Everyone Is Moving To Berlin

Berlin has sooo many libraries! In this episode, Manuel sums up the variety of resources offered by the VÖBB libraries, the Berlin State Library, and university libraries. You'll learn about the affordable library card and its benefits, including digital services and access to eBook, audio books and magazines — and hopefully feel inspired to check out your nearest library. Show Notes VÖBB - Associ...

Lulu Johnson, author of "Dating in Berlin: Tales of Modern Love and Relationships", joins us to share her wild dating experiences in the city of "non-commitment". In her 8 years of Berlin dating, she's seen it all — even the proud smile of a convicted murderer. We discuss why dating in Berlin seems to be so difficult, discuss the pros and cons of using dating apps, and gather Lulu's top dating adv...

Losing your passport (or getting it stolen) can be a very scary and daunting experience, especially if you're not really sure what to do next. In this episode, we discuss what to do if you lose your passport while living in Berlin, including the specific process for reporting the loss or theft, obtaining a new passport, and navigating the visa implications. We also offer practical tips for prevent...

Ricardo Ancona, a true film nerd and former theater owner, declares Berlin a movie lover's paradise. In this episode, he unveils the secrets of German cinema etiquette – from sweet popcorn, licorice and wine to hushed tones – and explains audio and subtitle choices. He also provides an overview of the many independent "Programmkinos" in Berlin — many of which you can even get a monthly flatrate su...

Upon listener request, Manuel explores the ins and outs of using public transportation in Berlin. You'll learn about the various types of transportation available, such as the U-Bahn, S-Bahn, and trams, and how to find your route and buy tickets. You'll also hear about the different types of tickets, what the new "Deutschlandticket" is all about, and how to navigate the system with children, dogs,...

Michel van Collenburg is a musician and photographer living in the Netherlands who, every year, finds his way back to Berlin for it's creativity and inspiration. In this episode, we find out more about Michel's journey and how he has made Berlin his "second home". Michel offers insights into his creative process, discusses his photo book and album inspired by Berlin, and gives tips for newcomers a...

In this episode, Jae reflects on his 10-month journey of moving from Texas to Berlin. It explores Jae's feelings of homesickness, what he misses most about the US, what he appreciates about Berlin, and whether he plans on staying in Berlin long-term. Through personal anecdotes and insights, Jae shares his experiences of adjusting to a new culture and finding a sense of belonging in this foreign ci...

Deborah's father was 16 when he fled Nazi Germany during a rescue effort of Jewish children known as the Kindertransport . He later raised a family in Australia and almost never spoke German anymore. Deborah and her siblings didn't consider claiming German citizenship until well into their adult lives. In this episode, Deborah shares why she finally decided to apply for a German passport under Sec...

We're celebrating our first podcast-anniversary and starting a Discord Server. Join us to talk about all things Berlin! In this episode, we discuss the culture around anniversaries and birthdays in Germany — and how it compares to the US. Did you know that in Germany, you're the one supposed to give something to others on your birthday? Show Notes Jae's Amazon Wish List Manuel's Amazon Wish List...

Boring, but kind of important: In this episode, Manuel explains which insurances are required by law in Germany, which ones are optional but important to have, and which ones you may pass on depending on your personal situation. Show Notes Types of insurance in Germany (All About Berlin) How to choose German health insurance (All About Berlin) Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) Verivox Check24 Clark Cont...

Manuel adopted a dog! We explain the process of fostering and/or adopting a dog in Berlin, how to know you're ready to be a dog owner, what you'll need to do once the dog is in your home, and what to keep in mind if you want to bring your pet to Germany. Show Notes Animals Care e. V. Dogorama App Hundelieb App (Apple App Store) Anzahl der Haustiere in deutschen Haushalten nach Tierarten in den Jah...

