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INTERNATIONAL ZALANDO EMPLOYEE GUIDE Working and living in the capital of CHAPTER ONE CHAPTER ONE

GET GOING IN GERMANY

WORKING ​IN GERMANY INSURANCE

0 8 BEFORE COMING TO GERMANY 18 SOCIAL SECURITY 0 9 WHO DOES NOT NEED A VISA? 18 LIABILITY INSURANCE 0 9 WORK PERMITS 19 MOTOR VEHICLE INSURANCE 10 FOREIGNERS’ OFFICE (AUSLÄNDERBEHÖRDE) 19 HOUSEHOLD INSURANCE 20 ACCIDENT INSURANCE 20 RETIREMENT BENEFITS GUIDELINES FOR A SUCCESSFUL START 20 HOW TO PURCHASE AN INSURANCE POLICY 20 THE MOST IMPORTANT INSURANCE TERMS 11 REGISTER AT THE BÜRGERAMT 12 APPLICATION FOR A ‘LOHNSTEUER-ID’ (TAX ID) 12 OPENING YOUR BANK ACCOUNT RELOCATION EXPENSES 12 REGISTER FOR HEALTH INSURANCE 23 DEDUCTIBLE RELOCATION EXPENSES 24 NEED HELP? HEALTH —MEDICAL CARE IN GERMANY 13 HEALTH INSURANCE FINDING AN APARTMENT 14 PUBLIC HEALTH INSURANCE 14 PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE 26 SEARCH VIA INTERNET 15 WHAT IS A HEALTH INSURANCE CARD? 26 HOUSING OFFICES 15 VISITING YOUR PHYSICIAN 26 FURNISHED ROOMS AND APARTMENTS 15 WHAT IF YOU NEED A PHYSICIAN AFTER HOURS? 27 LITTLE HELPERS 16 THE COST OF AN OFFICE VISIT 16 MEDICATION 16 IF YOU ARE ADMITTED TO HOSPITAL RENTAL CONTRACTS & RENT 16 WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF EMERGENCY? 17 VACCINATIONS AND PREVENTATIVE CARE 29 LENGTH OF RENTAL CONTRACT 17 DENTISTS 29 PARTIES TO THE RENTAL CONTRACT 17 MEDICAL CARE IN 29 RENT 30 MORE DETAILS CHAPTER TWO CHAPTER TWO

GET GOING IN GERMANY

BERLIN – A PLACE TO BE BERLIN BLOGS

35 ABOUT BERLIN 53 OTHER SIDES OF BERLIN 37 LIVING IN BERLIN’S DISTRICTS – ‘KIEZE’ 38 38 - THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT 39 AND 40 NEUKÖLLN 54 ST. PETER AND THE ‘WETTERFROSCH’ 41 -SCHÖNEBERG 55 ‘TATORT’ 41 - 55 ‘SCHORLE’, ‘RADLER’ AND 7 YEARS OF BAD SEX 55 OZAPFT IS – ‘OKTOBERFEST’ 55 BEER TRANSPORTATION IN THE CITY 56 WE ARE HUNGRY 56 FOR THE LADIES – DON’T BRING A MILLION PAIRS OF HIGH HEELS 43 PUBLIC TRANSPORT 57 BRUTAL HONESTY – NICE SOMETIMES 43 RIDING YOUR BICYCLE 57 PARTY IS FOR ALL AGES 57 MORE FUNNY STUFF ON GERMANS

GOING OUT SHOPPING EATING WHEN YOU WORK AT ZALANDO 45 NIGHTLIFE 45 BARS 58 FUN FACTS ON ZALANDO 46 DANCING 59 ‘HELLO ZALANDO!’ 46 FOOD 59 READ ON: OUR BLOGS 47 COFFEE 59 MORE ON ZALANDO 48 SHOPPING 49 URBAN STYLE 49 WOMEN’S FAVORITES 50 MEN’S BEST 50 DESIGNERS CHAPTER ONE CHAPTER ONE

GET GOING IN GERMANY

In order to have a smooth start in Germany there’s a few administrative and practical things you’ll need to organize. Find o u t what you’ll have to deal with to get things started here. WORKING IN GERMANY WORKING IN GERMANY

WORKING ​ on the need for a visa for your country and laubnis’). The residence permit must state further information on visa requirements specifically that employment is allowed. can be found on the website of the German IN GERMANY Foreign Affairs Office: The following procedure applies in principle www.auswaertiges-amt.de for all types of employment. Before you come to Germany, there is a couple of things you should take care of. Find out what you need to deal with regarding visa and work permit and where you find help Generally, a visa only entitles you to entry In the case of many immigrants, the right for these matters. and residence of 90 days initially. If you are to engage in gainful employment will be planning a longer stay, you must apply for a granted immediately solely on the basis of residence permit shortly after arrival. This the regulations in the Residence Law (‘Aufen- also applies to nationals from Group B. For thaltsgesetz‘) when the residence permit is EU dependents, a ‘freedom of movement’ issued. In these cases the Federal Employ- permit, instead of the residence permit, can ment Agency is not consulted. be obtained relatively easily. With other immigrants, a residence permit will be issued on the basis of the general WHO DOES NOT NEED A requirements for residence in Germany, VISA? without, however, the right to work being granted automatically at that time. In these Group A: Citizens from the Member States cases the Foreigners’ Office obtains the of the European Union (EU), Switzerland, consent of the Federal Employment Agency Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein do not to grant permission to engage in gainful require a visa. employment. In principle, the Federal Employment Agency only consents if Group B: Nationals from Australia, , there is a vacancy for the immigrant that , Canada, New Zealand, the Repub- cannot be filled by a German, an EU citi- lic of Korea and the USA do not require an zen or other preferred employable per- entry visa. son (non-EU foreigner who has been living in Germany for a fairly long time).

BEFORE COMING TO WORK PERMITS EU citizens can enter Germany for job- GERMANY seeking purposes. EU citizens and their In order to get a job, an immigrant who family dependents (if also citizens of an EU In many cases, a visa is needed for enter- for the application process. Visas for fam- is not a citizen of the EU needs either a member state) will be issued a certificate ing Germany. You can obtain this from the ily members travelling with you should be residence permit (‘Aufenthaltserlaubnis’) of their right to reside in Germany. EU German embassy in your own country, but applied for at the same time. The addresses of which entitles him or her to have a job or a citizens qualify for holding a job and do not allow approximately two to three months the relevant German Consulates with details settlement permit (‘Niederlassungser- need special approval from the Federal

9 08 WORKING IN GERMANY WORKING IN GERMANY

Employment Agency. There are restrictions GUIDELINES FOR A in regard to EU citizens from Central and . SUCCESSFUL START

What needs to be done after you arrive in Germany? FOREIGNERS’ OFFICE The following information will help you to ensure (AUSLÄNDERBEHÖRDE) that everything will go smoothly during your first days i n G e r m a n y. Department IV – Foreigners’ Office, -Im migration Unit – of the State Office for Public Affairs is responsible for all ques- tions which pertain to the rights of you, a foreigner, to reside in Germany.

