need professional skills to start volunteering. What matters most is:

• Motivation and enthusiasm

• A willingness to learn and help

• Some time here and there

• Alignment with the organization’s mission

Most projects welcome volunteers who can dedicate a few hours per week or month, though some may have more regular shifts or one-time events. Some organizations may ask for a short training session, background check, or basic preparation, but they will guide you every step of the way.

Beyond that, soft skills like empathy, patience, teamwork, and clear communication are highly valued. Whether you want to support families, empower women, or protect animals, there’s a volunteer opportunity in Berlin that fits your skills, schedule, and interests.

Germany’s capital offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities for English speakers across many impact areas, including female empowerment, social support, family assistance, community spaces, and animal welfare. The city has a strong culture of volunteering, and newcomers are often surprised by how easy it is to find a project that matches their passions.

Did you know? We have a program called “Du für Berlin” that helps people seeking refuge or asylum in Berlin to get involved in voluntary work. Through the program, participants can explore different volunteer projects, find roles that suit their skills and schedules, and get guidance on starting out. It’s designed to make the first steps in volunteering simple, supportive, and rewarding.

But don’t worry — the wide range of volunteer projects in Berlin is open to everyone, from expats to international students.

You’ll find projects spread across the city—from community centers in Neukölln to sports clubs in Kreuzberg or neighborhood initiatives in Mitte. Many opportunities are flexible, making it possible to volunteer weekly, monthly, or occasionally, depending on your availability.

The easiest way to get started is by browsing GoVolunteer’s platform. Here, you can filter by language, area of interest, and time commitment to find a project that works for you. Whether you want to make new friends, improve your German, or give back to your community, there’s a place for you to volunteer. Here are 5 standout volunteering experiences for English speakers in Berlin:

DISCOVER FOOTBALL is a Berlin-based organization that uses football to bring women and young people together, challenge stereotypes, and empower participants in a male-dominated sport. They run workshops, training sessions, and community events to create inclusive spaces for all.

By volunteering here and organizing events, you’ll not only meet like-minded people, but you’ll also be part of a movement that promotes equality and inclusion in sports. Whether you have soccer experience or just a passion for helping others, your time and energy make a difference.

Nachtcafé Herz Jesu is a community café supporting people experiencing homelessness in Berlin. They provide meals, evening and overnight services, and a safe, welcoming space for people facing homelessness.

As a volunteer, you can get directly involved in the café’s daily operations — helping in the kitchen, preparing breakfast, supporting overnight shifts, and assisting with cleaning. Every task you take on directly improves residents’ lives and helps maintain a caring, friendly environment.

Join Malteser Hilfsdienst e.V. – Berlin and help make refugee housing in Hellersdorf-Marzahn feel like home. Volunteers get hands-on with practical and creative tasks — from painting walls and assembling furniture to decorating and designing cozy areas for both adults and children.

This is a chance to roll up your sleeves, unleash your creativity, and directly improve the daily lives of residents. Every contribution, whether practical or imaginative, helps create a welcoming and comfortable space for people starting a new chapter in Berlin.

If you’re interested in exploring more ways to support refugees in Berlin, check out our guide on volunteering for refugees in Berlin.

Ökumenisches Frauenzentrum Evas Arche e.V. supports families with newborns in Berlin by providing essential items and care packages. Their goal is to make the start of parenthood easier and provide tangible support to parents in need.

As a volunteer, you can help collect donations and assemble care packages. Every bag you prepare directly supports parents and gives them confidence during a critical time, while allowing you to connect with other volunteers and make an immediate impact.

Bündnis Berliner Stadttauben works to care for Berlin’s urban wildlife, particularly pigeons. The organization focuses on feeding, maintaining safe spaces, and promoting humane treatment of city animals.

You can help feed and care for pigeons, maintain safe areas, and support ongoing projects that improve the lives of urban wildlife. Your hands-on involvement directly benefits the animals and helps raise awareness about compassionate urban coexistence.

You have questions about your volunteer journey in Berlin? We have the answers!

There are countless ways to get involved in volunteering in your new hometown — from supporting families and people facing homelessness to empowering women or helping animals. Pick a project today, contact the organization, and start making a difference.