The article examines public initiative in solving the housing problem in Germany. Special attention is paid to the history of the emergence of the first construction cooperatives in Germany at the turn of the XIX – XX centuries. It shows the processes in German society that preceded their formation, in particular, the development of housing charity and the emergence of housing cooperation in Europe. On the materials of the construction cooperatives in Berlin their forms, principles and goals, their construction activity are being studied. It is concluded that the cooperatives cоme from charities and despite the best efforts of their creators it was impossible to put into practice the idea of self-management and self-help.