Guide from erstmalreden.de

Mental health support with little German

If German is difficult, you may still seek help. Language is an important part of support.

Three young people from different backgrounds talking together

Language, refuge & young people

In short

What this page is about
Orientation if you need mental health support but German is difficult or you need interpretation.
This may fit if
German makes first contact hard and you need simple words.
Looking for something else?
If refuge, trauma, or fear of authorities also matter, the refugee guide may fit better.
If you do just one thing
Name your language.

Name the language directly

At first contact, say which language you need. You can ask directly: "I speak little German. Is there interpretation or counseling in my language?" This is not an extra wish. It is important so help can be understood.

Possible contact points

Family doctors, social counseling, migration counseling, psychosocial centers, the BAfF overview, and counseling centers can give orientation. Social counseling can also help sort letters, appointments, or applications if these things increase your distress.

If interpretation is missing

Ask early about language support. If possible, take a trusted adult with you. Children should not have to translate sensitive conversations. You may also write down or show what you want to say.

A sentence to start

You can say: "I am not doing well emotionally. I sleep badly, feel afraid, or struggle with daily life. I need help and language support."

In acute danger

Even if language is difficult: in acute danger, 112 is right. Say your location briefly and that it is an emergency.

Updated: July 4, 2026 · Sources checked: July 4, 2026

Sources and notes

What you can do now

If you only wanted information

This guide may fit as a next step: Help for refugees with language barriers

Open article

If you want to try first contact

Use the sentence helper or copy one short sentence. First contact does not have to be perfect.

Prepare a sentence

If it has become urgent

Then reading more is not the priority. Open urgent help or call 112 in Germany if there is immediate danger.

Open urgent help
  1. Name your language.
  2. Ask for interpretation.
  3. Look for BAfF or social counseling.

This page offers orientation and words for first contact. If you need counseling, therapy, or emergency help, real contact points matter.