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Berlin the German Capital! Everybody knows Berlin or at least has heard of it, which is why many expats in Germany prefer moving to Berlin when starting their stay in the nation. This city has become increasingly popular worldwide in recent decades since the fall of the Berlin Wall, both as a tourist destination and a place to settle down.

This is true not only for Germans but for people from all over the world. These facts have led to Berlin’s international cosmopolitan flair and charm. When you are strolling through the streets of Berlin, you can see the internationality not only in the people but also in the restaurants.

 

Even the art scene presents to its audience artists from all over the world. The Berlin International Film Festival has been one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world for decades. One could continue this list endlessly, but everyone who comes to Berlin has his/her own preferences that are important to him/her. Berliners themselves have become accustomed to living in a multicultural society. For example, Berlin is home to the largest Turkish community outside of Turkey.

In addition to this modernity, you can always find small retreats that offer you peace and relaxation. The residents of each district and neighbourhood have a strong influence on that area, so they all differ from one another. For instance, you will find variety in what the pubs and cafés have to offer and their designs. Something you will find in every district in Berlin is Spätis. Spätis are small shops that sell goods to customers until late at night.

Living in Berlin

Moving to Berlin means learning the special vocabulary for Germans as well as for foreigners. As mentioned above, Späti is one of them. Another one would be Schrippe, which is a word for bun. Fisimatenten describes the word excuses, and meschugge is another word for crazy, for instance.  Familiarity with them is something that everyone has to acquire. One must also know that Kiez is the word the district one lives in. What everyone should take into account is that rents in Berlin have gone up quite a bit. This means you should have enough on your hands time to search and find a suitable apartment.

It is also helpful to concentrate on one or two neighbourhoods to get insider tips to make an informed choice. For instance, an insider tip could be about regular viewings, which usually involve a massive crowd of people that reduces your chances of seeing the property correctly and evaluating its condition. These facts await someone in everyday life of Berlin.

Must Visit

There are many sights to see in Berlin, and it can be difficult to know where to start. However, after a while, everyone will find the sights they are interested in. Therefore, we will mention only the really famous ones everybody should visit. Remember that this list is not a rating of the sights but is just a list.

1. Der deutsche Reichtstag

The German Reichstag is an impressive building and the seat of the German parliament. Its architecture, history, and awe-inspiring view from the roof or the dome are already something exceptional that everyone should have seen.

2. Die Berliner Mauer

A gigantic wall ran right through Berlin until reunification, dividing the city into East and West Berlin. Even today, you can see parts of it along the 7-kilometer-long Wall Trail. The path starts at Potsdamer Platz and ends at WarschauerStraße. On your way, you’ll pass the permanent exhibition “Topography of Horror,” which combines the original form of the wall with stories from people who were affected by its cruelty.

 

3. Das Brandenburger Tor

The Brandenburg Gate was a component of the Berlin Customs Wall. Construction of the Berlin Cathedral began during the reign of Frederick William II and was completed in 1791. On it, there is the Quadriga. In the chariot pulled by four horses is Victoria, the Roman Goddess of victory.

 

4. Der Fernsehturm

The TV tower is the highest tower in Germany that stands tall at 368 metres. It is located at the Alex and, of course, offers an incredible 360-degree view over the entire city. The most beautiful view is during sunset, when the city is bathed in a beautiful light.

5. Der Gendarmenmarkt

Gendarmenmarkt is Berlin’s most beautiful square. It is located between three large buildings. In the centre is the Concert Hall of Berlin. On the sides, you can look at the German and French cathedrals. The market is a place to linger with exciting and interesting restaurants and cafés.

6. Die Museumsinsel

The Museum Island is part of the Unesco World Heritage Site, where you will find several museums such as the Bode Museum, the Old Museum, the New Museum, the Pergamon Museum, and the Old National Gallery. The best way to learn about the exhibitions hosted here is to search online.

7. Die Spree

Last but not least is the Spree. To experience Berlin from the water is something very special as a boat trip is totally worth it. Berlin’s many sights can be seen from the banks of the Spree. In addition, there are several landing stages where you can leave the boat or get back on. It’s a very relaxing way to visit the sights after moving to Berlin.

Typical Food

The topic of food in Berlin is a difficult one to discuss. Not because there is not enough excellence related to it, but you do not know where to start with your recommendations.

Traditional Foods

When you think of Berlin and traditional food as a German, you automatically have to think of currywurst and kebab. The city is full of currywurst stands and kebab stalls. the traditional dishes don’t correspond to the German mainstream, but are still worth a try. But of course there are also delicious, old dishes cooked according to grandma’s recipes. Berliners love boulettes with potato salad, false rabbit, a meatloaf stuffed with egg,. But there is also a false Heinrich, which is nothing more than bratwurst with false sauce and mashed potatoes!

