After German newspapers published Arabic-language guides for refugees, Berlin's public transport network has done the same for its rail map -- with the help of a Syrian asylum-seeker.

The leaflet published by Berlin's public transport operator BVG includes names of the capital's main underground stations and essential information on the public transport system in Arabic.

"All translations were done by Ebrahim Kadour -- himself a refugee from Syria who arrived in Berlin a few weeks ago -- together with Rafael Sanchez from the 'Moabit helps!' initiative," said BVG, referring to a volunteer group centred on the Berlin district of Moabit.

"Both worked voluntarily on it over a whole weekend," it added in a statement.

Germany is expecting to receive up to one million refugees this year, according to Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel.