Permits for street performance in Berlin

December 4, 2008 4:45 AM

Do I need a permit to busk in Germany?

I'm planning to busk (with a friend) in Berlin. She has already busked on the streets with minimal hassle - the most she ever got was being told to pack up and move somewhere else.

Of course, it's a little cold now to busk outdoors. We're thinking of trying the subway/U-bahn stations or even on the trains. I've seen quite a few people play on the trains and they certainly don't look like the types to go through paperwork for it.

Google has given me a lot of conflicting information on this. Some say you don't need a permit, you do but nobody bothers getting one, you only need a permit if you're a band (+4 people), or that you do need a permit and risk a fine of anywhere from 40€ to 5000€ for being caught without one.

Any first- or second-hand info on this? Or a link to something official? thnx

posted by mannequito to Law & Government (1 answer total)

What YTMS said jives with what I have heard as well. I think every city is different when it comes to requirements and inforcement. Technically permits are required in Lüneburg, where I live, but I know musicians that have performed without them and didn't have any problems. Call the Ordnungsamt just to be safe. I don't know about Berlin, but here the permit may also specify the time and place where you are allowed to play.

If you are smart about it, i.e don't play in a narrow street, on private property and don't impede pedestrian traffic, you shouldn't get hassled too much. Don't cause Unordnung.

Actually I read about this in our local Käseblatt: If you don't have a permit, don't encroach on the territory of a musician that does have a permit and has already staked out his corner. He'll make trouble and get the cops to clear you out.
posted by chillmost at 6:33 AM on December 4, 2008