The address is: Landesamt für Bürger- und Ordnungsangelegenheiten Ausländerbehörde // Referat Zuwanderung Friedrich- Krause- Ufer 24 13353 Berlin

Visiting Hours: Monday 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. Tuesday 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. Thursday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Telephone Hours: Wednesday 9 a.m. – 12 noon Friday 9 a.m. – 12 noon Service telephone for general information: REGISTER AT THE 90269- 4000 BÜRGERAMT

To avoid long waits when visiting, please You must register with the Residents’ Reg- tered. This must be done in person. Please make an appointment during telephone istration Office (Bürgeramt) within one note that which Bürgeramt is responsible hours. week of your arrival in Germany, so that for you depends on in which district of Ber- your new place of residence can be regis- lin you are living. If you bring your rental

11 10 GUIDELINES FOR A SUCCESSFUL START HEALTH – MEDICAL CARE IN GERMANY

agreement and your passport you will get Bürgeramt. For students there sometimes HEALTH — a proof of registration immediately. Find are special conditions. out where the Bürgeramt of your district is located on the city of Berlin’s official website: MEDICAL CARE www.berlin.de/en REGISTER FOR HEALTH INSURANCE IN GERMANY

Health insurance is mandatory for all employees in Germany APPLICATION FOR You can choose your own German health and you won’t be able to start working without it. A ‘LOHNSTEUER-ID’ insurance and register online easily. You can Here’s where you’ll find more information about what is (TAX ID) choose whatever insurance you like. Your covered by your health insurance and some basic membership certificate (this document con- info on physicians and medical treatment in Germany. Register at the Finanzamt (revenue office) in firms your membership in a health insurance order to receive your income tax. Please note company to your employer) will be sent to that which Finanzamt is responsible for you you via post. The HR department will need depends on in which district of Berlin you this document. Once you are a member with are living. Within 7 days the Finanzamt will a German health insurance provider (when receive the information about your registra- you get a letter with your membership num- tion from Bürgeramt. For the application ber), you will need to contact them and ask you will need your Anmeldung (registration for your social security number. Within 4-6 form) from the Bürgeramt and your passport. weeks you will receive it by mail. HR just needs this number and later a copy of the Find out where the Finanzamt of your dis- registration document. trict is located on the city of Berlin’s official website: www.berlin.de/en ATTENTION: The deadline for payroll Important: Without your tax ID, HR won’t is the 11th of every month. If you hand in be able to pay your salary. all documents by this date, we are able to pay your salary at the end of that month. If documents are submitted after the 11th of the OPENING YOUR BANK month we will not be able to process your pay ACCOUNT by the end of the month. The salary will then be paid along with your next month’s salary Your salary must be deposited by your at the end of the following month. employer into a German bank account. You can choose whatever bank you like. Find out more details about health insurance HEALTH INSURANCE in the next chapter and do not hesitate to Don’t forget to bring your passport and proof talk to HR if you have any insurance related As an employee, you have to have health or private health insurance. If you become ill, of registration that you received from the questions. insurance – either statutory health insurance health insurance covers the cost of medical

13 12 HEALTH – MEDICAL CARE IN GERMANY HEALTH – MEDICAL CARE IN GERMANY

treatment. The statutory health insurance age was raised to 15.5% of the employee’s attended to quickly, and some doctors only general practitioner. If necessary, he or she system includes the following benefits: monthly salary. 7.3% is paid by the employer take patients with private insurance. will refer you to a specialist or arrange for percentages might change slightly. Important: Once privately insured, it’s not you to be admitted to a hospital. To find the ·· Outpatient medical treatment, for possible to go back to public health insur- right physician, consult the following: example in a physician’s office Applying for public health insurance is rela- ance in Germany ! ·· Dental care tively stress free. Search for German health ·· The website of your town or city ·· Medication, remedies and medical insurances online, compare their services www.berlin.de/en devices and apply online. You can also call up a WHAT IS A HEALTH ·· The Bertelsmann Stiftung’s Weisse ·· Inpatient medical treatment, for regional office and set up an appointment. INSURANCE CARD? Liste (White List) www.weisse-liste.de example in a hospital medically Make sure to bring your passport and your ·· The website of your state’s Kassenärzt- necessary rehabilitation residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) with As soon as you become a member of a statu- liche Vereinigung (Association of ·· Services during pregnancy and you when you go to the appointment. Usually, tory health insurance fund, you will receive Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, childbirth your German employer’s HR office will take an electronic health insurance card docu- KV: www.kvberlin.de care of this for you. menting your membership. Make sure to send If your spouse is not employed, he or she your insurance a photo of yours, otherwise When you have found a physician, call his may be covered under your statutory health they won’t issue your card. The card includes or her office and make an appointment; this insurance policy at no extra charge to you. PRIVATE HEALTH an electronic record of your name, date of avoids a long wait. In urgent cases, however, The same holds true for your children. INSURANCE birth, address, policy number and insur- you can walk in without an appointment. ance status. It must be submitted whenever Moreover, your health insurance policy auto- Private health insurance is quite a bit more you see your physician so that your health matically includes long-term care insurance. expensive than public healthcare. Only insurance can be billed for treatment. Your WHAT IF YOU Your long-term care insurance is activated if, those earning more than € 52,200 (amount health insurance card is valid in all 28 EU NEED A PHYSICIAN for example, you need nursing care because might change slightly) per year and the self- countries as well as in Iceland, Liechtenstein, AFTER HOURS? of a serious illness that prevents you from employed are eligible for private health insur- Norway and Switzerland. This means that if caring for yourself. ance. The application process for this is a bit you become ill in one of these countries while You need medical care, but your physician’s more complicated. You may be subjected to on holiday or a business trip, your health office is closed? In that case, dial 116 117 for medical tests, required to answer a question- insurance card gives you access to medical an on-call physician; the number is valid PUBLIC naire concerning your medical history, and treatment there. Before travelling abroad, it throughout Germany. The call is free from H E A LT H submit proof of your income. is a good idea to contact your health insur- land lines and mobile phones, and is available INSURANCE ance to find out what to do in an emergency. to all patients with statutory or private health Unlike public healthcare, you have to go insurance. In case of an emergency – a life- All salaried workers in Germany whose gross through the selection and application pro- threatening situation – you should instead monthly income is under a certain amount cess without your employer’s help. The ben- VISITING YOUR dial the emergency number 112 which is the (EUR 4,350 since 2011, subject to change) are efits of private health insurance mostly do PHYSICIAN German fire service that will send you an publicly insured. The percentage they owe to not lie in the quality of medical standards, ambulance. the state-run healthcare system is taken out but in the speed of care. In other words, you In Germany, you may choose your own physi- of their monthly pay. In 2011, this percent- will not be left waiting for hours but will be cian. In most cases your first visit is to your

