FAQs
If you have a question that isn’t answered here, please contact us: request(at)zigmal.org.
About our services
Will Zigmal charge me money?
No. We don’t charge for our time. Zigmal e.V. is run by volunteers and funded through donations. If you can afford to donate, we’d love the help, but there’s no expectation.
Do you work with men like me?
We work with any man who feels stuck, alone, or unsure where he can get help. Some are going through major life changes. Others simply want to feel more connected or alive. You don’t need a diagnosis, a label, or a clear ‘goal’ to reach out to us.
What happens when I first contact you?
Usually, you’ll next be contacted by a founding member for a one-on-one conversation. There’s no formality – we just listen and try to understand what kind of support might help you.
Do you offer therapy?
Not exactly. Some of us are trained in counselling and working with people who have experienced trauma, but we don’t provide formal therapy. What we offer is human connection, support, and help navigating your next steps, including;
- Helping you work out what kind of therapist or service you’d like to work with
- Supporting you as you attend therapy (support outside the therapy room)
Is everything confidential?
Yes. We treat our conversations with care and confidentiality. Nothing is shared outside of the Verein without your clear permission.
Can I bring a friend, partner, or family member?
In some settings, yes – for example, during visits to our garden space or certain community gatherings. For one-on-one sessions, we usually start alone, but we’re always open to what feels safe for you.
Can I donate to Zigmal e.V.?
Yes! You’ll find an extra page on how you can make a donation here.
Can I volunteer with Zigmal?
Yes! We’re always glad when people reach out with that question. There are several ways you can get involved;
- Formal membership:
If you want to formally join the Verein, you can apply for membership in writing – but you don’t need to be a member to collaborate with us. - Partnerships:
We sometimes partner with individuals or initiatives who share our values - Sharing our space:
We occasionally share access to our retreat space when it feels like a good fit.
If you have an idea, a project, or want to offer your time or skills – send us a message to request(at)zigmal.org and we’ll get back to you promptly.
About Zigmal
Who’s behind Zigmal e.V.?
Zigmal is run by a small collective, most of whom met through the Berlin Men’s Group. In 2024, seven of us founded Zigmal as an official association. We come from different countries and backgrounds, but all of us now live in Berlin. What brought us together was a shared interest in deeper connection and meaningful support among men – and a desire to offer that to others.
Why are there are no photos of you on this page?
We prefer to keep a low profile, so the attention stays on the men we support – not on us. That said, once you get in touch, someone from the Verein will personally introduce himself. You’ll know who you’re speaking to, and you’re always welcome to ask them more about their background and experience.
Why is the site in English?
We use English because many people who contact us – and many members – are from different countries, and English is the language most of us share. We’re based in Germany and most of us also speak German. So if you’d rather speak or write in German, just tell us and we’ll switch.
Where does Zigmal operate?
We’re in Berlin. We also run a community garden and a retreat space in Brandenburg. We can support you in person, by phone, or online. We use our own Zoom account that uses servers in Germany. If you prefer another way to talk, tell us what you’d like.
What are Zigmal’s political affiliations?
None. Zigmal doesn’t represent a political stance or ideology. The work we do is personal – focused on the individual man in front of us. There are always broader debates on questions of gender, identity, or culture. Those social conversations matter, and we follow them with interest, but we are not participants in them. We focus on offering calm, respectful support to men of all backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives.
What’s the legal status of Zigmal e.V.?
Zigmal is a registered association (eingetragener Verein, or e.V.) under Germany law. We operate on a volunteer basis and are not-for-profit, meaning our primary goal is to serve rather than to make money. All money we receive goes directly into our running costs and improving what we can offer men who use our service. Our finances are reviewed annually and we’re legally obligated to submit a yearly tax return to the German tax department. We’re happy to provide more information if you’d like to know how we operate.
What does ‘Zigmal’ mean?
Like many of the men we meet, the word Zigmal sits beside a lot of things, but isn’t quite any of them;
- In German, zigmal means something like ‘countless times’ – as in,
‘Ich habe es zigmal probiert’ (‘I’ve tried it untold times’). - It sounds a little like Ziege – the German word for goat. Goats are curious, stubborn, sure-footed animals. They climb impossible slopes, often alone, and make their way into spots others wouldn’t dare to get into. That felt symbolic of many of the men we meet – and of the courage it can sometimes take to face your life honestly… especially when the hill is steep.
- It also echoes the word ‘signal,’ like the kind sent from a lighthouse to those searching for direction.
- Some hear in it a nod to ‘Sigma Male,’ with all the baggage and mythology that term carries in today’s culture.
‘Zigmal’ might mean all of these things – or none of them. What matters to us is that it makes you pause, tilt your head slightly, and wonder. That sense of quiet curiosity, of not needing to rush toward a fixed identity or label, is something we try to protect in all our work. That’s why the name felt right.