How to get a nursery place: the Kita-Gutschein, waiting lists and talking to the nursery

Every child in Germany aged one or over has a legal right to a nursery place (Rechtsanspruch auf einen Kitaplatz). However, there is a severe shortage of places in large cities, so a planned approach pays off.

The voucher system (Kita-Gutschein)

Cities such as Berlin and Hamburg use a voucher system. Parents apply to the youth welfare office (Jugendamt) for a Kita-Gutschein, which secures the funding for the place. In Berlin, nursery care is free of fees; parents pay only a contribution for meals of around €23 a month.

Searching for nurseries through city portals

Many cities list nurseries on central portals such as the Kita-Navigator. However, an online application on its own rarely gets results. Experienced parents contact the managers personally, attend open days and regularly confirm their interest.

The Berlin settling-in model (Berliner Eingewöhnungsmodell)

Settling in is very gentle and takes two to four weeks. In the first days, a parent stays in the group with the child for one to two hours; then the time the child spends without the parent is gradually extended with a dedicated key carer (Bezugserzieherin).

Taking legal action for a place

If you have not been offered a place within reasonable distance by the time you plan to return to work, you can sue the municipality at the administrative court. Often the city then offers a place at a nursery or with a childminder (Tagesmutter) or covers the cost of private care.

Next step

Start looking six months to a year before you need a place; personal contact with the nursery manager often helps more than official waiting lists.