15 14 HEALTH – MEDICAL CARE IN GERMANY HEALTH – MEDICAL CARE IN GERMANY

THE COST OF AN pital, physician or pharmacy in your area. coverage you have selected, as dental work is OFFICE VISIT Many newspapers publish daily listings of the not included in standard medical insurance. physicians and pharmacies that are on call. However, quite a few Germans take out addi- As a patient covered by statutory health tional insurance cover for dental treatment insurance, you will have almost no out-of with a private health insurance company. pocket expenses. Rather than billing you, VACCINATIONS AND your physician will submit a bill directly to PREVENTATIVE CARE your health insurance. MEDICAL CARE IN Of course, it’s much better not to get sick. BERLIN Vaccinations and health screenings can MEDICATION prevent many illnesses. Vaccinations record Berlin has an highly developed health infra- shows the diseases against which you have structure with a dense network of hospitals, Medications are available only in pharmacies, admitted to hospital; only in an emergency been vaccinated. Various screenings are also clinics, physician practices, emergency ser- which display a large red sign with letter A you should go there directly. Your health available, some of them required by law. For vices and some specialist institutions. You (for Apotheke). There are two ways to obtain insurance will normally cover the costs of infants and children, there are the to U9 will find a broad range of medical care on medications. The first is through your phy- your hospital stay. Since hospitalization can screenings, which help to identify develop- offer here in the city. sician: The physician writes a prescription, be very expensive, however, it is a good idea mental disorders and illnesses at an early which you take to the pharmacy, where you to determine in advance whether all of your stage so that they can be treated. There are You can find suitable institutions or special- receive your medication. For prescription treatment costs are covered. numerous screenings for adults as well, for ists for medical care in the Berlin internet medicines you are only expected to make skin cancer and dental problems, for example. health guide of the ‘Gesundheits-Informa- a co-payment; the rest is covered by your Statutory health insurances providers often tions-Service GmbH’. At www.gesundheit- health insurance. The second way is to go WHAT TO DO IN CASE offer a bonus if you are regularly screened. berlin.de you will find a comprehensive directly to the pharmacy, where you can find OF EMERGENCY? collection of addresses for health services: over-the-counter medications (not requiring pharmacies, physicians, dentists, hospitals, a prescription). In this case you must pay In case of emergency, you have two alternatives: DENTISTS ambulances and health trade as well as medi- the full amount. 1. In life-threatening or other serious situa- cal practitioners like optometrists, hearing tions, or if you are uncertain, dial 112, which Dental work in Germany can be quite expen- device specialists, orthopaedics, maternity connects you with the emergency medical sive, and you often need to present a cost units and midwives. IF YOU ARE service. The number is valid throughout Ger- estimate to your insurance prior to getting ADMITTED many. An ambulance will arrive within 15 the treatment. It is also not always guaran- See also the telephone directory of busi- TO HOSPITAL minutes. The emergency number is toll-free. teed that your insurance company deems ness listings ‘Gelbe Seiten’ (yellow pages) 2. If the situation is not quite as serious, you the work necessary, as they strictly differ- available at www.gelbeseiten.de. Germany has public hospitals, private clin- can go directly to a hospital A&E department. entiate between cosmetic work and medical Here you can look for specialists who ics and charitable hospitals run by church A&E departments are open day and night. treatment. speak more than one language: www.aerzte- relief organizations; many larger cities have berlin.de. university hospitals as well. As a rule, your At the weekend, on holidays or during the The percentage that your insurance, be it general practitioner will arrange to have you night, on-call help is available from a hos- private or public, will pay depends on the

17 16 INSURANCE INSURANCE

ing, a liability insurance can be useful. Many Teilkasko insurance generally pays for the INSURANCE Germans regard liability insurance as the following damage to your vehicle. Unfortunately, it is impossible to prevent all accidents. most useful and important of the optional However, there are many ways of protecting types of insurances. In the event of a claim, ·· Theft or robbery yourself against their repercussions. In the following private liability insurance covers the cost of ·· Fire or explosion section, we describe the most important kinds of insurance damages up to a specified amount. It also ·· Storms, hail, lightning, flooding and explain how to obtain these in Germany. covers your spouse and children. Liability ·· Collisions with certain animals coverage starts at under € 100 per year. (such as deer) ·· Broken glass ·· Short-circuit damage to cables MOTOR VEHICLE INSURANCE Vollkasko insurance also covers any damage resulting from an accident – even if you were Motor vehicle liability insurance: If you own at fault – as well as damage from vandalism. a car or motorcycle, you are required to have This is particularly advisable if your vehicle motor vehicle liability insurance. You are is new, since the cost of damage would be not allowed to register your vehicle without especially high. it. This insurance pays for personal injury, material damage and property loss if you Among other things, the cost of comprehen- cause an accident or injure someone while sive insurance depends on your premium, driving your car. The cost of the insurance – which is the amount you are required to pay the insurance premium – may vary widely. It out of pocket. For Teilkasko insurance, it is depends on such factors as the type of vehicle generally about € 150; for Vollkasko insur- (car or motorcycle), its age and the number ance between € 300 and € 500. of years you have been driving without an accident. HOUSEHOLD Comprehensive insurance: Motor vehicle INSURANCE liability insurance covers damages to the SOCIAL SECURITY LIABILITY INSURANCE opposing party. You may also take out a com- This insurance covers the contents of your prehensive insurance policy to cover your house or flat. For example, it pays for the If you have a job that requires social secu- Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye – own vehicle. A distinction is made between replacement if your furniture or clothing rity contributions, you are insured under your child kicks a ball through your neigh- ‘Teilkasko’ (comprehensive insurance) and are stolen or damaged by fire, storm or water. the social security system, which covers the bor’s window, or you break a vase while visit- ‘Vollkasko’ (comprehensive insurance plus The cost depends on the size of your home, major risks in life: illness, unemployment, ing a friend. In Germany, you are liable in collision coverage). among other things. It is particularly worth- accidents and the need for long-term care. such cases. In other words, you need to pay while if you keep valuable items in your home. for damage. To prevent this from happen-

19 18 INSURANCE INSURANCE

A C C I D E N T HOW TO PURCHASE AN INSURANCE INSURANCE POLICY

You are automatically a member of the To insure yourself against risk, you should statutory accident insurance through your purchase an insurance policy. The policy employer. This means that you are covered stipulates the following: in the event of an accident in the workplace or on your way to work. However, most acci- ·· Who or what is being insured? dents happen when you are not at work, and ·· What is the insured event? In other this is where private accident insurance can words, in what case will the insurance help. While medical treatment is covered by company pay? statutory health insurance, private accident ·· What is the maximum amount that If you have a car, this includes motor amount and when it is to be paid. insurance can help mitigate financial conse- will be paid (amount of insurance)? vehicle liability insurance. ·· Versicherungsleistung (Insurance quences. Most importantly, private accident ·· Selbstbeteiligung / Selbstbehalt benefit): The benefit you receive from the insurance covers you if you become disabled Before purchasing a policy, make sure to do (Premium): This is the amount that you insurance company if the insured event as a result of an accident and are no longer plenty of research. Talk to your friends and are required to pay out of pocket if an occurs. This may be a monetary able to work. The insurance company pays colleagues. You can also consult a profes- insured event occurs. It may be a fixed amount or a replacement in kind. The disability benefits. You can purchase cover- sional insurance consultant, but if you do amount or a percentage. latter term means that the damaged age for types of rehabilitation that are not so, make sure that the consultant provides ·· Versicherer (Insurance provider): The item is replaced, for example: A broken paid for by statutory health insurance. impartial advice. Insurance consultants at company from which you purchase your window is replaced with a new one. The the consumer protection agency can offer insurance policy. maximum insurance benefit is defined further information. ·· Versicherungsnehmer (Policy holder): in the insurance policy. RETIREMENT The individual who purchases a policy BENEFITS When you have chosen an insurance com- from the insurance company, normally pany, make an appointment for a personal you or a member of your family. Germany’s statutory pension insurance is the meeting, where you can talk about the details ·· Versicherungsfall (Insured event): The most important and strongest component of the policy. It is a good idea to ‘sleep on event that triggers payment from your of our old-age security system. To maintain it’ before signing a contract. If you are not insurance company (for example a car your existing standard of living, however, it entirely fluent in German, ask a friend or accident in the case of comprehensive is advisable to have an additional retirement colleague to go with you to the meeting. motor vehicle insurance or illness in case plan. Since 2002, the government has sub- of health insurance). sidized such supplementary pensions. The ·· Versicherungsprämie / Versicherungs- principle is both simple and effective: If you THE MOST IMPORTANT beitrag (Insurance premium or insurance supplement your statutory pension, whether INSURANCE TERMS contribution): privately or at your workplace, the govern- The onetime or regular amount that you ment will help – by providing subsidies and ·· Pflichtversicherung (Compulsory pay to your insurance company. tax contribution exemptions. insurance): Insurance required by law. The insurance policy determines the

21 20 RELOCATION EXPENSES RELOCATION EXPENSES

RELOCATION D E D U C T I B L E This goes for travelling costs of the employee, RELOCATION EXPENSES his or her children and other individuals who belong to the household. EXPENSES You can deduct relocation expenses from Moving to a new country can be quite expensive. Find out your taxable income in your yearly German Expenses in connection with rented homes: which costs can be reimbursed or are deductible income tax return. Relocation expenses are ·· A flat or home if the rental contract from your taxable income after you’ve moved to Germany. work-related if: cannot legally be cancelled before the relocation takes place or ·· The distance between home and work- ·· The new flat, if this flat had to be rented place is significantly reduced. This is the before the relocation date. case if daily travelling time in total is reduced by at least one hour. Other relocation expenses: ·· A new home is required because the ·· Broker fees for procuring a rented flat employee is working for the first time. or home (this does not apply for the ·· The relocation is caused by working for purchase of an own home) a new employer or taking a new profes- ·· Additional costs for educating children, sion or job. if connected to the change of address ·· The relocation is in the predominant interest of the employer or ·· A work-related, so called double household is set-up or terminated.

