Permit requirements for busking in Berlin

Hi Everyone,
Does anyone know if you need a permit to play music on the streets for tips? I had kind of a funky situation happen to me today. I was playing my marimba on Diffenbachstr. and I headed to the canal at the corner of Bockstr. and Grimmstr. because there were a lot of people out. The people seemed to enjoy what I was doing, they were applauding after each number. But then this crazy lady stops me and asks to see my permit. I responded back with,
"Ich sprechen nicht Deutsche". She kept at it and I continued " Ich... sprechen... nicht!!! She then tried to walk away with my tip bowl! The audience started screaming at her so she put it back. She disappered for about 5 mintes but then came back with her cell and she was calling the police on me! I ended up having to leave and she followed me!!! Half way down Diffenbach, she finally stopped following so I played some more and the police never came. Any suggestions on how to deal with the crazy people?
Mark

You do need a permit, however if you just sit on the street and beg, that you can do permit free. Bullshit really, street musicians add something to a city, bums just stink.

That's funny, in a 'it didn't happen to me' sort of way.

First, playing 'stupid foreigner' is probably the way to go. I'm not sure how many of these people will really bother if it means they have to speak 'Nicht Deutsch'.

Did she show you any sort of credentials? If she didn't, she's just a random woman trying to steal your cash (as far as you know, because you aren't German and she didn't identify herself, right?). If so, I'd smack her, and maybe call the police to inform them that you've nabbed a thief.

Anyway, I'd just keep at it. What are they going to do, tell you to stop? So what?

Thats funny, why do musicians need a permit and beggars don't??? She had no credentials along with very few teeth. I knew she was crazy and another person in the audience pointed that out to me as well. He also said that she wanted me to pay her money. Then, she would leave me alone.
Mark

Most cities require street musicians to have a permit - mainly to regulate noise in public areas. There are usually strict conditions for "open-air" music - you are typically limited to a maximum of 30 minutes per hour in one area, must move at least 200 metres between performances and can only perform between the hours of 06:00 and 22:00. Berlin charges €6.40 per day for a permit, which can be applied for from the Berlin Umweltamt. Fines of up to €5000 (five thousand!) can be imposed on those playing without a permit...

Thanks for the info and the link. I have spoken to several street musicians and so far, I haven't encountered any who have bothered to aquire a permit.
Most are under the impression that the worst case scenerio, the police will ask you to leave. Last night, there was a very entertaining group of musicians (trio)playing in the entrance of U2, Eberwald Stasse, singing songs by JohnnyCash and poking fun of America.