What is Abmeldung?
Abmeldung is the formal process of deregistering from a specific address in Germany to confirm that you no longer live there. In short, it is the opposite of the Anmeldung (address registration) process that you will have completed on arrival in Germany.
You must complete your Abmeldung if you are leaving Germany on a non-temporary basis. When you complete your Abmeldung, you will be issued an Abmeldebestätigung (deregistration certificate). You can use this deregistration certificate to cancel your health insurance and any ongoing contracts that you have in Germany such as internet plans, gym memberships, utility bills, etc.
In Berlin, you can complete your Abmeldung at a Bürgeramt or via mail/email. For further details about how to deregister from your Berlin address, see our Abmeldung guide.