Knife attacks explode in Berlin - School as a key to the solution!

Knife attacks explode in Berlin - School as a key to the solution!

The acts of violence with knives are increasing in Berlin. According to police statistics, around 3,400 cases of knife violence were registered in 2024, an increase compared to 2,600 cases in 2015. This development leads to the public security and potential for conflict in the city. Marcel Kuhlmey, a former police officer and trainer, sees one of the main causes for this development in the lack of conflict competence from young men. He emphasizes that conflicts used to be fisted more often with fists and less with knives. During his active service, Kuhlmey never hit someone on the street with a knife, which underlines the drama of the current situation. The police have determined that the notification behavior influences the statistics and that knife attacks have only recently been recorded as a separate category.

Prevention work is becoming increasingly important. Programs like “Knives Make Murderers” are intended to reach young people in schools in particular and make them aware not to bring knives with them. Teachers are called upon to take action and contact prevention work in order to offer young people support at an early stage.

Background to knife violence

In the discussion about the causes of the knife attacks, social inequality also plays a role. Kuhlmey demands that prevention should start early and address these social factors. Bernd Siggelkow, founder of the Arche Aid Agency, also warns of the potential for conflict that arises from cultural differences. In particular, life -threatening knife attacks often affect young people who no longer see any perspective. Siggelkow emphasizes that the Senate in Berlin is planning a weapon and knife ban in local transport from summer. He criticizes this project as inadequate and demands better education and more security.

In a comprehensive look at knife crime, the data shows that a total of 29,014 crimes using a knife were recorded in Germany in 2024. This marks the highest level in history. What is particularly worrying is the fact that more than half of the knife attacks in Berlin took place in public spaces. This shows that young people, often under 25 years old, are affected both as perpetrators and as victims. Police are seeing an alarming increase in incidents of youths carrying one-handed blades or even illegal switchblades.

Legal measures and their effect

To counteract the increasing violence, lawmakers have introduced stricter gun laws that have been in force since October 2024. This includes, among other things, the establishment of knife-free zones at events, train stations and on public transport. The authorities can also more easily set up weapons ban zones. Experts such as criminologist Britta Bannenberg rate these measures as useful for increasing security in crime hotspots. However, it remains to be seen how effective these zones will ultimately be, as a comprehensive evaluation is still pending.

In addition, experts emphasize the need for a national action plan to counter the challenges of knife power. Dirk Baier, a criminologist, expressed the hope that the number of knife attacks could have reached a climax. Nevertheless, there is a risk that savings in youth institutions and teachers could further tighten the situation. Siggelkow had already warned of an aid organizations at the beginning of the year and called for a turn in migration policy.

In summary, it turns out that the knife power in Berlin and beyond has a complex connection between social, cultural and legal factors. Increased prevention work, more efficient measures and a holistic view of the problem are required to improve the situation sustainably. The dangers of the knife wear and the possible consequences for uninvolved people urgently need to be brought into the focus of the social discussion.