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4. Daily life in Berlin

What do I need to know, and where can I find up-to-date information?

Pandemic-related policies and regulations in Berlin currently in effect include: social distancing rules, wearing masks in public places (shops, public transportation, museums, etc.), personal hygiene, registration of personal data at restaurants, places of worship, etc. in order to facilitate contact-tracing, and so forth. Here are useful websites for up-to-date information: https://www.berlin.de/en/. Full information regarding official regulations can be found here: https://www.berlin.de/corona/en/measures/directive/ and https://www.berlin.de/corona/en/measures/. Please note that corona-tests are scheduled to be no longer cost-free after October 2021. This implies that any such costs (especially in case someone is not vaccinated and requires a test) would not be borne by the program but by the participant him- or herself. Also note that the pandemic causes restrictions with respect to events and activities involving larger groups of people, such as sports games, concerts, club life, etc. Access to various cultural activities and events is curtailed, restricted, regulated via online tickets only, etc.; restrictions may include access only for individuals who are fully vaccinated or who have fully recovered from a corona-infection. The program expects all staff and participants to act responsibly and in accordance with clearly announced regulations and policies with respect to the pandemic, both on- and off-campus.


What are some of the general rules of conduct & hygiene, and mask mandate?

Currently, all residents of Berlin must follow general rules of conduct and hygiene. If possible and reasonable to do so, a minimum distance of 1.5 meters is to be maintained from all persons who do not belong to your own household. Persons over the age of 15 have to wear a FFP2 mask without ventilation valve in the following places:

  • In public transport (train, bus, railway stations, airports etc.) and in taxis
  • In medical practices (patients and visitors) and hospitals

FFP2 masks and KN95 masks are generally indistinguishable. For your arrival at the airport and your first rides via taxi and/or public transportation, a KN95 mask will suffice but you should definitely obtain some FFP2 masks. They are readily available at every grocery store and pharmacy (albeit more expensive at the latter).

Please keep in mind that surgical/medical masks (“OP-Masken”) are only allowed in certain places:

  • In school/university buildings
  • In retail stores, markets and in queues
  • At cultural events when you are not in your seat, as well as museums, galleries and memorials
  • Where food is served, including outdoor areas when you are not seated