Welcome to the Berlin Debating Union e.V.!
The Berlin Debating Union is the debating society of Berlin’s institutions of tertiary education.
The Berlin Debating Union pursues three main goals (see charter):
- The discussion of political and societal issues: Debating is based on a simulation of parliamentary discourse. Several speakers are assigned one of two sides of the issue to be debated – proposition and opposition. Both sides are presented in as clear a fashion as possible. This makes even complex topics intelligible and accessible to discussion. The goal is not to reach a consensus but to contrast the different sides against one another. As the speakers are randomly assigned positions, they also have to argue for views they don’t agree with, forcing them to put themselves into the shoes of the other in order to be able to present a convincing case.
- The improvement of personal self-expression: Rhetoric skills are at the heart of democracy. Citizens should be capable of forming positions on issues and delivering their opinions in a structured, compelling way to the public, as well as being able to answer the arguments of the other. These are the skills learnt and honed by debating. This is at the very core of democratic discourse.
- International exchange: Debating originates from the British Isles but is practiced globally. The Berlin Debating Union is part of a worldwide community, which is why we debate both at German and international tournaments, including the German, European and World Championships. The Berlin Debating Union also hosts several tournaments every year in German and English. In 2013 the BDU even hosted the World Championship, as well as the European Championship 2006.
In order to become a BDU member simply fill out the membership application and bring it to the next debating session.
Due to Covid-19 we meet every Tuesday (virtually) at 7pm on our Discord Server / Zoom. Invite link: https://discord.gg/XDuxBVzfHS
Introductory Phase
Do you enjoy controversial issues? Do you enjoy exchanging opinions? We share this joy and live it out every week: sportily and fairly according to fixed rules, in the tradition of student debate. We talk about every important topic from politics and culture. Whether as an after-work hobby or as an ambitious competitive sport – we have a good time together.
If you…
– enjoy arguing about current political, social and cultural issues,
– want to listen to gripping speeches,
– want to learn to appear confident and speak freely,
– want to be able to argue coherently and be so convincing,
– You would like to get to know students from a wide range of subjects and universities
…debating at the Berlin Debating Union will enrich your studies!
The beginning doesn’t have to be difficult. We have therefore designed a program to make it easier to get started with debating:
On October 17, 2023, we will begin our introductory phase with a show debate where everyone can get an idea of debating. Everyone who’s interested is welcome to try it for themselves. From October 24, 2023, you always have the opportunity to attend seminars on rhetoric and argumentation and to debate yourself. The program is of course open to everyone and free of charge. There is no pre-registration. Just show up to the dates and take a writing pad with you.
The show debate
If you’re wondering what debating actually is or want to experience an exciting and fun evening, our show debate is the right place for you!
When and where? October 17, 2023
at 7 p.m Room
1.601, Dorotheenstrasse 24
Topic: “Do the ‘Last Generation’ protests help fight climate change?”
Costs: None!
9 p.m.: Get together
Six speakers – some with a lot of experience, others with less – will debate each other on the topic. The audience can enjoy the debate with a drink and ask questions on the topic.
Try debating
For anyone who’s interested, we offer a four-week training course that takes place every Tuesday at Dorotheenstrasse 24 in room 1.601. You have the opportunity to take part in exciting debate seminars and gain your first debate experience together with other beginners.
Workshops and debates:
October 24th
7:00 p.m. – How does a debate work?
8:00 p.m. – Debate: This House favors polyamorous relationships
October 31st
7:00 p.m. – How do I build an argument?
8:00 p.m. – Debate: This House would introduce a universal basic income
November 7th
7:00 p.m. – How do I find arguments?
8:00 p.m. – Debate: Suppose it were possible for this House to introduce a pill for soldiers that would make them forget what they experienced in war
November 14th
7:00 p.m. – How do I judge a debate?
8:00 p.m. – Debate: This House regrets the development of facial recognition systems
November 21th
7:00 p.m. – Review workshop
8:00 p.m. – Debate
Everyone is invited to come! It is advisable to attend all events as the seminars build on one another. Anyone who joins us at a later date can also join in.
The beginners tournament
The crowning conclusion of the introductory phase is the Berliner Bärchen Tournament on November 25, 2023. Here you can apply the skills you have learned directly to a full-day tournament. Afterwards there will be a great party! Further information about the tournament will follow during the introductory phase. If you have any questions, please send an email to presse@debating.de