Can I find a free interpreter to take to an official appointment (Amt, tenants' association, etc.)?

General rule: The official language in Germany is German, and many institutions are not required to provide an interpreter. But in some situations you have a right to one.

Where interpreters are free: The Jobcenter and the Arbeitsagentur arrange a free interpreter (or phone interpreting) for important meetings if you ask; request it when you book the appointment. In criminal investigations and in court, interpreters are free. The family court and the Jugendamt also usually arrange an interpreter. Women's shelters and violence counselling centres also work with interpreters.

At other institutions: At the Bürgeramt, the immigration office (LEA) or doctor's appointments, you usually have to bring your own interpreter. You can take a friend or relative you trust who speaks good German. Avoid using your children as interpreters, especially on sensitive topics.

Where to get support: Adult migration counselling (mbeon, Migrationsberatung für Erwachsene) and the Willkommenszentrum Berlin offer free advice in many languages, including Turkish, and help with correspondence. Berlin also has community interpreting services used by some institutions and volunteer accompaniment projects; ask at neighbourhood centres (Nachbarschaftshäuser) and women's centres.

Tenants' associations and unions: Some tenants' associations and unions have consultation hours in Turkish; ask before joining. Preparing your documents and questions in writing before the appointment makes even a short meeting much easier.