In detail, this includes the following expenses:

Transport of household goods: ·· All expenses related to the transpor- tation are deductible. This also applies for substantiated payments to privately supported individuals

Travelling costs: ·· Costs of transport (flight, train, car etc.) ·· Extra expenses for food and drink (flat rate amounts / lump sums) ·· Costs of accommodation ·· Other travel-related expenses

23 22 RELOCATION EXPENSES FINDING AN APARTMENT

NEED HELP? FINDING If you want assistance with your relocation A N check out this site: www.berlin-relocator.de/english.html APARTMENT Here you’ll find options for your individual In Berlin you will find that a large number of apartments relocation package offered by a German- of various sizes are available in all districts and price American who has lived in several countries ranges. Compared to other European metropolises, rents and has been assisting families to make their remain reasonably affordable. move to Berlin for over 14 years.

As for the deduction of costs from your yearly German income tax return, you might want to contact a “Steuerberater” / tax adviser in Berlin to get the income tax return done.

25 24 FINDING AN APARTMENT RENTAL CONTRACTS & RENT

www.gimmo.de KM Kaltmiete / (rent excl. www.planethome.de/de/index.jsp utilities costs such as heat- www.immobilienscout24.de ing, cable TV, cleaning of communal areas, waste removal etc.) HOUSING MM Monatsmiete /(monthly OFFICES rent) NK / NBK Nebenkosten / (additional When looking for an apartment, you might costs such as heating, cable also like to enquire in the housing offices TV, cleaning of shared in the districts that interest you (‘Woh- areas, waste removal etc.) nungsamt’, located in each district office). NR Nichtraucher / They offer information on ‘Wohnungsgesell- (non-smoker) SEARCH VIA schaften’, housing associations that are run LITTLE HELPERS OG Obergeschoss / (floor) INTERNET by the state and provide apartments for rent. RH Reihenhaus / (terraced The following abbreviations are helpful when house) The websites of most of Berlin’s daily news- looking for accommodation: Stellpl. Stellplatz / (parking space) papers have apartment offers online: FURNISHED ROOMS TG Tiefgarage / (underground Berliner Morgenpost AND APARTMENTS 2-Zi-Whg 2-Zimmer-Wohnung / parking) www.morgenpost.de/anzeigenmaerkte/ (2-room apartment) warm / WM Warmmiete / (rent incl. Berliner Zeitung As in many other cities, you’ll find many Abstellk. Abstellkammer / all utilities costs such as http:immobilien.bz-berlin.de/ people renting out single rooms or their (storeroom) heating, cable TV, cleaning Tagesspiegel whole apartment for an extended period of Blk / Balk. Balkon / balcony of communal areas, waste www.tagesspiegel.immowelt.de time. This is a good option if you want to find DG Dachgeschoss / (under the removal etc.) Zitty a place to stay for a while and search for an roof / attic rooms) Wfl. Wohnfläche / (living space) http:kleinanzeigen.zitty.de/ apartment at your own pace or if you are only D Diele / (hall) WG Wohngemeinschaft / Wohnungen staying in Berlin for a certain period of time. DU Dusche / (shower) (shared accommodation) EBK Einbauküche / (fitted WK Wohnküche / (open-plan In addition, there’s a lot of popular sites Check out these sites to find a furnished kitchen) kitchen) for your apartment search: room or apartment: EFH Einfamilienhaus / ZH Zentralheizung / (central http:www.berlin.de/special/ www.airbnb.de (detached house) heating) immobilien-und-wohnen/suche www.wimdu.de EG Erdgeschoss / (ground floor) www.lieblingsmieter.de www.homecompany.de HK Heizkosten / (heating costs) www.immowelt.de www.wg-gesucht.de Kaution Deposit www.wohnungsbaugenossenschaften.de Keine zusätzl. www.wohnungssuche-berlin.net Prov. Keine zusätzliche Provision www.studenten-wohnung.de (No additional commission)

27 26 RENTAL CONTRACTS & RENT RENTAL CONTRACTS & RENT

R E N TA L L E N G T H O F Here’s some of the providers in Berlin: RENTAL CONTRACT Vattenfall www.vattenfall.de

CONTRACTS There are short-term and long-term contracts. Lekker Strom www.lekker-energie.de Be aware of temporary rental contracts (Zeit- Eprimo www.eprimo.de & RENT mietvertrag) where the landlord states that EVD www.ev-d.de they will use or renovate the flat once the Stromio www.stromio.de When renting an apartment in Germany, it’s good to have lease has ended as the tenant will have no Yello Strom www.yellostrom.de some key facts about rental contracts and rent in mind. Find out rights once the contract is up. what you need to know before signing your contract. To find out which provider suits you best and what’s the right rate for you, you might want PARTIES TO THE to use an online calculator: www.berlin.de/ RENTAL CONTRACT special/finanzen-und-recht/rechner

Each person who wants to move into the flat All costs in addition to the rent are paid at should be included in the rental contract. The a monthly flat rate which is an estimate of landlord and the tenant both need to sign it the average monthly costs. and the original copy should be given to you. Accounts are settled at the end of an account- ing year. If you get a refund, the monthly RENT rate for the following year will be reduced; if you have to pay an additional amount, the Rent - ‘Miete’ or ‘Monatsmiete’ in German – monthly rate will be increased. is the amount paid by the tenant (‘Mieter’) to the landlord (‘Vermieter’) every month for The additional costs that are paid through use of the apartment (‘Netto-Kaltmiete’, net the landlord every month together with the cold rent). There are also side costs included rent are called ‘Nebenkosten’ and the total for items like garbage disposal, street and amount paid to the landlord every month is house cleaning, heating and water supply; called ‘Warmmiete’. they make up approximately 25% of the rent. Deposit: It is common to pay a deposit (one Electricity is usually charged separately by to maximum three months’ rent plus value an electricity supplier of your choice, with added tax (VAT) to cover any repairs for which you must register yourself. You might damage in the apartment caused by the ten- have a choice of providers. When you move ant when he/she leaves. This sum is deposited in, contact the providers to agree on the con- in a special savings account. Arrange this tract and arrange for payment. together with the landlord or obtain a receipt

29 28 RENTAL CONTRACTS & RENT RENTAL CONTRACTS & RENT

for the savings account. When you leave, the deposit will be returned to you with interest. However, any costs for repairs or renovation will be deducted. The exact rules and regula- tions on this should be included in the rental contract which you will receive for signature from the agent or landlord.

The rental contract or house rules can entail certain obligations, such as path clearance in winter when it snows or periodic responsi- bility for cleaning the stairwell. You should check whether pets are allowed. The general rule is that noise should be kept to a mini- mum between 22:00 and 7:00, so as not to disturb your neighbors. If you have a party or invite guests, it is common courtesy to let your neighbors know in advance that there may be a little more noise on the day in question.

