Skip to content

Every other Kita-Platz in Berlin is available without cost

Struggling to find a daycare spot in the capital could become a thing of the past due to the declining birth rate, a development with significant implications.

Tenth Kita-Platz in Berlin Offers No Charges
Tenth Kita-Platz in Berlin Offers No Charges

Every other Kita-Platz in Berlin is available without cost

In the heart of Germany, Berlin's daycare centers have been experiencing a shift in occupancy rates over the past few years. According to recent data, more children are in daycare centers during the spring than at other times of the year, but this trend is changing.

The decline in the number of children in daycare centers has been an ongoing trend, with the occupancy rate dropping from 91.3% at the end of 2023 to 88.5% by the end of 2024. Alexander King (BSW) made a query about the occupancy rate of Berlin's daycare centers, and the response was obtained by dpa.

The decreasing occupancy rate is closely linked to the declining birth rate in the city. Demographic trends show that when birth rates drop, the pool of potential daycare enrollees shrinks, directly impacting daycare center usage. In Berlin, this demographic change leads to a reduction in occupancy rates since fewer families require these services.

After many children leave daycare centers for school in the summer, the vacant spots are gradually filled again. However, the decline in the number of children in daycare centers is now reaching Berlin, reflecting the declining birth rate. Interestingly, the number of offered spots in Berlin's daycare centers slightly increased from the end of 2023 to the end of 2024.

As of the end of May 2025, the occupancy rate of Berlin's daycare centers stood at 89.9%. The development of daycare occupancy in Berlin roughly matches the declining birth rate in the capital, with a delay. It's worth noting that there was a slight increase of 4.6 percent in the number of births in Berlin in 2024, but it is still declining overall.

This shift in demographic trends has implications for parents in Berlin. With fewer children in daycare centers, finding a spot may become easier in the future, assuming daycare facilities do not reduce their capacities again. However, this is a developing situation, and it would be advisable to consult city demographic or education department sources for the most up-to-date information.

Read also:

Latest