Looking for a room in Berlin?

Roughly 3.5 million people currently live in Berlin. Many of them are students who just stay for one or two semester in Berlin. And some just stay for the summer. Since the revolutionary student protests in the 70s it is common to live together in a big shared flats. It is the easiest way to settle down in Berlin and you will find many shared flats (WG) available. Since the wall came down and Berlin has grown up to be a busy metropolis the situation with the rent market has changed and the prices have gone up. Finding a proper room in a WG (German for shared flat) isn’t that easy any more. The location is very important. Among the Berlin Hipsters Friedrichshain, Kreuzberg and Neukölln are the best districts in Berlin. But finding a room there is a troublesome adventure. Standing in a long line with about 20 other Students can be a normal situation now days. But maybe we can help you. We as Berliners got plenty of experience in finding a WG since we used to live in shared flats for a long time.

Your room at the In-district

Which area is the best to live in? This is the first and most important question. In Berlin the answer usually is Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg. There you will find a lot of old buildings and old buildings mean large rooms and plenty of space. A must if you’re looking for a shared flat. No one wants to live in the broom closet. Friedrichshain and especially the neighbourhood around Boxhagener Platz is crowded and popular among students. It offers many pubs and cafés and of course the Revaler Straße, also known as “Technostrich” where one club chases the other. This gives you a good diversion from a stressful study. Neukölln has gotten very popular during the last few years but think about the everyday transportation. The FU Berlin is located at Dahlem. For us locals here in Friedrichshain it is in the middle of nowhere. Every day pilgrimage thousands of students to the campus in Dahlem. From Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg area the transportation could easily take you 45 minutes. The HU Berlin and TU Berlin are located straight in the middle of Berlin and are easier to reach. The technology and science headquarters are in Adlershof and it is relatively easy to reach from Friedrichshain using the S Bahn.

How much is a shared apartment

The times when you could get a cheap apartment in Berlin are long gone. But shared apartments in Berlin are still a good option for those making their first steps in the city. Around semester breaks and in the beginning of spring the renting price rises and it gets harder to find a place. There are however companies who make a lot of money with shared apartments with high rents, so when you are in Berlin take your time for your search for suitable apartment.

Intern ship in Berlin

It can be really hard to find a room if you are a trainee looking to stay only for few months in Berlin. For those people we got the magic word they need to look for: “Zwischenmiete” (interim tenant). Many locals are leasing their apartments/rooms out for short time period and you will find them online as well.

Resources

For Berlin and surroundings the websites wg-gesucht.de and wg-welt.de are the most important flat- search websites on the Internet If you are staying for a short period of time look at “Mietwohnzentrale“. Of course we at the U inn Berlin Hostel can help you out ones you are here and give you a hand searching for an apartment or maybe we already know a residential community that is searching for a new member.

Photos by: Libertinus _timl and offshore @ Flickr

This ain’t California is a documentary about the Skateboard scene in East Germany. Yes you hear right. Between all these gray socialism there where some kids who not only build their own skateboards they build there very own freedom. And this idea is not so wrong at all. Just think about the fact that the GDR had some of the biggest urban development projects with a lot of concrete. Perfect conditions for skateboards. The premier of this Movie was at the Berlinale 2012 in Berlin. Just a few days ago. For more information go to www.thisaintcalifornia.de

Wasserschlacht oder Gemüseschlacht – Water-fight or Food-fight! Call it as you like! The last Wasserschlacht took place in 2008 at the Oberbaumbrücke between Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg. And it was an epic event. No need to guess who won the fight coz as always Friedrichshian WON!! Why we do it?

Simple answer! Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg were once 2 separate districts. But politicians made a decision and now it is one big district. They take care of all the basic stuff like new street name signes and so on…But they forgot the far most important question. Who will be the king in the new born district. hat’s what the fight is about and so far Friedrichshain always wins. The last Wasserschlacht took place 4 years ago and now Kreuzberg claims once agin that the throne belongs to them.

We want you to help Friedichshain and join us on the 28th of August at 12am at the Oberbaumbrücke. Equip yourself with a camouflage rubbish bag a water gun and some old vegetables. Everything what is old rotten or soft is allowed. Prepare yourself to get a little dirty

See you at Oberbaumbrücke.

What is Döner anyway? The Berliner Döner is a Turkish fast food, invented in Berlin by a Turkish immigrant in 1971. Its white Turkish bred with salad, meat and sauce. First thing you need to know is that there are few different kinds of Döner’s. It can be served with different sauces and different kinds of meat. You can also change the make-up of the salad, so if you don’t like onions for example you can naturally leave them out, as everything else you don’t like. If you don’t like to eat the bred, you can also order the Döner on a plate.The standard Döner is served as follows:

White bred cross and warm baked with lamb or chicken, different kinds of vegetables like onion, tomato and cucumber, corn and red cabbage. You usually have three different sauces to choose from: Garlic sauce, herbal sauce and hot sauce. It’s common to mix the hot sauce with one of the others but not garlic and herb sauce. The hot sauce is really hot and only for the brave ones – and be warned, it might burn two times. If you want to try it, we recommend asking for only a little bit hot sauce – “nur ein kleines bisschen scharfe Soße”

So let’s imagine: You’re starving and have dreamed about trying a Döner your whole life. You want to order a Döner, but you speak English and the Turkish guy at the fast food restaurant speaks German and Turkish. What to do? Desperation! No Turkish-English interpreter around? F*** you’ll have to starve.

