Illustrations: Berk Karaoglu.
Berlin is often considered the capital of individualists, and its inclusiveness is something we are grateful for every day. But as many of us Ausländers know, the idea of having to integrate into life in Germany is still very strongly advocated by some institutions, and its principles are therefore taught in special courses. Obviously, the Western mentality of turning unique people into perfect (boring) citizens is inherently wrong and we can do better. But why not have a little laugh as we strive to change society? We’ve put our own spin on the onboarding process and present to you our iHeartBerlin guide for integration in German which will finally allow you to fully immerse yourself in life in Berlin!
When I first learned in a German textbook that the mighty abbreviation “WG” stood for “Wohngemeinschaft” (which could literally be translated as “residential community”), I did not expect this concept in its seriousness is really used in everyday language. Little did I know that this was actually the German equivalent of a “flat share”, let alone that I was going to be living in a few of them.
Looking back, this is definitely a great recommendation if you want to “fit in”! Having German-speaking friends who are familiar with the mysteries of bureaucracy and waste separation (more on that later) can be a real blessing. Of course, there’s no guarantee you’ll be so lucky – finding an apartment with Anmeldung is a pretty daunting quest, and housemates often become a secondary concern. Curious to know who you might meet? This Game will give you an idea of some of the most notorious types of roommates in Berlin and what it’s like to live with them.
One might assume that German is the language spoken in Germany, but this is not always the case in Berlin. Don’t let not knowing German put you off moving here. The city is full of multilingual people, many of whom are happy to help in situations where German skills are badly needed, but very often you will find that English works well. Other than that, you’d do well to familiarize yourself with some basic Arabic and Turkish, and once you’re ready to enter the mythical realm of learning German, start with these quick and easy words. that will make you look like a pro.
If you’ve mastered the simple German phrases and still want more, this list will help you take another step on your German integration journey: complaining like a German! Whether it’s the weather, high prices, or evergreen bike lane etiquette, a complaint only works if you’re annoyed.
If you’re put off by the concept of focusing on the negatives of life, know that Berliners are known to be grumpy. So, although we do not advise against an attitude of gratitude, we strongly recommend that you know some typical complaints to understand your Berlin environment.
You will only experience the true spirit of integration when you get to the obstacle course that is German bureaucracy. You’ve probably heard of Anmeldung before, but wait, there’s so much more. Seems like every area of life has to be governed by a law with an extremely long and/or particularly unpronounceable name. Especially if you are self-employed, you might need professional assistance when dealing with the Finanzamt. There is nothing to be ashamed of, the Germans too!
In this article, we’ve highlighted 9 different concepts related to paperwork that you might want to start understanding.
This one might surprise you. Sorting waste is a big thing in Germany, which you can tell by the number of bins in a typical household – I would say at least three. Dividing general waste, glass and paper waste is a good start, but you can try harder.
There are also special rules regarding litter outside that you must follow. It might seem counter-intuitive at first, but if you find yourself finishing up a Wegbier in the neighborhood, don’t throw out the glass bottles. Most of them are marked with a so-called “Pfand”, which means you can take it back to the supermarket and get a few cents back. If you don’t want to do it yourself, give others a chance by placing your glass bottle near the trash can.
This one is easier said than done. Although you could say that Berlin is a natural habitat for DJs, you rarely come across truly authentic specimens. It’s worth looking into, though – especially if your new friend is willing to put you on the guest list for their gigs – otherwise you have to accept that a significant part of your nightlife will be spent queuing. for the entrance.
Berlin’s public transport is quite good and reliable, although the buses can be confusing at first and some are notoriously late. U-Bahns and S-Bahns are generally reliable, but watch out for the dreaded Ersatzverkehr (alternative transport service) which has the potential to turn your otherwise chilly commute into a series of trials and tribulations.
Alternatively, you can choose not to use public transport and get around by bike, as many Berliners have done before you. The thing to keep in mind here is that you probably don’t want to spend too much money on a brand new bike – unfortunately these tend to disappear from the busy streets of Berlin, sometimes only to be found at a market at fleas . We have already covered this problem in this article, along with other essential knowledge for Berlin beginners.
Berlin is a great place for beer lovers. Besides the strong Späti offering of Sterni, good Czech beers and German staples, there are plenty of microbreweries. This, combined with the fact that Berliners turn hanging out into an art form, is generally conducive to enjoying cold beers. This is not unrelated to our next point…
Summer in the city can get tiring. But Berlin is surrounded by many beautiful lakes, most of which are easily accessible by public transport and/or bicycle. Here is an ultimate guide to our favorite places! By the way, beware that some Berliners have a strong affinity for the FKK (Freikörperkultur), and it’s not uncommon to accidentally stumble upon a nudist beach.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with all the do’s and don’ts, we understand. U.S. too. That’s why you should find a coping strategy, especially for the trying winter months.. Some people escape to hot countries, others choose a weekend getaway on the dance floor, and there’s always the chance to hibernate in a warm cocoon of summer memories. Whatever you do, you can at least laugh referring to this Berlin winter comic.
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through Michalina
February 9, 2022
in Stories