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INTERNATIONAL zalando EMPLOYEE guide Working and living in the capital of CONTENT CONTENT

Insurance get going in 18 social security 18 lIability insurance 19 Motor vehicle insurance Germany 19 household insurance 20 aCCIdent insurance 20 retirement benefits 20 how to purchase an insurance policy Working ​in Germany 20 The most important insurance terms

08 before COMING To Germany 09 Who does not need a visa? 09 Work Permits Relocation Expenses 10 foreigners’ Office (Ausländerbehörde) 22 Which expenses are reimbursable 23 Compensation for additional expenses in connection with rented homes Guidelines for a successful start 24 oTher relocation expenses 24 Need help? 11 register at the Bürgeramt 12 aPPlication for a ‘Lohnsteuerersatzbescheinigung’ (tax card) 12 oPening your bank account 12 register for health insurance Finding an apartment

26 search via Internet 26 housing offices Health — Medical Care in Germany 26 furnished rooms and apartments 27 little helpers 13 health insurance 14 Public Health Insurance 14 Private Health Insurance 15 What is a health insurance card? Rental contracts & rent 15 vIsiting your physician 29 length of rental contract 15 What if you need a physician after hours? 29 Parties to the rental contract 15 The cost of an office visit 29 Rent 16 Medication 30 More details 16 If you are admitted to hospital 16 What to do in case of emergency? 17 vaccinations and preventative care 17 Dentists 17 Medical Care in CONTENT CONTENT

LIVING IN Berlin Blogs 53 other sides of berlin

BERLIN Things you need to know about Germans

54 sT. Peter and the ‘Wetterfrosch’ Berlin – A place to be 55 ‘Tatort’ 55 ‘Schorle’, ‘Radler’ and 7 years of bad sex 55 ozapft is – ‘Oktoberfest’ 35 about Berlin 55 Beer 37 living in Berlin’s districts – ‘Kieze’ 56 We are hungry 38 56 for the ladies – don’t bring a million pairs of high heels 38 - 57 brutal honesty – nice sometimes 39 and 57 Party is for all ages 40 NEUKÖLLN 57 More funny stuff on Germans 41 -schönebrerg 41 - When you work at Zalando

transportation in the city 58 fun facts on Zalando 59 ‘Hello Zalando!’ 43 Public transport 59 read on: Our blogs 43 rIding Your Bicycle 59 More on Zalando

going out shopping eating

45 Nightlife 46 Food 48 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 out 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, Israel, there is a vacancy for the immigrant that Japan, 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

09 08 Working in Germany Working in Germany

Employment Agency. There are restrictions Guidelines for a in regard to EU citizens from Central and Eastern Europe. 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 a You can choose your own German health and you won’t be able to start working without it. ‘Lohnsteuerersatz- insurance and register online easily. You can Here’s where you’ll find more information about what is covered bescheinigung’ choose whatever insurance you like. Your by your health insurance and some basic info on physicians and (tax card) membership certificate (this document con- medical treatment in Germany. firms your membership in a health insurance Register at the Finanzamt (revenue office) in company to your employer) will be sent to you order to receive your income tax. Please note via post. The HR department will need this that which Finanzamt is responsible for you document. Once you are a member with a depends on in which district of Berlin you German health insurance provider (when you are living. Within 7 days the Finanzamt will get a letter with your membership number), receive the information about your registra- you will need to contact them and ask for your tion from Bürgeramt. For the application social security number. Within 4-6 weeks you will need your Anmeldung (registration you will receive it by mail. HR just needs this form) from the Bürgeramt and your passport. number and later a copy of the card.

