- published: 28 Jan 2014
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Kiez (German pronunciation: [ˈkiːts]) (also: Kietz) is a German word that refers to a city neighbourhood, a relatively small community within a larger town. The word is mainly used in Berlin and northern Germany.
The word originated in the time of the eastward expansion of German settlers in the Middle Ages into Slavonic territories, when in many places both communities existed side by side. The word is of Slavonic origin (chyza meaning hut or house) and referred to a Slavonic settlement (typically of fishermen) near a German town. Some placenames are reminiscent of this meaning, for example Küstrin-Kietz or the Kietz of Berlin-Köpenick.
A Kiez is never originally defined by the municipality or government, but rather by the inhabitants, and therefore doesn't necessarily coincide with administrative divisions. In some cases, however, such definitions have been picked up in official documents, this including State legislation.
In Berlin the term usually has a positive connotation, as inhabitants often identify with the "Kiez" they live in. There are approximately 20 unofficial "Kiez"-areas in Berlin, most often in and around the city center. A Berliner "Kiez" usually consists mainly of pre-war buildings and upholds its own commercial and cultural infrastructure.