Walking through Berlin at times, I take a second look at the interaction between a man and a woman. Those clothes… the illicit whisper, something is definitely up. You can see this type of transaction quite frequently in certain areas of the city. It’s so public that it didn’t take me long to ask
“Is prostitution legal in Germany?”
It is. Prostitution in Germany is legal and taxable. Amsterdam may be known as the capital of prostitution, but the German industry generates more than 15 billion euros a year with 400,000 prostitutes serving 1.2 million men every day. This is more prostitutes per capita than any other country on the continent.
Brief history of prostitution in Germany
Prostitution has almost always been tolerated in Germany. Throughout Germany’s history, the government has generally preferred to register and monitor those involved in the industry. It was basically decriminalized in 1927 (the Venereal Disease Fighting Law) with the rights extended by the Prostitution Law in 2002. This law sought to improve the social welfare and legal rights of prostitutes by allowing prostitutes to get involved (and do fulfill) employment contracts as well as pay social security and use health insurance.
This does not mean that the situation is uncomplicated. There are more and more crimes related to prostitution from robbery to sex trafficking. In particular, the exploitation of Eastern European women is a major problem. About 70% of the women working in the country are believed to be foreigners.
The 2002 law is widely considered a failure. Many prostitutes only stay in the country for a short time and have little interest in paying taxes or receiving benefits. While brothels pay high taxes and generate revenue for the state, most do little, if anything, to protect women. In fact, most see consumers and prostitutes as clients. Many prostitutes prefer to work independently rather than under contract.
Street prostitution in Germany
Although prostitution is legal throughout Germany, cities can impose different taxes and regulations on the business. Straßenstrich , or street prostitution, is generally only allowed in regulated areas with no-go zones called Sperrbezirk .
For example, in Bonn prostitutes pay a night tax for sex work to work on Immenburgstrasse through vending machines that look like parking meters. The entire city center of Munich is Sperrbezirk . Hamburg’s infamous Reeperbahn (red light district) is the best known area. Note that several states prohibit brothels in cities with fewer than 35,000 residents. On the other hand, prostitution is allowed everywhere in Berlin.
Prostitution in Berlin
As stated above, prostitution is legal throughout the capitol. You can see business being conducted openly on streets like Kurfürstenstraße. There are also numerous small bars and even apartments known as Wohnungspuffs that cater to business. Apartment prostitution is known as Wohnungspuffs (or simply Puffs ) and can be found through advertisements or word of mouth. FKK clubs provide a more relaxed atmosphere with swimming pools and saunas, meet and greet bars and private rooms on the upper floors.
Artemis in Berlin is one of the biggest clubs in FKK.
Prostitution in Frankfurt
Frankfurt’s thriving banking industry and international scene are often linked to its successful sex market. This is centered around the burgeoning red-light district known as the Bahnhofsviertel around the Haupbahnhof and is as professional as the sex industry can be. Facilities range from Eros Centers (low-cost brothels without a Lady) to one of the largest brothels in Germany, FKK World.
Prostitution in Cologne
Geestemünder Straße in Cologne allows street prostitution, but drug dealers and pimps are not allowed. In addition, the mega brothel Pascha has 12 floors and more than 100 rooms.
Prostitution in Stuttgart
Stuttgart is the main site of one of the largest brothel chains in the country, Paradise.
Safety in Germany
Although the legal status of prostitution makes it more well regulated and safe than almost anywhere else, it is up to you to ensure your own personal safety. Be aware of the rules and regulations related to any establishment you enter and note that bargaining is not accepted once an item or service has been purchased. Also avoid getting too intoxicated, as this is a sure way to get in trouble.
If you find a problem or are concerned about the safety or consent of the woman, call the police at 112.