Find out where the Finanzamt of your dis- ATTENTION: The deadline for payroll trict is located on the city of Berlin’s official is the 11th of every month. If you hand in website: www.berlin.de/en 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 month we will not be able to process your pay yo u r ban k by the end of the month. The salary will then account be paid along with your next month’s salary at the end of the following month. Your salary must be deposited by your employer into a German bank account. You Find out more details about health insurance can choose whatever bank you like. in the next chapter and do not hesitate to Health insurance talk to HR if you have any insurance related Don’t forget to bring your passport and proof questions. As an employee, you have to have health or private health insurance. If you become ill, of registration that you received from the 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 monthly salary. 7.3% is paid by the employer. What is a ·· The Bertelsmann Stiftung’s Weisse system includes the following benefits: health insurance Liste (White List) www.weisse-liste.de Applying for public health insurance is rela- card? ·· The website of your state’s Kassenärzt- ·· outpatient medical treatment, for tively stress free. Simply call up a regional liche Vereinigung (Association of example in a physician’s office office and set up an appointment. Make sure As soon as you become a member of a Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, ·· dental care to bring your passport and your residence statutory health insurance fund, you will KV: www.kvberlin.de ·· medication, remedies and medical permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) with you when receive an electronic health insurance card devices you go to the appointment. Usually, your documenting your membership. The card When you have found a physician, call his ·· inpatient medical treatment, for German employer’s HR office will take care includes a photo and an electronic record or her office and make an appointment; this example in a hospital medically of this for you. of your name, date of birth, address, policy avoids a long wait. In urgent cases, however, necessary rehabilitation number and insurance status. It must be you can walk in without an appointment. ·· services during pregnancy and submitted whenever you see your physician childbirth P rivate so that your health insurance can be billed H ealth for treatment. Your health insurance card What if you If your spouse is not employed, he or she Insurance is valid in all 28 EU countries as well as in need a physician may be covered under your statutory health Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Swit- after hours? insurance policy at no extra charge to you. Private health insurance is quite a bit more zerland. This means that if you become ill The same holds true for your children. expensive than public healthcare. Only those in one of these countries while on holiday or You need medical care, but your physician’s earning more than € 52,200 per year and the a business trip, your health insurance card office is closed? In that case, dial 116 117 for Moreover, your health insurance policy auto- self-employed are eligible for private health gives you access to medical treatment there. an on-call physician; the number is valid matically includes long-term care insurance. insurance. The application process for this Before travelling abroad, it is a good idea to throughout Germany. The call is free from Your long-term care insurance is activated if, is a bit more complicated. You may be sub- contact your health insurance to find out land lines and mobile phones, and is available for example, you need nursing care because jected to medical tests, required to answer what to do in an emergency. to all patients with statutory or private health of a serious illness that prevents you from a questionnaire concerning your medical insurance. In case of an emergency – a life- caring for yourself. history, and submit proof of your income. threatening situation – you should instead Visiting your dial the emergency number 112 which is the Unlike public healthcare, you have to go physician German fire service that will send you an Public through the selection and application pro- ambulance. H ealth cess without your employer’s help. The ben- In Germany, you may choose your own physi- Insurance efits of private health insurance mostly do cian. In most cases your first visit is to your not lie in the quality of medical standards, general practitioner. If necessary, he or she T he c o s t All salaried workers in Germany whose gross but in the speed of care. In other words, you will refer you to a specialist or arrange for o f an monthly income is less than € 4,350 are pub- will not be left waiting for hours but will be you to be admitted to a hospital. To find the office visit licly insured. The percentage they owe to the attended to quickly, and some doctors only right physician, consult the following: state-run healthcare system is taken out of take patients with private insurance. As a patient covered by statutory health their monthly pay. In 2011, this percent- ·· The website of your town or city insurance, you will have almost no out-of age was raised to 15.5% of the employee’s www.berlin.de/en pocket expenses. Rather than billing you,

15 14 Health – Medical Care in Germany Health – Medical Care in Germany

your physician will submit a bill directly to Vaccinations and Medical Care in your health insurance. preventative care Berlin