MORE DETAILS

If you want to read more on how to find an apartment in Berlin as an expat, read this excellent guide on ‘The Needle blog’: www.needleberlin.com/moving-to-berlin- the-needle-guide-2012-edition

31 30 CHAPTER TWO CHAPTER TWO

LIVING IN BERLIN

‘Berlin is a pulsing, exciting city with so many varied and distinctive neighborhoods, iconic history all around, great food at all levels and from every corner of the world.’ said a member of R.E.M. some years ago. Here’s a quick guide to Berlin’s most exciting neighborhoods. BERLIN – A PLACE TO BE BERLIN – A PLACE TO BE

BERLIN – ABOUT BERLIN derplatz, to the ultra-modern glass and steel structures at . A P L A C E Berlin is the capital of Germany and one of the most fascinating, liberal and cosmopolitan Because of its tumultuous history, Berlin cities in the world. Berlin is the largest city in remains a city with many distinctive neigh- TO BE Germany and has a population of 4.5 million borhoods. Proud to present: Berlin’s most central and exciting within its metropolitan area and 3.5 million neighborhoods. Get a quick overview and some within city limits. Almost 15% of Berlin’s res- insights that might help you to choose your place to idents are people holding foreign passports – stay and find out about favorite spots in the city. a remarkable figure for any city. Berlin has residents from almost every country in the world – with more than 190 countries rep- resented in the city’s (registered) population.

As for the living cost, Berlin is still one of the ‘cheaper’ cosmopolitan cities. The link below will also help you understand the expense of the city: www.numbeo.com

Berlin is best known for its historical associa- tions as the German capital, internationalism and tolerance, lively nightlife, its many cafés, clubs, and bars, , and numerous , palaces, and other sites of historic interest. Berlin’s architecture is quite varied. Although badly damaged in the final years of World War II and split in two during the Cold War, Berlin has reconstructed itself greatly, especially with the reunification push after the fall of the in 1989.

From 1948 to 1990 the city of Berlin was divided into two parts: and . It is now possible to see representa- tives of many different historic periods in a short time within the city center, from a few surviving medieval buildings near Alexan- Clockwise from left: Checkpoint Charly, Pergamonmuseum, Oberbaumbrücke

35 34 BERLIN – A PLACE TO BE BERLIN – A PLACE TO BE

MOLLSTRASSE (BMO) Technology Customer Care international

TAMARA-DANZ-STRASSE (BTD) Management Board Brand Marketing

PRENZLAUER BERG/ Sales PANKOW Infrastructure People&Organization Corporate Communication NEUE BAHNHOFSTRASSE (BNB) Finance Category Management LegalIP

zLabels MITTE FRIEDRICHSHAIN/ KREUZBERG Customer Care DACH POSTBAHNHOF (BPB) CHARLOTTENBURG WILMERSDORF SCHUCKERTHÖFE (BSH) Content Creation Zalando Lounge

NEUKÖLLN TEMPELHOF- SCHÖNEBERG

LIVING IN BERLIN’S DISTRICTS – ‘KIEZE’

Neighborhoods are often called Kieze by this, a lot of Kieze have kept their own unique Berliners, which refers to their immediate character. However, things are constantly neighborhood with all the necessary infra- changing and every week there seems to be OUTLET (BOK) structure and social networks. a new Trendbezirk or hip area. People are always moving, looking for something new Berlin has 10 boroughs. Before the Greater whilst at the same time trying to get away Berlin Act was passed in 1920, some areas, from the rising rents. We give a run-through such as Charlottenburg or Rixdorf, were of some Berlin boroughs that are central and independent towns or villages. Because of relatively inexpensive.

37 36 BERLIN – A PLACE TO BE

MITTE Over the past few years gentrification has arrived in Leopoldplatz in and a Mitte – the ‘middle’ of Berlin. number of bars and cafes have opened their is the historic heart of the city. It is situated doors. Further north, near the Afrikanische next to , which together with Straße underground station, it is still possible the boulevard, to find something cheap. THEY SAY Island, and Friedrich- THE CITY straße, makes up the ‘old’ part of Mitte, OF BERLIN whilst the government quarter, Potsdamer FRIEDRICHSHAIN- I S Platz and Leipziger Platz have all been built KREUZBERG ACTUALLY up over the last 25 years. MADE OUT East and West, Germans and non-Germans, OF 100 When Berliners speak of Mitte, they are usu- family life and singles – Friedrichshain- VILLAGES. ally referring to the smaller locality and not Kreuzberg unites them all. to the larger borough, which also consists of the localities of , , Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, the smallest of Wedding, and . all the Berlin boroughs in terms of area, was formed in 2001 by merging the former East Families prefer the Berlin borough of Friedrichshain and the The area around Boxhagener Platz, with its The streets are full of independent shops and area, which is made up of Torstraße and former West Berlin borough of Kreuzberg, pre-WWII flats that have been renovated, is bars and the river and Hackescher Markt, Rosenthaler Vorstadt an area known for its green politics and particularly attractive to young people but are not far away – green and urban comes and the area between the river counterculture traditions. it can be pricy. together here. This area is also known for its and Getraudenstraße. Artists and creative high unemployment. types prefer the southern parts of Moabit and During World War II Friedrichshain was An insider’s tip is Samariterviertel, the area Wedding. Only the very wealthy can afford one of the most badly damaged parts of north of Samariterstraße underground sta- to live near . Berlin and the western part of the borough tion as well as the area around Rudolf-Platz, PRENZLAUER BERG AND is dominated by East German tower blocks. which has seen a lot of interesting develop- PANKOW Once solely the preserve of older people, ment recently. they have now been renovated and their low Pankow is also a district that is defined rents, good location and amazing views Kreuzberg still has a lot of reasonably priced by contrasts: From the tranquil streets of are making them an attractive option for flats, many of which have been renovated, Pankow to the densely populated area that younger people. as well as a lot of industry and handicraft borders Mitte. There are no tall buildings businesses. here, just church towers and old flats from A popular area is the area around Otto- the late 19th century. Braun-Straße and Mollstraße, known as The south-western part of Kreuzberg is inter- Barnim-Kiez, with its many playgrounds and esting with its mix of young and old, German Prenzlauer Berg is known across Germany its proximity to Volkspark Friedrichshain. and international, families and singletons. and a lot of young people and families from

39 38 BERLIN – A PLACE TO BE BERLIN – A PLACE TO BE

now that Tempelhof airport has closed, the and and the Aviators’ Quarter, rents there are increasing and in the south- named after the former Tempelhof airport, ern part, near the new city airport, rents are is known for its quiet side streets (such as also going up. Manfred-von-Richthofen-Straße).

TEMPELHOF- CHARLOTTENBURG- SCHÖNEBERG WILMERSDORF

Although they are both part of the same Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf is, and always borough, Tempelhof and Schöneberg are has been, the focal point of West Berlin – from very different places – Tempelhof is more affordable council housing in

for those who prefer peace and quiet whereas to grand villas in . The beating In the right ‘Kiez’ it might happen you live next to your favorite café. Schöneberg is full of bars and clubs. heart of Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf is the world famous Kurfürstendamm, Berlin’s The nicest – but also most sought-after and answer to Oxford Street or or the Champs- most expensive – area in Schöneberg is the Élysées. Culture vultures will feel at home ‘Bayerische Viertel’, situated between Viko- here, with the opera, numerous theatres different countries move here. Kollwitzplatz NEUKÖLLN ria-Louise-Platz and Bayerischer Platz. Art- (Schaubühne) and museums (Sammlung in the summer could be mistaken for the ists, creative types, freelancers and DINKs Berggruen) all based here. south of or Italy. Neukölln is characterised by having one of (Dual Income No Kids) tend to settle down the highest percentages of immigrants in here. If you don’t have contacts then it’s Charlottenburg is primarily a middle-class Modernisation and gentrification have led Berlin: 321,000 people from 160 different almost impossible to find a place here. area but a lot of students and creative types to rising rents and many long-time residents countries. The northern part of Neukölln is live here, while Wilmersdorf is more con- have left the Kiez, and the character of the very densely populated whereas the southern More promising is , further south. servative. area has completely changed. The area is per- part is more spread out and green. Reuterkiez The area around Friedrich-Wilhelm-Platz fect for families and raising children. has become very popular with students and with its pre-WWII flats and shops is par- artists in recent years, tempted by its cafes, ticularly nice. Weißensee is quiet and green, for example galleries and cheap rents. the area known as the Composers‘ Quarter, The area around Nollendorfplatz is Berlin’s east of Berliner Allee. The area between Karl-Marx-Straße and Son- gay quarter. Golzstraße, Eisenacher Straße nenallee is rather unique in Berlin. Known as and Akazienstraß are international and cre- Französisch-Buchholz und Pankow are also Rixdorf, the area is famous for its old build- ative, whereas Kurfürstenstraße is known green and have a lot of parks. It is further ings situated around Richardplatz which is as being one of Berlin’s red light districts. away from the centre, but this also means reminiscent of a village green but in the that the rents are lower. middle of a capital city. Neukölln covers a Tempelhof is quieter: A lot of families large area and the rents can vary greatly: tend to settle in ,

