Begging in Germany: Poor people fight for dignity and survival!

Begging in Germany: Poor people fight for dignity and survival!

In the streets of our major cities, including Cologne, begging is increasingly becoming an everyday reality. People like Claude and Cecilia, who once led normal lives, struggle not only for survival but also for their dignity. As the ARD media library reports, despite its prosperity, Germany is a place where financial hardship and begging have become the norm.

Claude had a solid job before the corona pandemic, Cecilia raised six children. Today both are on the streets counting every cent and euro while experiencing both helpfulness and exclusion. “The bread on your table is the result of the efforts of others,” one might say, but many ignore the reality behind these faces.

An invisible poverty

The issue of homelessness runs through our cities like a shadow. It is claimed that Germany has only a few homeless people, but this is not the whole truth. Loud Statista At the beginning of 2024, around 532,000 people were living without a permanent home; including around 47,300 homeless people. Many of these people remain invisible to society, living in collective accommodation or with relatives. Especially in large cities, rent arrears, which are often fueled by rising rent prices, are the main reason for losing your apartment.

A shocking number - over 65 percent of homeless people were without their own home for more than a year. These people not only face the challenge of survival, but also health problems and the stigma of society. Over two thirds of them have experienced violence; many also struggle with addiction problems, which often offer the only escape from their cruel reality.

Begging as a survival strategy

In Berlin, where begging is particularly prevalent, social worker Anna-Sofie Gerth explains that begging has changed in recent years. Loud Deutschlandfunk culture New forms of begging have emerged, be it from street newspaper sellers or bottle collectors. These people are trying to make a living - often under harsh conditions.

There are stories of people like Ronny, 33, who has been living on the streets for nine years and earns between 10 and 30 euros a day. Despite his training as a gardener, he hardly sees any homeless people with school or vocational training. The health of beggars is often compromised and many of them want to escape from the situation, but struggle against internal and external resistance. Klaus, 63, sells the street newspaper “Motz” to earn some extra money, while he has to follow normal household rules in order to be accepted.

Homelessness and begging are challenges that in some way reflect the values ​​of our society. The reactions are divided: some people show compassion, while others call for a ban on begging. The topic brings with it complex questions about social justice, social responsibility and the legal situation. It is unfortunate that the weakest among beggars often receive the least support.

In a city that continues to grow and whose housing becomes more and more expensive, the question remains: What can we do to help these people and hear their voices? A reflection on our values ​​and our actions seems urgently necessary.