Of course, it’s much better not to get sick. Berlin has an highly developed health infra- Medication Vaccinations and health screenings can structure with a dense network of hospitals, prevent many illnesses. Vaccinations record clinics, physician practices, emergency ser- Medications are available only in pharmacies, shows the diseases against which you have vices and some specialist institutions. You which display a large red sign with letter A been vaccinated. Various screenings are also will find a broad range of medical care on (for Apotheke). There are two ways to obtain available, some of them required by law. For offer here in the city. medications. The first is through your phy- infants and children, there are the to sician: The physician writes a prescription, screenings, which help to identify develop- You can find suitable institutions or special- which you take to the pharmacy, where you mental disorders and illnesses at an early ists for medical care in the Berlin internet receive your medication. For prescription treatment costs are covered. stage so that they can be treated. There are health guide of the ‘Gesundheits-Informa- medicines you are only expected to make numerous screenings for adults as well, for tions-Service GmbH’. At www.gesundheit- a co-payment; the rest is covered by your skin cancer and dental problems, for example. berlin.de you will find a comprehensive health insurance. The second way is to go What to do in case Statutory health insurances providers often collection of addresses for health services: directly to the pharmacy, where you can find of emergency? offer a bonus if you are regularly screened. pharmacies, physicians, dentists, hospitals, over-the-counter medications (not requiring ambulances and health trade as well as medi- a prescription). In this case you must pay In case of emergency, you have two alternatives: cal practitioners like optometrists, hearing the full amount. 1. In life-threatening or other serious situa- Dentists device specialists, orthopaedics, maternity tions, or if you are uncertain, dial 112, which units and midwives. connects you with the emergency medical Dental work in Germany can be quite expen- If you are service. The number is valid throughout Ger- sive, and you often need to present a cost See also the telephone directory of busi- admitted many. An ambulance will arrive within 15 estimate to your insurance prior to getting ness listings ‘Gelbe Seiten’ (yellow pages) to hospital minutes. The emergency number is toll-free. the treatment. It is also not always guaran- available at www.gelbeseiten.de. 2. If the situation is not quite as serious, you teed that your insurance company deems Here you can look for specialists Germany has public hospitals, private clin- can go directly to a hospital A&E department. the work necessary, as they strictly differ- who speak more than one language: ics and charitable hospitals run by church A&E departments are open day and night. entiate between cosmetic work and medical www.aerzte-berlin.de. relief organizations; many larger cities have treatment. university hospitals as well. As a rule, your At the weekend, on holidays or during the general practitioner will arrange to have you night, on-call help is available from a hos- The percentage that your insurance, be it admitted to hospital; only in an emergency pital, physician or pharmacy in your area. private or public, will pay depends on the you should go there directly. Your health Many newspapers publish daily listings of the coverage you have selected, as dental work is insurance will normally cover the costs of physicians and pharmacies that are on call. not included in standard medical insurance. your hospital stay. Since hospitalization can However, quite a few Germans take out addi- be very expensive, however, it is a good idea tional insurance cover for dental treatment to determine in advance whether all of your with a private health insurance company.

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 most useful and important of the optional accidents. However, there are many ways of types of insurances. In the event of a claim, ·· Theft or robbery protecting 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 damages up to a specified amount. It also ·· Storms, hail, lightning, flooding insurance 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 ent 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 to deduct additional costs in his or her The employer can reimburse travelling costs German income tax return. of the employee, his or her children and other individuals who belong to the household. Expenses Relocation expenses are work-related if: Moving to a new country can be quite expensive. Find out The employer can reimburse costs directly which costs will be compensated or reimbursed after you’ve ·· The distance between home and related to the relocation. The employer can moved to Germany. workplace is significantly reduced. This is also reimburse costs for travelling to the new the case if daily travelling time in total is working place in advance if the employee is reduced by at least one hour. searching for a new home or visiting a new ·· A new home is required because the flat. The employer can reimburse expenses for: employee is working for the first time. ·· The relocation is caused by working for a ·· Two journeys if only one person is new employer or taking a new profession travelling or or job. ·· One journey if two persons are travelling. ·· The relocation is in the predominant interest of the employer or ·· A work-related, so called double Compensation for household, is set-up or terminated. additional expenses in connection with The following expenses can be deducted or rented homes reimbursed by the employer free of tax: The following rents are deductible and reim- ·· Transport of household goods bursable for: ·· All expenses related to the transportation are deductible. ·· A flat or home if the rental contract This also applies for substantiated cannot legally be cancelled before the payments to privately supported relocation takes place or individuals. The employer can ·· The new flat, if this flat had to be rented reimburse these costs free of tax. before the relocation date. ·· Deductible travelling costs W hi c h ·· Costs of transport expenses are (flight, train, car etc.) reimbursable ·· Costs of accommodation ·· Extra expenses for food and drink You can deduct relocation expenses from may reimburse those expenses free of tax. (flatrate amounts / lump sums) your taxable income if these costs are job If the employer does not reimburse all relo- ·· Costs of accommodation or work-related. Alternatively, the employer cation expenses, the employee is entitled ·· Other travel-related expenses

23 22 Relocation Expenses Finding an apartment

Other relocation Finding expenses an Other expenses and costs are deductible or reimbursable. They are for example: apartment Broker fees for procuring a rented flat ·· In Berlin you will find that a large number of apartments or home (this does not apply for the of various sizes are available in all districts and price purchase of an own home) ranges. Compared to other European metropolises, rents ·· Additional costs for educating children, remain reasonably affordable. if connected to the change of address.