41 40 PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

PUBLIC TRANSPORT over the past decade has been cyclist traffic, TRANSPORTATION thanks mostly to the city’s remarkable bike You can easily reach most destinations in lane system. IN THE CITY Berlin by public transport. As a Zalando employee you get your monthly ticket at a A bicycle is extremely practical for individual There’s hardly any capital in Europe with a better reduced fare – just talk to HR. If you use excursions. Most routes are easily naviga- public transport network than Berlin. No matter what time public transportation frequently, this will ble by bike, and it is a great way to see the of dayor night, there’s always a train or bus to drive you home. Alternatively you can get yourself a bike and save you a lot of money. environment. Bikes are available for rent at explore the city this way. numerous bike rentals and stores. In many The Berlin transport authority, the BVG, parts of the city and in the suburbs, there is operates bus, U-Bahn (underground) and an extensive cycle path network. tram networks, and a few ferry services on the outlying lakes. The S-Bahn (overground railway) is run by its own authority, but ser- vices are integrated within the same three- zone tariff system. Zone A covers central Berlin, zone B extends out to the edge of the suburbs and zone C stretches into Bran- denburg.

The BVG website www.bvg.de( ) has a wealth of information (in English) on city transport, and there’s usually someone who speaks Eng- lish at the 24-hour BVG Call Center (194 49). The S-Bahn has its own website atwww.s- bahn-berlin.de T H E Y E L L O W ‘UBAHN’ OF Also very helpful: The Android and iOS App BERLIN ‘Öffi’ for Berlin that checks out journeys, con- IS FAMOUS nections and schedules of all trains, busses IN THE WHOLE and trams for you. WORLD.

RIDING YOUR BICYCLE

Of note though is Berlin’s riding (cycling) culture, as more than 10% of the city’s traffic

43 42 GOING OUT, SHOPPING, EATING GOING OUT

GOING OUT NIGHTLIFE Bon Bon Bar Torstraße 133 SHOPPING Berlin is proud of its nightlife culture, and 10119 Berlin with good reason. The partygoers of the 90s A favorite of Berlin’s fashion scene. Chic and who danced in factories, warehouses and simple. EATING old subway shafts may have moved on, but Have fun in Berlin with our recommendations for partying, there is a new scene in Mitte, Friedrichshain, Trust eating and – last not least – shopping! Kreuzberg and the old west that is running Torstraße 72 We’ve also collected our favorite blogs on Berlin – from one opening to the next. 10119 Berlin e n j o y ! Spirits are sold in bottles 0.2 or 0.5 so you Booming techno beats and a jazzy trans- either make lots of new friends or you just verse flute, mirrored dance halls with red get drunk ;-) silk curtains, small cellar clubs with trashy decorations: Berlin has a bars and clubs to Chapel Bar suit every taste and budget. Sonntagstraße 30 10245 Berlin The capital has the largest electro scene in the Tell the bar tender what you like and you’ll world, but there are clubs catering to lovers of get a cocktail that’s designed for you. all types of music. Or if you just like to tango, jive or swing hit the traditional Balhäuse Gin & Tonic Bar (Ballrooms) of Berlin, where couples have Friedrichstraße 113 been swaying for over 100 years. 10117 Berlin For all the Gin Tonic addicts this bar with its edgy style is the right place to be. BARS Tier Amano Bar Weserstraße 42 Auguststraße 45 12045 Berlin 10119 Berlin ‘Tier’ meaning ‘animal’ in German has a Especially nice during the summer time with cool vibe with frosted glass windows, but its roof top bar. it’s the hip and friendly guests which make Tier so special. Bar 1000 Schiffbauerdamm 11 Odessa Bar 10117 Berlin Torstraße 89 Hidden spot. They mix good drinks over here 10119 Berlin and have praise from the jazz scene. Trendy artsy, typical Berlin-Mitte.

45 44 SHOPPING, EATING SHOPPING, EATING

DANCING FOOD

Weekend Lokal Alexanderstraße 7 Linienstraße 160 Y O U ’ L L 10178 Berlin 10115 Berlin FIND Pretty nice club with a gorgeous view over A charming eatery serving contemporary F O O D Berlin, located right in the center of the city. German food based on fantastic, locally F R O M A L L sourced ingredients served by amazing staff. O V E R T H E Berghain WORLD IN Am Wriezener Bahnhof Schneeweiß BERLIN – 10243 Berlin Simplonstraße 16 A N D A T The world’s most revered techno club. 10245 Berlin LOW PRICES. This minimally designed restaurant, reminis- Prince Charles cent of a winter wonderland, serves Austrian Enjoy excellent coffee and cake at Five Elephant Prinzenstraße 85 F inspired cuisine exceptionally well. 10969 Berlin Located in a former swimming-pool, the Prince Hartmanns Charles is a mixconcept of bar and club with Fichtestraße 31 manicured electro sound. 10967 Berlin A New York style bar and steakhouse, serving Some say it’s here where you get the best Really nice French food in Kreuzberg. undoubtedly Berlin’s best steaks and burgers croissants in town. What you get for sure is Ritter Butzke as well as other stuff – all made fresh daily. a really good café au lait and some Parisian Ritterstraße 26 Yam Yam flair sitting outside and watching people go 10969 Berlin Alte Schönhauser Straße 6 by. The complex of buildings at Moritz place has 10119 Berlin COFFEE become a legend. Although now above board, Excellent Korean cuisine in Mitte. This place The Barn it gained it’s cred as an underground, unoffi- is usually crowded so you might have to wait Five Elephant Auguststraße 58 / Schönhauser Allee 8 cial party locale. Great partying guaranteed. a little. But the dishes are worth it. Reichenberger Straße 101 & Budapester 10119 Berlin Straße 4 The Barn is one of the leading specialty coffee Katz Orange 10999 & 10787 Berlin roasters in Germany and has two coffee shops Bergstraße 22 American and Austrian team Kris and Sophie in Berlin. The coffee is fair trade and roasted 10115 Berlin are famous city-wide for their talents: He’s on-site. It’s best enjoyed unadulterated. Regional, delicious food in such a cool build- the coffee king, she’s the baking queen (the ing – an old brewery. cheesecake is possibly the best in the world). Tres Cabezas Boxhagener Straße 74 The Bird Croissanterie 10245 Berlin Am Falkplatz 5 Pannierstraße 56 Another location where you can have one of 10437 Berlin 12047 Berlin the bestcoffees in town.