Who of course wants something special must try quite clearly Königsberger Klopse, They are an East German specialty. It consists of Frikadellen in a Bechamel sauce with capers. Despite having the reputation of being poor but sexy, Berliners still prefer simple dishes. Potato soup with sausages is just as popular as liver with apple, onion and mashed potatoes. For those who like it meaty, it must be Kassler with sauerkraut, fierce and crude. However, it is a dish that corresponds to the basic idea of our capital, keep it simple.

Cured pork knuckle with pea puree, is another Berlin specialty worth trying.

Berliner Favourites

Brined eggs are a traditional dish that is often served in Berlin pubs. They are hard-boiled eggs that have been pickled in a strong saline solution and thus preserved. Rollmops is herring fillet with a filling of onions and gherkins rolled into it. The rollmops is held together by two small wooden sticks. It is not eaten with cutlery, but put into the mouth as a whole and is a traditional part of the hangover breakfast.

In Brandenburg, the special Teltower Rübchen can be consumed both raw and steamed. To finish off the meal, Berliner Luft is suggested – a cream dish accompanied by raspberry sauce or Berliner pancakes. As for drinks, it is recommended to try a Berliner Weisse with shot; this type of wheat beer comes with either raspberry syrup or woodruff. It is probably common worldwide, one could still list numerous dishes that are typical of Berlin, if you move there, you will in the course of time, certainly get to know one or the other curiosity of the local cuisine. Have fun tasting!

Restaurants

If you’re looking for traditional Berlin fare, you should definitely try currywurst and kebab. There’s no shortage of great places to get these dishes, but one restaurant that really stands out is Borchardt. Borchardt has been serving up delicious food for over 150 years and is a favourite among celebrities and politicians. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet, savoury, or spicy, Borchardt has something to suit your taste.

Another interesting place is ClärchensBallhaus. Established in 1913, the restaurant offers fresh food, which is a combination of traditional dishes with modern influences. Another interesting fact is that they offer dance classes and concerts as well.

Spindler is also a restaurant you should try after moving to Berlin. The cuisine at Spindler is modern, French-inspired, and cosmopolitan. The restaurant overlooks the Spree River and provides an amazing view while serving delicious food.

 

Cafe Botanico grows all the vegetables they use themselves. Moreover, the pasta is homemade. The farm-to-table restaurant with its own 1,000 square meter permaculture garden in the middle of Berlin works sustainably and with a consistent low-waste approach. The target group here is guests of all kinds who come by not only because the food is organic or fair but because it tastes good and makes them feel good.

Tisk is an old German word for table. The two chefs come from East and West Berlin. They want to combine and present traditional Berlin cuisine with flavours and spices from around the world. At the Tisk, diners can observe their meals being cooked in the open kitchen. Berlin also offers several food markets where one can eat throughout the whole day. You will just have to keep your eyes open though when you visit these food markets after moving to Berlin.

Public Transportation

Due to the large size of Berlin, public transportation has been very well established. Public transport in Berlin consists of a rapid transit system with S-Bahn and U-Bahn trains as well as RE and RB trains. Politically limited mainly to the eastern half of the city, there is also a large streetcar network. In addition, there is a citywide bus network, so that citizens can cope with everyday life well and quickly. The only drawback is the BER. The grand opening of Willy Brand Airport, originally slated for 2011, was ultimately delayed until 2020 due to faulty planning and rising construction costs. Today, 46 million passengers a year can use the national and international flight routes. It is precisely these special exceptions that make Berlin endearing and special.

 

Dialect

The Berlin dialect is something very special. An important tip for new Berliners is not to try to speak it yourself. It will always sound funny and disturb Berliners. The people of the capital are known for their “Berlin snout,” a saying that is often used in various situations. Although it can be taken as a slight, it’s usually said casually and should not be taken too seriously; it’s just their way of speaking freely. That means they don’t mince words and get straight to the point.

In time, you will become accustomed to it and be able to correctly categorize it.

Here, the most significant proverbs and terms will be enumerated:

Icke stands for I, for example, that you should know as a tourist or expat.

Dit is mir schnurz piepe! means that the matter is not important to the person. Nu aba ran an de Buletten! stands for the fact that one really has to tackle something now.

Dit find ich Knorke means I think that’s great!

Pass ma uff Keule! In Berlin, Keule stands for brother or buddy – “Pass ma uff Keule” means something like “Watch out” or “Listen up, friend”. Note that the warning is not intended to be overly friendly; make sure you take heed.

Keene Haare uff’m Kopp, aba ‘n Kamm inner Tasche! No hair on your head, but a comb in your pocket! This phrase from Berlin jargon is perfect to describe a fake person, an imposter or someone who likes to boast.

 

Regarding the dialect, one can also only say that it is a real challenge for everyone. This is true not only for expats, but also for Germans who decide to move to Berlin. One can only say that everyone who comes here needs a lot of patience to learn and understand this unique dialect. Good luck!