Other relocation expenses can be deducted or reimbursed free of tax if certain require- ments are met. It is possible to reimburse or deduct certain lump sums or actual costs, if documented.

Need help?

If you want assistance with your relocation check out this site: www.berlin-relocator.de/english

Here you’ll find options for your individual relocation package offered by a German- American who has lived in several countries and has been assisting families to make their move to Berlin for over 14 years.

25 24 Finding an apartment Rental contract & 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- little (non-smoker) Search via schaften’, housing associations that are run 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 / (detached ZH Zentralheizung / (central http:www.berlin.de/special/ www.airbnb.de 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 contract & rent Rental contract & rent

R ental L en g th 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 Parties to the want to use an online calculator: rental contract www.berlin.de/special/finanzen-und- recht/rechner Each person who wants to move into the flat should be included in the rental contract. The All costs in addition to the rent are paid at landlord and the tenant both need to sign it a monthly flat rate which is an estimate of and the original copy should be given to you. the average monthly costs.

Accounts are settled at the end of an account- Rent ing year. If you get a refund, the monthly rate for the following year will be reduced; Rent - ‘Miete’ or ‘Monatsmiete’ in German – if you have to pay an additional amount, the is the amount paid by the tenant (‘Mieter’) monthly rate will be increased. to the landlord (‘Vermieter’) every month for use of the apartment (‘Netto-Kaltmiete’, net The additional costs that are paid through cold rent). There are also side costs included the landlord every month together with the for items like garbage disposal, street and rent are called ‘Nebenkosten’ and the total house cleaning, heating and water supply; amount paid to the landlord every month is they make up approximately 25% of the rent. called ‘Warmmiete’.

Electricity is usually charged separately by Deposit: It is common to pay a deposit (one an electricity supplier of your choice, with to maximum three months’ rent plus value which you must register yourself. You might added tax (VAT) to cover any repairs for have a choice of providers. When you move damage in the apartment caused by the ten- in, contact the providers to agree on the con- ant when he/she leaves. This sum is deposited tract and arrange for payment. in a special savings account. Arrange this

29 28 Rental contract & rent Rental contract & rent

together with the landlord or obtain a receipt 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

L ivin g 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 y e a r s a g o . Here’s a quick guide to Berlin’s most exciting neighborhoods. Berlin – A place to be Berlin – A place to be

Berlin – About Berlin surviving medieval buildings near Alexan- derplatz, to the ultra-modern glass and steel A pla c e Berlin is the capital of Germany and one of the structures at . most fascinating, liberal and cosmopolitan cities in the world. Berlin is the largest city in Because of its tumultuous history, Berlin to be Germany and has a population of 4.5 million remains a city with many distinctive neigh- Proud to present: Berlin’s most central and exciting within its metropolitan area and 3.5 million borhoods. neighborhoods. Get a quick overview and some insights that within city limits. Almost 15% of Berlin’s res- might help you to choose your place to stay and idents are people holding foreign passports – 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 museums, 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 Clockwise from left: Checkpoint Charly, Pergamonmuseum, Oberbaumbrücke

35 34 Berlin – A place to be Berlin – A place to be

MollstraSSe (Bmo)

Managing Directors Umspannwerk (BSB) Technology Brand Marketing Onsite Management Sales Finance Infrastructure prenzlauer berg/ Legal, Internal Audit, GRC pankow People & Organization Corporate Communications Neue BahnhofstraSSe (BnB) Zalando Operations Category Management zLabels

ReinhardstraSSe (brs) mitte friedrichshain/ kreuzberg Tamara-Danz-StraSSe (BTD) Customer Service to be opened in summer 2014 International charlottenburg wilmersdorf Brand Marketing Sales Infrastructure neukölln tempelhof- People & Organization schöneberg Customer Service International

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 structure and social networks. a new Trendbezirk or hip area. People are Outlet (BOK) 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 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, Museum 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 Fischerinsel 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 . and international, families and singletons. and a lot of young people and families from

