What Should You Do If You Experience Discrimination?

Depending on whether you are the victim yourself, whether you witness an incident, or whether you are accused of discrimination, you have different options for taking action.

Call the police if the situation becomes dangerous: Dial 110. Remember that you should only dial the emergency number if you or others are in danger. Otherwise, contact a police station or a counseling center.

In cases of stalking, you can also go to the local court to obtain a (temporary) restraining order.

People Affected by Discrimination
  • Some leave the place where they are being discriminated against. Others respond with clear words like “Stop” or say “No” very firmly. In discussions, they openly express their stance or seek out allies.
  • Asking questions can lead people who are discriminating to reflect on their behavior—and they may realize that they aren’t really acting fairly.
  • Humor can also help: Instead of arguing, challenge statements with humor—but without becoming cynical.
  • Talk to people around you about what happened to you—even if you feel like you’re repeating yourself over and over, because that’s normal when your thoughts go in circles.
  • Go to one of the support centers or the university’s anti-discrimination office. File a complaint under the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG). Important: Document what happened to you (emails, photos, social media posts, etc.).
  • If you wish to sue for damages under Section 15 of the AGG, keep in mind that the complaint must be filed within a two-month deadline.
 
For people who witness discrimination
  • Ask people if they need help: It’s better to ask once too many times than once too few. But if the situation becomes dangerous, get help—call the police (phone number: 110).
  • Only offer help if it is wanted. The only exception: if you notice that there is a risk of harm to oneself or others. In that case, as mentioned earlier: get help.
  • Think carefully about what you say. Argue objectively and empathetically, but not arrogantly. Do not become angry or insulting yourself. This can be learned in workshops.
  • You can seek advice at the contact centers or the Anti-Discrimination Office—or even file a complaint yourself, provided the affected individuals consent.
 
What can you do if you’re told that you’re discriminating against others?
  • Listen to others and take their comments seriously. Take some time to calmly consider whether you might have behaved unfairly.
  • Apologize if others tell you that you’ve hurt them, even if you didn’t intend to hurt anyone. Accept that there are other perspectives.
  • Reflect on whether you may have learned words during your childhood that are considered hurtful today but weren’t discussed back then, such as the N-word or misogynistic terms.
  • Take continuing education courses, seek advice from anti-discrimination organizations, and talk to people in your circle.