47 46 GOING OUT, SHOPPING, EATING SHOPPING

MOST WANTED Firmament SHOPPING LOCATIONS Linienstrasse 40 10119 Berlin Firmament offers a premium range of clothes URBAN STYLE from the US, Japan and Europe. Here, street style meets formal and it’s the place where Voo Store Berlin the stylish «Mitte Boys» buy their clothes. Oranienstraße 24 10999 Berlin Vektor Berlin www.vooberlin.com/berlin-store Gormannstraße 23 Voo Store is located in central Kreuzberg, in 10119 Berlin a backyard on Oranienstrasse, on a 300m2 Characterized by urban extravagance,

floor on the premises of a former locksmith Vektor offers a mix of men’s, women’s and Zalando Showroom near Hackescher Markt shop. Rather than focusing on short-lived unisex fashion. Flowing fabrics with eye- trends, Voo will present products that have catching prints. the potential to become prized possessions for life. Voo is operating as a platform for music, design, fashion and art. The creators of the WOMEN’S FAVORITES The own-label coffee “Tres cabezas” can also ier am Potsdamer Platz’ and the traditional store are hosting regular exhibitions, readings, be purchased here. ‘Friedrichstraße’ down to ‘Spandauer Vorstadt’ concerts and showcases of new works from And Other Stories are very popular. Fans of designer clothes or various designers and artists. Kurfürstendamm 234 19 grams trendy second hand fashion will find what they 10719 Berlin Schlesische Straße 38 want in scene-boutiques in ‘Prenzlauer Berg’ Muschi Kreuzberg The new concept from H&M! Besides its avant- 10997 Berlin or all around the ‘Hackescher Markt’ in the Oranienstr. 185 garde shaped styles, the store also offers other Cleverly derived its name from the weight city district ‘Mitte’. At Brunnenstraße, you’ll 10999 Berlin brands such as shoes from Nike or cosmetics of a single shot of coffee, and aside from also find our Zalando Show Room where edi- www.muschikreuzberg.de by Dr. Bronner’s. Trendsetters love &Other a small selection of sweets, that’s virtually tors, bloggers and stylists can get an impres- A brand called ‘Muschi Kreuzberg’ (‘pussy Stories for its sophisticated shoe department. all there is on offer. More than enough: The sion of the best styles of the current season. Kreuzberg’) simply can’t be ignored. This coffee here is a highlight for coffee-lovers. label of an advertising agency lives off slo- A stroll over to the Berlin weekly markets gans like ‘I add your mother’, ‘Sucht und or flea markets, art markets and jumble Ordnung’ (= addiction and order, in German SHOPPING sale is always an interesting experience. As referring to ‘Zucht und Ordnung’ meaning for flea markets, the one in Mauerpark (in law and order) or ‘Exzess All Areas’. They’ve The Berlin shopping streets, shopping-cen- Prenzlauer Berg) and at Tiergarten, Straße des become cultic on shirts, bags and stickers ters and markets offer all you can imagine. 17. Juni, are the biggest and most renowned. and you can buy these in the inhouse flag- The boulevard and window shopping areas ship store or at Soma, Aus Berlin or Fuman- at ‘Kurfürstendamm’, the new ‘Stadtquart- chuh.

49 48 SHOPPING SHOPPING

Broke & Schön Mientus Flagshipstore Krossenerstr 9-10 Wilmersdorfer Str. 73 10245 Berlin 10629 Berlin Imagine yourself wearing the latest trends Casual, business, sporty and dapper - this without having to spend a fortune. A nice store has all bases covered. thought, right? It’s perfectly possible if you shop at ‘Broke & Schön’. The interior is lov- ingly decorated and full of unique and fash- DESIGNERS ionable clothing, bags, accessories and shoes for girls. Kaviar Gauche Linienstraße 44 Prachtmädchen 10119 Berlin Wühlischstraße 28 Celebrated for an effortlessly chic aesthetic, 10245 Berlin the label enjoys a passionate Berlin-powered Watch out this store is addictive . That applies hype. The hand-made pieces are directional Galeries Lafayettes to you too guys! You’ll find a huge range yet consistently elegant working with couture of affordable fashion of well-known labels. detailing and luxury fabrics. They also have a small vintage store in Prenzlauer Berg. Eastberlin Acne M E N ’ S Galeries Lafayettes Alte Schönhauserstraße 34 Münzstraße 21 BEST Friedrichstraße 76-78 10119 Berlin 10178 Berlin 10117 Berlin It began with a collection of T-Shirts in 2002, Once called Acne Jeans this label is loved by Just for the boys berlin A touch of Parisian chic in Berlin: Galeries which the Labels Designer Cora Schwind Hipsters and Hollywood stars. In this cool Raumerstraße 28 Lafayette at Friedrichstraße lets you dive into printed with an eagle: straight, plain and minimalistic store you can find their most 10437 Berlin the French flair of fashion and lifestyle. The almost strict, above her logo: East Berlin. As wanted skinny jeans as well as premium In the past a second hand shop for premium store a wide range of designer fashion, a big well as her own designs the store also offers shirts, dresses, suits and shoes. men’s suits. You can also find a lot of new beauty department and an excellent food Scandinavian brands such as Minimum and stuff here: Hugo Boss, Joop, Lagerfeld etc. department where you can get some of the Twist and Tango. Konk best oysters in Berlin. Kleine Hamburgerstraße 15 Soto Store IchJane 10117 Berlin Torstrasse 72 Dandy of Grotesque Boxhagener Straße 35 Konk is a veritable stalwart of the city’s fash- 10119 Berlin Gormannstrasse 17b 10245 Berlin ion scene. With a dedication to showcasing Known as the best shop for men’s Fashion 10119 Berlin Inspired by the metropolitan flair of Berlin with the best up and coming designers, the store in town, the goal for Soto has always been to At Dandy of Grotesque a sharp suit is your its people, stories and encounters, the designer supports local talents with cutting edge selec- present a modern take on how a man should weapon of choice. This up-and-coming offers a collection of casual wear including tions of men’s and women’s wear. dress. Soto presents a wild mix of American, designer focuses on suave and dapper suits dresses, skirts and shirts. Apart from this flag- European and Asian designers. for gentlemen, with a modern twist. shipstore, there’s more stores all over Berlin.

51 50 BERLIN BLOGS BERLIN BLOGS

B E R L I N OTHER SIDES Thursday and includes tips about Berlin – a OF BERLIN bar that has just opened up, the best pizza or a Berlin fashion label. It is written in the BLOGS Stil in Berlin: www.stilinberlin.de style of your best mate and is well worth a read – sign up today! There are numerous blogs offering unusual and individual Stil in Berlin is one of the most popular and perspectives on Berlin. We’ve selected a few blog highlights to explore Berlin in a different way. most successful fashion blogs in Germany. As well as street style posts, shopping tips and photos of Berlin itself there are also articles Mogli Oak Berlin: www.mo-berlin.com and interviews with influential Berliners: bloggers, designers, artists. The ‘At Home’ A blog from an expat who wants to share section is particularly interesting, where Stil his knowledge about the amazingly eclectic in Berlin interviews people in the comfort and ever buzzing city of Berlin. You’ll find of their own home. recommendations on restaurants, exhibitions and clubs as well as films and books with a connection to Berlin.

Sugarhigh: www.sugarhigh.de

The email magazine Sugarhigh keeps you überlin: www.uberlin.co.uk up to date on the latest partys, new shops, music, art and . Sign up for überlin is written by James, a freelance writer free and you will get a new email every day, and social media analyst, and Zoë, a photog- informing you about what’s going on in the rapher who – as soon as they figured out they big city. The emails are bi-lingual (English could do this stuff from anywhere with a wi-fi and German) and are extremely entertaining connection – packed their laptops and got the first flight from London to their favorite city in the world: Berlin. You’ll find tips on food, culture, events and fashion here as well Cee Cee: www.ceecee.cc as entertaining posts on expat life in Berlin.

