Guest lists in Berlin: how to get on the list

A guest list is a list of names the promoter hands to the door before the party. If you are on it, you get whatever perk the promoter has set: free entry, a reduced price or a separate queue. The details differ from party to party and are shown on friendslist.de right on the event page – for example “With Friendslist: €5 instead of €15” or “free until 0:30”.

What the list is not: guaranteed entry. In Berlin the door always has the last word – even with a spot on the list you can be turned away if you are too drunk, arrive in a big group or simply do not fit the night. The list saves you money and waiting time; it does not replace door policy.

On friendslist.de the guest list is called Friendslist. Same idea, just a name that sounds less like a bouncer.

Pick a party on friendslist.de that carries the Friendslist badge – you will see it in the listings, and all parties with a guest list shows only those. On the event page tap “Join the Friendslist now”, enter your first and last name and your e-mail address, and say how many people you are bringing.

You immediately get a confirmation e-mail with your QR code. No app needed, no account either – with an account it is just faster next time because your details are already there. If you cannot make it after all, remove yourself via the link in the e-mail.

Every list has a sign-up deadline shown on the event – often on the evening of the party, sometimes already in the afternoon because the promoter sends the list to the door in advance. After that it is closed, even if the party has not started yet. So sign up as soon as you know you are going.

Many lists also have a cap. Once it is full you can join the waiting list and get an e-mail as soon as someone drops out – first to click gets the spot.

Show the QR code from the e-mail or give your name exactly as you entered it. You also need valid ID – a national ID card or passport. A photo of your ID on your phone is not enough at most doors.

The perk often only applies until a certain time. “Free until 0:30” means: arrive at 0:45 and you pay full price. Factor in the queue and come half an hour earlier than you think you need to.

If you added a plus-one, they have to arrive at the door together with you. A group that arrives separately is not on the list – only you are.

These are the reasons people end up outside despite being on the list:

• ›Name misspelled, or a nickname instead of the name on your ID.
• ›No ID on you – even if you are clearly over 18.
• ›Arriving after the time until which the perk applies.
• ›Turning up with more people than you registered as plus-ones.
• ›Missing the deadline and hoping the door will be lenient.

If you run parties yourself, you can create a Friendslist for every event on friendslist.de – with deadline, cap, QR scanning at the door and automatic delivery of the list. Everything about it is on the page for promoters.