Everything you need to know about Caritas (German Caritas Association)
Caritas in Germany is one of the oldest and largest charitable organizations in Germany and across Europe. It was founded in 1897 by Lorenz Werthmann in Freiburg as the welfare arm of the Catholic Church, with the mission of providing support and assistance to those most in need—without discrimination or exceptions.
Principles and values
The term Caritas comes from Latin and means “love” or “compassion”, which reflects the organization’s core spirit. Caritas is rooted in Christian humanitarian principles that emphasize human dignity, unconditional support, and social justice. It believes everyone has the right to a dignified life and works to protect that right for the poor, the sick, refugees, and older people.
Fields of work and services
Caritas provides a broad range of social and humanitarian services, including:
Health and social care: Running hospitals, health centers, and nursing homes, as well as providing home-care services.
Support for families and children: Daycare centers, family counseling services, and child-protection programs against violence and neglect.
Help for homeless people and those in crisis: Shelter, food, and social counseling for people without housing or facing severe financial hardship.
Refugees and migrants: Legal counseling, language courses, and psychosocial support to help newcomers integrate.
Support for people with disabilities: Rehabilitation and assistance centers to strengthen participation in daily life and employment.
International relief: Caritas operates not only in Germany but also in over 200 countries, providing emergency aid during natural disasters, humanitarian crises, and wars.
Structure and organization
Caritas in Germany has a wide and complex organizational structure, operating through 27 regional associations and around 600 local organizations, plus thousands of institutions such as care homes, hospitals, and counseling centers. Caritas employs more than 690,000 staff, supported by hundreds of thousands of volunteers—making it one of the largest employers in Germany’s social sector.
Funding
Caritas is funded through a combination of own revenues, donations, support from the Catholic Church, and public funds allocated to social services. This funding model enables the organization to maintain continuity and provide services without interruption.
Jobs and volunteering
Caritas is a key destination for those seeking careers in the social and humanitarian sector, offering jobs in nursing, care services, social counseling, and administration. It also provides broad volunteering opportunities, from supporting older people to offering psychosocial help to refugees—giving volunteers valuable life experience and the chance to strengthen their communities.
Social role
Caritas is more than a charity—it is a central pillar of Germany’s social support system, especially in times of social and humanitarian challenges. Its strong presence strengthens solidarity and offers a practical model of how human values can be applied in real life.
Conclusion
Caritas represents sustainable humanitarian work with people at the heart of its mission. Through its wide services and vast network, it remains a source of hope and support for millions in Germany and worldwide. Whether you need help, are looking for a social career, or want to volunteer, you will find open doors and compassionate support at Caritas.
ـ* The writing and editorial team on the website strives to provide accurate information through extensive research and consultation of multiple sources when preparing articles. However, some errors may occur or certain information may be unconfirmed. Please consider the information as a preliminary reference and always consult the competent authorities for confirmed information.
