I regularly check whether places and services are really accessible. Here are my most important experiences from everyday life as a deaf person in Germany, from the train station to the gym.
1. Information & signs
At train stations, announcements are a big problem. When a train is running late, I cannot hear it. Announcements need subtitles. Digital display boards must always work, because they are often my only source of information.
2. Contact without a phone
To make phone calls, I use TESS, a German relay service. I call via a screen, and an interpreter translates between sign language and spoken language.
How hearing people can call a deaf person in Germany
Hearing callers do not need to register. They simply call a TESS number. An interpreter connects them with the deaf person and translates the conversation. Your deaf contact will tell you which service to call. TESS is a German service for calls within Germany.
Important: Tell the interpreter the name of the person you want to reach, for example “Mario Lee”. Then the interpreter knows who to connect you with.
- TeSign (sign language): +49 4331 77 003 99
- TeScript (written text): +49 4331 77 003 88
More information (in German): tess-relay-dienste.de (as of October 2026)
3. Staff & communication
In face-to-face conversations, sign language works best. In talks and meetings, the best solution is to turn what is said into text, because many technical and foreign words have no sign.
4. Sign language & subtitles
Some museums already do this well. One example is the Roman Museum Kastell Boiotro in Passau: if you arrange your visit in advance, they book an interpreter.
5. Safety & alarms
At the John Reed gym, there is no red warning light when the fire alarm goes off. This needs to be installed. We experienced it ourselves: during a fire alarm, we were the very last people to leave the building. A visual alarm belongs in every gym, and also in football stadiums, at events and at trade fairs.
6. Tickets, checkout & payment
I usually book tickets online. That way I do not have to speak at the ticket desk.
Tip for hearing people: how you can help deaf people
The easiest way is to write with deaf people on your phone. Or try a few simple signs.
Do you know a place I should test for accessibility? Let me know in the comments.
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