Social Life

1. Do I need to be a member to participate in International Women’s Group events?

You do not need to be a member of the Women’s Group in order to participate in group events. The International Women’s Group is a non-political, non-religious, non-commercial group (no membership fee) open to all nationalities. Children of any age are also cordially welcome. The language of communication is English. If you are interested in attending one of our events, for example our monthly International Lunch, please contact Carolin Schneider and sign up for the event on our website.

2. Who can join the International Women’s Group?

Any woman who has moved to Potsdam for work-related reasons and is in some way affiliated with the Potsdam Science Park or lives in Golm. The group was founded because increasingly more women are called upon to move to foreign countries for their own work or for that of their partner. It is not uncommon for women to even forgo their own career for this reason. They give up their social environment, their family, and their friends. They have to find their way in a new culture and learn a new language. We would  like to help make this new beginning in Potsdam easier.

3. Where can I buy Asian or international groceries?

There are a few shops in Potsdam that carry international grocieries. One example is the British-American food shop in Dortustraße in the centre of Potsdam. Of course, there are also a variety of products available online and in the various supermarkets. You can find more details in the News-Category.

4. On what public holidays are the shops closed in Potsdam?

In Brandenburg shops are closed on the following days:

Neujahr (New Year, January 1st), Karfreitag + Ostermontag (the Friday before Easter and the Monday after), 1. Maifeiertag (May 1st), Christi Himmelfahrt (Acension Day, a Thursday in May), Pfingstmontag (Whit Monday, the day after Pentecost), Tag der Einheit (October 3rd), Reformationstag (October 31st), 1. und 2. Weihnachtsfeiertag (Christmas and Boxing Day, December 25th and 26th)

5. Is it possible to drink the water from the tap in Germany?

Yes, in Germany the drinking water from the tap is subjected to high quality treatment and testing and can be consumed without hesitation.

However, water can taste differently depending on the types and age of pipes in your house. Anyone who wants to change or improve the taste of their water can purchase water filters and special cartridges online or in the drugstore.

6. Where can I rent a bicycle or E-scooter?

In Golm, a bicycle can be rented using services such as Nextbike or Swapfiets. Nextbike stations are located in front of the GO:IN building and at the train station. In Potsdam, E-scooters can be rented from Tier. For more information regarding each service and how to register, please visit the individual company websites.

For more specific FAQ please check out the pages support, accommodation, childcare and language school.