Oma (Luise Ullrich) and Gregor (Werner Finck) are looking for an apartment, but on their meager pensions, they are unlikely to find a place they like and can afford. In the course of their search, they encounter children out in the street, and come to the conclusion that the kids would be much happier in a kindergarten—but it appears that kindergartens are as scarce as apartments. When Oma sees that a branch of the local library is being vacated, she has an idea. Oma and Gregor, with the support of Marion (Hanna Schygulla), Jochen (Gottfried John), and friends, establish a kindergarten. But this is only the beginning of the struggle, and it can only be won with the help of the women in the neighborhood. (Adapted from notes by The Fassbinder Foundation)