In this episode, Jae explains the lessons and tips he would tell his past self if he was moving to Berlin again for the first time. Show Notes Gross Net Tax Calculator Germany Contribute: everyone.berlin/contribute

German New Year's Eve traditions, how the German "Happy New Year" is different before and after January 1, why parts of Berlin go crazy (!) on New Year's Eve and our 2023 resolutions. Show Notes Raclette (Wikipedia) Molybdomancy (Wikipedia) New Year Walk in Neukölln, Berlin  (YouTube) Silvester in Berlin (YouTube Search) Contribute: everyone.berlin/contribute

Advent calendars, Christmas markets, packed trains and the "Christkind" — Manuel shares what you can expect if you're spending Christmas in Germany for the first time. Contribute: everyone.berlin/contribute

"Berlin is as cool as Brooklyn, but cheap." This sentence inspired Jeremy to move to Berlin in 2014. While starting to learn German, he found that none of the existing language learning apps enabled him to speak the language, so he decided to start his own: Seedlang . In this episode, he shares how the process of starting a company in Germany compares to the US, why you should incorporate as soon...

In this episode Jae talks about his experiences being Black in Berlin and how it has affected him emotionally and mentally. In this raw, uncut episode which feels more like a diary entry, Jae opens up on how he feels about his life here as a person of color and some of the internal and external challenges that has come with it. Contribute: everyone.berlin/contribute

Rachel Stern from The Local joins us to talk about having kids and raising a family in Berlin, Germany's working culture, life as a journalist, cash vs. cards, learning German, and the best and worst aspects of being an expat. Show Notes The Local - Germany's News in English International Families Berlin (Facebook Group) SuperMamas Berlin Iranians and Israelis find an unlikely musical detente in G...

In this short solo episode, Manuel shares how to avoid getting scammed when looking for an apartment in Berlin, and explains how teaching English can be a way to legally stay and work in the city. Show Notes Hunderte Betroffene klagen über Abzocke auf Wohnungsplattform (rbb24) What is a Mietkautionskonto? (All About Berlin) How to move to Germany and become a freelancer (All About Berlin) How to f...

Jae talks about his first trips in Germany outside of Berlin (they didn't go as smoothly as planned). We then methodically go through some of the other major cities and "Bundesländer" (federal states) and compare them to Berlin — while Jae can't help but draw comparisons to certain US states and cities. Show Notes Klaas bringt DICH in den exklusivsten Club der Welt (Late Night Berlin) Map of all G...

Berlin is a special place, especially for artists. In this episode, Jae explains how Berlin's art scene was a big inspiration for him to come here and how the art scene might compare to some other cities he's previously lived in. He provides personal insight and recommendations for the different types of art one can engage with in Berlin. In addition, he discusses Berlin's famous street art scene...

How does Berlin change you? We touch upon intercultural competence, Berlin's roughness, privilige, party life, safe spaces and boundaries while tackling this question. Show Notes Scissor Sisters - Let's Have A Kiki (YouTube) Contribute: everyone.berlin/contribute

In this solo-episode, Manuel explains how to register after you move into an apartment in Berlin and how to sign up for electricity, gas and internet contracts. Also: Reflections on the first 8 months of this show and some fun listener emails. Show Notes Urban Sports Club How to move into an apartment in Germany (All About Berlin) How do electric bills work in Germany? (All About Berlin) Verivox C...

Sunlamps, thick clothes & hot water bags: How we prepare for the infamous Berlin winter — and how the general energy in the city changes during the dark months. Also: Our stances on Christmas and gifts. Show Notes How to pay (or avoid paying) a BVG fine (All About Berlin) 29-Euro-Abo-Aktion (BVG) 9-Euro-Fonds Manuels Sunlamp (Tageslichtlampe) (Amazon) Wärmflasche (Wikipedia) Wichteln (Wikipedia) C...

In this solo episode, Jae provides an update on his mental health and how he has been managing since he's been living here. He discusses the effects of burnout and a few strategies on how to compassionately encourage yourself as you go through some of your challenges. Show Notes Previously on this podcast: Mental Health (Episode 9) Contribute: everyone.berlin/contribute

Manuel is joined by Chris and Stephanie, both from the United States, each married to a German spouse. They share how easy/difficult it was for them to get their Aufenthaltsgenehmigung in Germany and how the visa application process compares to getting a Greecard in the U.S. We also discuss Berlin Fashion, rules at social gatherings, verbal formality and the words "expat" and "immigrant". Show Not...