Campustour an der ISM Hamburg in der HafenCity

What does “Anlaufstelle” mean in German?

Word for word, “Anlaufstelle” is a “running-up-to place” — but it just means the first place you go when you need help or have a question. In this clip, a tour guide points to the student office: „die erste Anlaufstelle für Studenten" — the desk where students sort out tickets, brochures, and any problem. You hear this word all over German life: a help desk, a contact point, the office that handles your case.

„Das Studiensekretariat hinter mir ist die erste Anlaufstelle für Studenten und Studentinnen an der ISM.“ — ”The student office behind me is the first point of contact for students at the ISM.“ Use it for any place that helps you first: „Bei Fragen ist das Bürgerbüro die erste Anlaufstelle.” — “For questions, the citizens' office is your first port of call.” Or „Die Hotline ist eine gute Anlaufstelle.“ — ”The hotline is a good place to turn to.“ It often comes with „erste” (first) or „zentrale" (central). Think help desk, contact point, the office that takes care of you — not just a building, but the right place to start.