39 38 Berlin – A place to be Finding an apartment

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- schönebrerg 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 public reduced fare – just talk to HR. If you use excursions. Most routes are easily naviga- transport network than Berlin. No matter what time of day public transportation frequently, this will ble by bike, and it is a great way to see the or night, there’s always a train or bus to drive you home. Alternatively you can get yourself a bike and explore save you a lot of money. environment. Bikes are available for rent at 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 at www.s- bahn-berlin.de the yellow ‘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 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 Tell the bar tender what you like and you’ll the world, but there are clubs catering to get a cocktail that’s designed for you. lovers of all types of music. Or if you just like to tango, jive or swing hit the traditional Gin & Tonic Bar Balhäuse (Ballrooms) of Berlin, where cou- Friedrichstraße 113 ples have 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 ’ ll 10178 Berlin 10115 Berlin find Pretty nice club with a gorgeous view over A charming eatery serving contemporary f oo d Berlin, located right in the center of the city. German food based on fantastic, locally f rom all sourced ingredients served by amazing staff. over the world in Am Wriezener Bahnhof Schneeweiß B E R L I N – 10243 Berlin Simplonstraße 16 an d at The world’s most revered techno club. 10245 Berlin low This minimally designed restaurant, reminis- prices. Prince Charles cent of a winter wonderland, serves Austrian Prinzenstraße 85 F inspired cuisine exceptionally well. 10969 Berlin Located in a former swimming-pool, the Hartmanns Prince Charles is a mixconcept of bar and Fichtestraße 31 club with manicured electro sound. 10967 Berlin A New York style bar and steakhouse, ser- The Berlin shopping streets, shopping-cen- Really nice French food in Kreuzberg. ving undoubtedly Berlin’s best steaks ters and markets offer all you can imagine. Ritter Butzke and burgers as well as some other stuff – The boulevard and window shopping areas at Ritterstraße 26 Yam Yam all made fresh daily. ‘Kurfürstendamm’, the new ‘Stadtquartier am 10969 Berlin Alte Schönhauser Straße 6 Potsdamer Platz’ and the traditional ‘Fried- The complex of buildings at Moritz place has 10119 Berlin richstraße’ down to ‘Spandauer Vorstadt’ become a legend. Although it’s now above Excellent Korean cuisine in Mitte. This place Shopping are very popular. Fans of designer clothes board, it gained it’s cred as an underground, is usually crowded so you might have to wait or trendy second hand fashion will find what unofficial party locale. Great partying a little. But the dishes are worth it. Shops are generally open between 9:00 they want in scene-boutiques in ‘Prenzlauer guaranteed. and 20:00 Monday to Saturday; large super- Berg’ or all around the ‘Hackescher Markt’ Katz Orange markets and shopping centers will open in the city district ‘Mitte’. At Brunnenstraße, Bergstraße 22 even longer. Smaller shops or businesses you’ll also find our Zalando Show Room 10115 Berlin in the outskirts of the city, however, close where editors, bloggers and stylists can get Regional, delicious food in such a cool build- between 18:00 and 19:00 on weekdays, an impression of the best styles of the cur- ing – an old brewery. on Saturday possibly even at midday. rent season.

The Bird All shops are normally closed on Sundays. A stroll over to the Berlin weekly markets Am Falkplatz 5 Exceptions are bakers and florists which or flea markets, art markets and jumble 10437 Berlin often open on Sunday mornings. sale is always an interesting experience. As

47 46 going out, shopping, eating shopping

become cultic on shirts, bags and stickers without having to spend a fortune. A nice and you can buy these in the inhouse flagship thought, right? It’s perfectly possible if you store or at Soma, Aus Berlin or Fumanchuh. shop at ‘Broke & Schön’. The interior is lovingly decorated and full of unique and Firmament fashionable clothing, bags, accessories and Linienstrasse 40 shoes for girls. 10119 Berlin Firmament offers a premium range of clothes Prachtmädchen from the US, Japan and Europe. Here, street Wühlischstraße 28 style meets formal and it’s the place where 10245 Berlin the stylish «Mitte Boys» buy their clothes. Watch out this store is addictive . That applies to you too guys! You’ll find a huge range

