Kiez is a German word that refers to a city neighbourhood; a relatively small community within a larger town. The word Kiez is mainly used in Berlin and northern Germany.

A Kiez is never set by the municipity or government, but rather by the inhabitants, therefore it doesn't necessarily describe any geographical borders or districts.

A Kiez usually means 5–20 neighboring streets with distinguishable style and atmosphere. The inhabitants are proud to belong to their Kiez and are keeping the Kiez unique and alive with street programs, concerts, and other events.

One can find many Kieze in Berlin (e.g. "Boxi" in Friedrichshain - the area surrounding Boxhagener Platz and Simon-Dach-Straße). In Hamburg der Kiez refers to the area around the Reeperbahn in the district St. Pauli, meaning also the city's red-light district.

External links

• http://www.kiezbilder.de/ Nightlife from the "Kiez" in Hamburg, Germany
• http://www.backtony.com/ Kiez-Nightlife-Magazine from the "Kiez" in Hamburg, Germany

German culture | Human habitats | Urban studies and planning

Kiez