From Berlin, about Berlin – this is the motto of Nina Trippel and Sven Hausherr. They describe themselves as explorers and world travellers, constantly on the search for something new. And then they make a newsletter out of it. Ceecee comes out every

53 52 ABOUT GERMANS ABOUT GERMANS

THINGS YOU NEED and when the frog climbed it, they thought tain eye contact. If you don’t your penalty the weather will be good. That’s why we still will be seven years of bad sex. TO KNOW talk about the ‘Wetterfrosch’ and what he’s probably doing. If he’s sleeping or…you get the picture. OZAPFT IS – ABOUT GERMANS ‘OKTOBERFEST’

We collected some fun facts about Germans and a few tips ‘TATORT’ to help you blend in with the locals. First of all, yes, the famous ‘Oktoberfest’ is the one in Munich. But there are several other You want to meet up with a German friend beer festivals all over Germany which are on a Sunday evening? Good luck! Sunday also a lot of fun, for example the ‘Cannstatter evening at 8:15 is ‘Tatort’ (crime scene) time. Wasen’ in and there’s even one at The TV crime show, which has been running Alexanderplatz in Berlin. And yes, the ‘Okto- since November 1970, is quite popular. Every berfest’ is called October festival but it starts Sunday up to 10 million Germans watch it (at least the one in Munich) in the middle of and during the last years it has also become September. And it is all about drinking beer, very popular to watch it in bars together with dancing to German folk music and wear- other fans. And as soon as the theme starts ing Lederhosen and Dirndl. That’s the only you better keep quiet as no one will be listen- time in the year you’ll see Germans wearing ing to you for one hour and a half. Lederhosen and Dirndl. If you see a German wearing this traditional costume apart from Oktoberfest you can be sure he or she will ‘SCHORLE’, be Bavarian. ‘RADLER’ AND 7 YEARS OF BAD SEX BEER The Germans love to mix drinks. If it’s fruit juice, white wine or red wine, we do Germans love beer! Water, hops, yeast, mix it with sparkling water. This is called malt – that’s all you need. The ingredients ‘Schorle’: ‘Saftschorle’ if mixed with juice for beer were laid down in the Germans’ and ‘Weinschorle’ if mixed with wine. We favorite decree almost 500 years ago. The ST. PETER AND THE even do mix our beer with lemonade which beer purity regulations guarantee the high ‘WETTERFROSCH’ we call ‘Radler’ or with Coke and Orange unadulterated quality of German beer that Fanta and call it ‘Spezi’. And if it comes to excludes all additives. Yes, it’s true, the Germans always complain frog. Nowadays no one really believes that toasting traditions there’s one really im- about the weather. And we blame St. Peter a frog can forecast weather but in the past portant one. While clinking glasses indi- A 2010 report showed that Germany ranked or the weather frog for it. Yes, the weather they put a frog into a jar with a small ladder vidually with each person you must main- second in terms of per-capita beer con-

55 54 ABOUT GERMANS THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GERMANS

sumption, behind the Czech Republic and or two. They see ‘Kaffee und Kuchen’ as an ahead of Austria and Ireland. Prost! Cheers! institution to celebrate some ‘Gemütlichkeit’ (coziness). Hefeweizen is a fermented, unfiltered, bottle conditioned wheat beer with noticeable yeast Fun fact: Quark in Germany does not refer sediment and a cloudy appearance. They are to a concept in quantum physics but to a sort usually quite sweet and fruity, with a full of cheese. It is usually made from skim milk body. and has the consistency of very thick yoghurt. It is in fact made from non-processed cheese Not strictly a German beer type, Pilsner or curd. It does not taste like much and is originated in the Bohemian city of Plzen used to make desserts such as cheesecakes. (or Pilsen) in the mid nineteenth century, be grateful for this tip when you’ve been (for better or for worse) and lots more. It’s and is also referred to as Pils or Pilsener. The dancing all night long and remembered to hard to find such a wide mixture of people light color of the beer results from the use of FOR THE LADIES – DON’T just wear ballet flats. out late at night elsewhere than at a German lightly toasted malts in contrast to the darker BRING A MILLION PAIRS street festival. Kids up until 1.30am, elderly malts previously used in beer. OF HIGH HEELS people with walking frames groovin’ to the BRUTAL HONESTY – music or riding their bikes down the street Berliner Weisse — The ‘Reinheitsgebot’ pre- You can be sure that German ladies love NICE SOMETIMES without a helmet as if they don’t have a care vented any tradition of adding fruit during high heels. There is quite a lot of walking in the world. So, don’t be surprised if you the brewing process but Berliners get around to be done in Berlin and cobblestones and One thing that really takes some getting see some elderly ladies coming home on the this by adding woodruff (Waldmeister) or stairs are everywhere. Sure, bring some used to in Germany is the abrupt and incred- U-Bahn at 3am on Saturday… raspberry (Himbeere) syrup to reduce the heels if you want for the office or special ibly honest opinions of people who are not sharpness and acidity of the beer - in fact nights out, but don’t expect to wear them afraid to tell you exactly what they think or you are almost certain to be asked ‘rot oder on a daily basis. Bring lots of cute flats feel. Overall it can be amazing because you MORE FUNNY STUFF ON grün’ (red or green) when ordering one. and comfy boots and you’ll be good to know exactly where people stand and no one GERMANS go, especially in Berlin. You’ll especially bottles things up. It also means that people get to the point really quickly and often it is Liv Hambrett, an Australian writer in WE ARE HUNGRY a logical, well-thought out point that, once Germany: you get past the ‘oh man, did he just say that www.livhambrett.com/everything-i- German breakfasts are not meals, but elabo- to me?’ phase then becomes really useful. know-about-germany-germans/what-i- rate feasts. Especially on weekends, almost And, you can give it right back. know-about-germans/ every spare centimeter of the table will be covered in an assortment of meats, cheeses, What I know about Germans (book): fruits, jams and spreads. Germans take their PARTY IS FOR ALL AGES http:www.uberlin.co.uk/what-i-know- time to enjoy good food and good company. about-germans/ They like to meet up with family and friends In fact, there are many things here not just for a cup of coffee or tea and a slice of cake for the young – like cycling, leather jackets

57 56 WHEN YOU WORK AT ZALANDO WHEN YOU WORK AT ZALANDO

WHEN YOU ‘HELLO ZALANDO!’ MORE ON ZALANDO WORK AT As you might have discovered when applying For more detailed info about working at there’s something unique about our careers Zalando, your main contacts and tools have a pages. All the pictures on the site were taken look into your ‘My Zalando Welcome Book- ZALANDO by Zalando employees. Why? Because a com- let’ and, of course, our intranet You definitely need to know the tumblr Blog ‘When you work pany as versatile as Zalando is obviously hard intranet.zalando.net at Zalando’: whenyouworkatzalando.tumblr.com to capture. That’s where snapshots come in! Be it a team event, decorating the office, going out for lunch or dinner, having fun at the end of year party, or that lovely gift your colleague left on your desk this morning – that’s Zalando! And it’s not only a great way for prospective employees to see what goes on behind the scenes, it’s also great if you’re working at Zalando and like to see what’s going on at the other offices and warehouses.

‘Hello Zalando’ – is waiting for you to add your Zalando memories. Just upload your snapshot, give it a caption and click to upload! Share your Zalando with the world.

READ ON: OUR BLOGS

Zalando’s company blog: http:blog.zalando.de Zalando Fashion blog: Job is job. But also fun. http:modenews.zalando.de FUN FACTS ON Zalando Tech blog: ZALANDO http:tech.zalando.com

The blog was once launched by a Zalando ‘when you pick up your Zalando package’ to intern and is by now as well-known as the ‘When you try to book a room at Mollstraße” intranet. There’s animated gifs on everything Your contributions are welcome! concerning workaday life at Zalando – from

59 58 PHOTOS IN THIS BOOKLET

Cover and pages 4-5/25/32-33/34/39: Berlin Partner FTB-Werbefotografie Pages 13/16/18/40/42: visitBerlin Koschel Pages 21/22: visitBerlin Scholvien Pages 43/51: visitBerlin Steffen Page 52: visitBerlin Scholvien/visitBerlin Page 54: visitBerlin Adenis