Friendly Interpreter
Free offline Ukrainian-German interpreter support in Berlin.
Residents of Berlin now have the opportunity to receive interpreter support during visits to medical and social institutions.
The partner organization Kwitne Queer e.V. has launched the “Friendly Interpreter” service for those who need language support.
A visit to the doctor, a consultation at a social service, or a conversation with an institution can be difficult when you are not yet confident in German. This is especially true when it is not just about translating individual words, but about helping people understand each other in a situation where privacy, trust, and respectful treatment matter. This is exactly why Kwitne Queer e.V. launched the “Freundliche Sprachmittler*innen” (“Friendly Interpreters”) project in Berlin, offering free offline language support in Ukrainian and German, the organization explains.
What is this project?
“Friendly Interpreters” provide offline Ukrainian-German language support. An interpreter accompanies you to the appointment and helps with communication directly on site.
This may include, for example:
a visit to the doctor; a consultation at a social or community organization; a meeting related to migration or administrative matters; other situations where it is difficult to communicate in German on your own.
This is not professional sworn translation of documents, but personal language support during communication.
What makes “Friendly Interpreter” different?
The project was created by Kwitne Queer e.V., a Ukrainian queer organization in Berlin.
It is important to us that the language barrier does not become an additional obstacle to receiving support. That is why the project’s interpreters receive training in queer-sensitive and non-discriminatory communication. This is especially important in situations where a person needs to talk about personal topics, health, documents, partner or family relationships, gender identity, or other private circumstances. A person should not have to hide part of the information because of fear of judgment or incorrect interpretation, the project representatives say.
Who is it for?
The project is primarily intended for Ukrainian-speaking queer people and people with Ukrainian migration or refugee experience in Berlin who need help communicating in German. Language support is provided offline in Berlin.
How much does it cost?
For people who request language support within the project, the service is free of charge.
How to submit a request?
A request can be submitted through the “Friendly Interpreter” Telegram bot. In the bot, you need to provide basic information about the planned appointment: date, time, location, and type of institution. After that, the project team reviews the request and looks for a suitable interpreter who can come to the appointment and accompany you in person.
Telegram bot: https://t.me/Freundliche_sprachmittlung_bot
We recommend reaching out in advance, as soon as you know the date and time of your appointment. The possibility of arranging support depends on the availability of interpreters.
Who implements the project?
The project is implemented by Kwitne Queer e.V., a Ukrainian queer organization in Berlin that works on human rights, migration, participation, and support for the Ukrainian queer community. “Friendly Interpreters” is implemented within the ComE In program of Migrationsrat Berlin e.V. The goal of the project is simple: to make sure that the language barrier does not prevent a person from receiving the help they need, asking questions, and being heard.