Vektor Berlin of affordable fashion of well-known labels. Zalando Showroom am Hackeschen Markt Gormannstraße 23 10119 Berlin Characterized by urban extravagance, Vektor offers a mix of men’s, women’s and unisex fashion. Flowing fabrics with eye- for flea markets, the one in (in trends, Voo will present products that have catching prints. Prenzlauer Berg) and at Tiergarten, Straße des the potential to become prized possessions 17. Juni, are the biggest and most renowned. for life. Voo is operating as a platform for music, design, fashion and art. The creators Women’s Favorites of the store are hosting regular exhibitions, Most wanted readings, concerts and showcases of new And other Stories shopping Locations works from various designers and artists. Kurfürstendamm 234 10719 Berlin Muschi Kreuzberg The new concept from H&M! Besides its Urban Style Oranienstr. 185 avant-garde shaped styles, the store also 10999 Berlin offers other brands such as shoes from Nike Voo Store Berlin www.muschikreuzberg.de or cosmetics by Dr. Bronner’s. Trendsetters Oranienstraße 24 A brand called ‘Muschi Kreuzberg’ (‘pussy love &Other Stories for its sophisticated shoe 10999 Berlin Kreuzberg’) simply can’t be ignored. This department. www.vooberlin.com/berlin-store label of an advertising agency lives off slo- Voo Store is located in central Kreuzberg, in gans like ‘I add your mother’, ‘Sucht und Broke & Schön a backyard on Oranienstrasse, on a 300m2 Ordnung’ (= addiction and order, in German Krossenerstr 9-10 floor on the premises of a former locksmith referring to ‘Zucht und Ordnung’ meaning 10245 Berlin shop. Rather than focusing on short-lived law and order) or ‘Exzess All Areas’. They’ve Imagine yourself wearing the latest trends

49 48 shopping shopping

M en ’ s Designers Best Kaviar Gauche Just for the boys berlin Linienstraße 44 Raumerstraße 28 10119 Berlin 10437 Berlin Celebrated for an effortlessly chic aesthetic, In the past a second hand shop for premium the label enjoys a passionate Berlin-powered men’s suits. You can also find a lot of new hype. The hand-made pieces are directional stuff here: Hugo Boss, Joop, Lagerfeld etc. yet consistently elegant working with couture detailing and luxury fabrics. They also have Soto Store a small vintage store in Prenzlauer Berg. Torstrasse 72 10119 Berlin Galeries Lafayettes Known as the best shop for men’s Fashion Friedrichstraße 76-78 in town, the goal for Soto has always been to 10117 Berlin Galeries Lafayettes present a modern take on how a man should A touch of Parisian chic in Berlin: Galeries dress. Soto presents a wild mix of American, Lafayette at Friedrichstraße lets you dive into European and Asian designers. the French flair of fashion and lifestyle. The store a wide range of designer fashion, a big almost strict, above her logo: East Berlin. As wanted skinny jeans as well as premium Mientus Flagshipstore beauty department and an excellent food well as her own designs the store also offers shirts, dresses, suits and shoes. Wilmersdorfer Str. 73 department where you can get some of the Scandinavian brands such as Minimum and 10629 Berlin best oysters in Berlin. Twist and Tango. Konk Casual, business, sporty and dapper - this Kleine Hamburgerstraße 15 store has all bases covered. Dandy of Grotesque IchJane 10117 Berlin Gormannstrasse 17b Boxhagener Straße 35 Konk is a veritable stalwart of the city’s fash- 10119 Berlin 10245 Berlin ion scene. With a dedication to showcasing At Dandy of Grotesque a sharp suit is your Inspired by the metropolitan flair of Berlin the best up and coming designers, the store weapon of choice. This up-and-coming with its people, stories and encounters, the supports local talents with cutting edge selec- designer focuses on suave and dapper suits designer offers a collection of casual wear tions of men’s and women’s wear. for gentlemen, with a modern twist. including dresses, skirts and shirts.

Eastberlin Acne Alte Schönhauserstraße 34 Münzstraße 21 10119 Berlin 10178 Berlin It began with a collection of T-Shirts in 2002, Once called Acne Jeans this label is loved by which the Labels Designer Cora Schwind Hipsters and Hollywood stars. In this cool printed with an eagle: straight, plain and minimalistic store you can find their most

51 50 Berlin Blogs Berlin Blogs

B erlin 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 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. need 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, pages 3/13/17/18/20: Berlin Partner FTB-Werbefotografie Pages 7/9/10/21/22: visitBerlin Koschel Pages 11/12/27: visitBerlin Scholvien Pages 22/26/34: visitBerlin Steffen Page 27: visitBerlin Page 28: visitBerlin Adenis