Begging in Germany – Out of options in a wealthy country | DW Documentary
In Germany’s cities, begging is a sad reality. Every day, people like Claude and Cecilia fight for survival – and their dignity.
Germany is one of the wealthiest countries in Europe. And yet begging has become the norm in big cities. Those who can’t make ends meet have to resort to asking strangers for money. Until the Covid-19 pandemic, Claude had a good job. Cecilia has raised six children. But now, they both find themselves on the streets, counting every cent as they try to get by. Some people respond to their begging with friendly offers to help, but they also face abuse and discrimination.
00:00 Intro
01:01 Claude visits Berlin bars
02:45 Cecilia tries to find some free food
04:35 Claude hopes for a better future
06:01 Background: Who do people have to beg in Germany?
07:10 Cecilia begs in Berlin’s subway
07:55 How people respond to beggars
10:04 Shame and dignity: Why Claude finds begging difficult
#documentary #dwdocumentary #dwdocs #germany #begging #berlin
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Video “Begging in Germany – Out of options in a wealthy country | DW Documentary” was uploaded on 08/04/2025 by DW Documentary Youtube channel.
Germany is no more healthy country! Germany spend money to send Ukraine and zelenksky and so on
Homeless Germans cause all the refugees get everything for free
An investigative reporter found one disabled man who used to beg for 32 years in the Toronto Financial District, was actually a millionaire.
Owned a luxury condo in Toronto, a vacation home in Florida where he and his family lived during the winter months, drove a Mercedes and had income producing investments.
After being outed and wanting to retire, he gave up his scam and revealed it to the reporter. He was capable of working but didn't want to, and wasn't feeding any addictions. Most days, he took in between $300 – $500 from 8 am to 6 pm. Sat in the same spot for 32 years, except for when he took off to Florida in the winter (didn't beg there).
I would rather die than beg , I mean what is the purpose of life in such situation
capitalism
I live in Guatemala. Every day I give to beggers suffering. HELP PEOPLE IN NEED even you have little yourself.
I'm assuming there's some social security in Germany? Is it because they took in a million refugees and now there's no cheap rental homes left? Similar problem in Australia due to high immigration rent is no longer affordable by those on social security.
When I am approached by beggars claiming that they are hungry or need money to buy food, I offer to buy them something to eat and drink. Almost all of them refuse and leave you quickly.
I will not fund their destructive addictions.
This documentary provides a powerful and often painful look at the struggles of poverty in a seemingly wealthy nation. It's a sobering reminder that hardship exists everywhere, even in places of prosperity.
Really sad situation. We have the same situation in America.
help the poor
It's so shame for germany to produce beggar it's all happening to supporting ukraine war on people are suffering 5%for nato extra to weapon shame on Politicians of german who making the people baggers
The country is wealthy, but the people are not. Basically this is a problem with all european countries.
Begging should NOT be a business 💀
The robbery of the government is an issue.
Get a job
The German government need to take care of their elderly native people, like Cecile. The government needs to stop financially supporting illegal young male migrants who live for literally free in the country.
No worry Zelensky does the same and is a president of a country
Why she had 6 children, if could sure for own future??
German government spends millions for migrants to have good happy lives here in Germany BUT they ignore and leave their own people hungry. It is shameful of german government !!
Shame on you Deutschland.
These are the most vulnerable people who need your support.
Im sorry but when I pay over 40k in taxes to support the welfare system in Germany and then am expected to pay MORE. I have no sympathy. Go beg at the reichstag. Get the stupid politicians to do something with the ridiculous taxes I pay
She can take the government help money (1540 euro) and go to Bali (no visa needed) and live like a queen there in 5 star hotels