Or let us help you and use the following crib:

Just click on the link to hear the translation –> [1][2][3]

• One/ two/ three Döner – Ein/ zwei/ drei Döner  [1] [2] [3]

  

• Without / with – ohne / mit [1] [2]
• Onion – Zwiebeln [1]
• Tomatos and cucumber – Tomaten und Gurken [1]
• Red cabbage – Rotkohl [1]
• Hot sauce – Scharfer Soße [1]
• Garlic sauce – Knoblauchsoße [1]
• Herb Sauce – Kräutersoße [1]
• Chicken – Huhn [1]
• Lamb – Lamm [1]
• A Döner on a plate (without bred) – Ein Dönerteller [1]

For example:

I would like to have a Döner with chicken, without onions and with hot and garlic sauce.

Ich hätte gern einen Döner mit Huhn, ohne Zwiebeln, mit scharfer Soße und Knoblauchsoße. [1]

The Dönerman is asking: “Mit scharfer Soße?” Wich means „With hot sauce?“ and you might say:

“No thanks, no hot sauce.” – “Nein Danke, keine scharfe Soße.” [1]

“Yes, but only a little bit.” – “Ja, aber nur ein bisschen (scharfe Soße).” [1]

As you finally trust us, try out this with your favourite Dönerman:

Ick hätt jern nen Döner mit scharfa Soße und’n  Sterni [1]

And now some basics:

• Please – Bitte [1]
• Thanx – Danke [1]
• Good bye – Tschüss [1]
• It was delicious – Es war lecker [1]
• I love Döner – Ich liebe Döner [1]

We hope you will find this guide quite helpfull and enjoy the Google Translation links as much as we did.

Liese & Chris

Berlins very new Airport BBI: Berlin Brandenburg International is not finished yet. But some Airlines already offer new intercontinental flight connections. Berlin’s biggest player Air Berlin is offering now its new connections to New York, Verona and Oliba. And Royal Jordanian flys you down to the Middle East or even to South-East Asia.

If you come from Barcelona and you are sick of local clubs and you wanna visit the Panorama/Berghain, then not only EasyJet and RyanAir could be your sole choice.. no – as from now you can also fly in with SpanAir. Ok unfortunately this will not help you to bypass the door at the Berghain Club. But it will connect two of Europe’s major party citys.

Since Air Berlin is a low cost carrier, you get quite cheap deals for you Berlin flights. Why not fly in from Big Apple on a Friday for a weekend?!

• Check-in at the hostel try-out our free dinner at the hostel kitchen
• Prepare yourself for a pub crawl on “Simon-Dach-Strasse” (Left side up and Right side down)
• On Saturday wake up early take a Aspirin( remember: pub crawl last night)
• Have a breakfast and start the day at the “East Side Gallery”
• Visit “Alexanderplatz” and walk up “Unter den Linden”
• Make a snapshot at the “Brandenburger Tor”
• Get a visa stamp in your passport witch says that you have checked in at “communist wonderland” (not very sure if the TSA likes that
• Jump on the M100 Bus and make a free BusTour
• Heading back to the hostel for a short nap and ask our friendly receptionist “What’s up tonight”
• Wake up in the morning and ask yourself *oh my god what have i done*



Yes you are in Berlin, 3,978 miles from home, don’t know what you done in the last 48h. But luckily you found a flight ticket under your pillow. It says that you have 2 hours to get back to the airport and finally back to your so loved Big Apple.

In ein Paar Tagen ist es wieder so weit. In Berlin lockt die größte Silvester Party Deutschlands. Auf der Straße des 17. Juni zwischen Brandenburger Tor und Siegessäule Es werden über eine Million Gäste aus aller Welt erwartet. Über 300 TV-Sender übertragen den Event am Brandenburger Tor in Berlin. Auf über 2 Kilometer mit insgesamt 80.000qm Tanzfläche, vielen Showbühnen und Partyzelten wird das neue Jahr gefeiert. Höhepunkt ist das Feuerwerk um Mitternacht. Das Bühnenprogramm ist international mit Musikern und Live-Acts, Rock und Pop-Bands. Für jeden wird etwas dabei sein. Wir sehen uns am Brandenburger Tor..

Find the German Version of this blog post here

Traditional Christmas market at the Samariter church

On december 11th and 12th for the fifth time already the nice, contemplative christmas-market at the Samariter church is going to take place. Once more over fourty different exhibitors will offer you an atmospheric diverse program, that is just as colorful as the area surrounding it. The Christmassy vibes to all that will be provided by the congregation of the „Galiläa-Samariter“. So there will be concerts, auditions and children´s entertainment inside the church from the afternoon, till the early evening.

Nostalgic Christmas market around the Opernpalais

Nostalgia and fascination can one experience again in Berlin´s historic centre around the „Opernpalais“ at „Unter den Linden“. From november 22nd till december 26th there will be the perfect opportunity to enjoy the pre-Christmas period in a very special, unique and nostalgic ambiance. The visitors are constantly accompanied by the flavor of candyfloss, gingerbread, roasted almonds and hot wine punch, while they can watch Czech craftspeople and artisans from the Erzgebirge. Whatever Christmassy accessory you´re looking for – here you´ll get it: Christmas tree decorations, woodwork, string puppets, self build wooden toys, candles – just name it. And while observing the almond biscuit backers, the craftspeople and the production of candles, lanterns and other knickknack you can of course purchase the items right there once they are ready.

X-Mas magic on Gendarmenmarkt

A very unique background for a Christmas market is of course the „Gendarmenmarkt“ in the Berlin Mitte district. Right between the french cathedral, the „Berliner Dom“ and the concert hall is the most popular and also most traditionel Christmas market. The range of things to do and to see there is rather vast: International craftspeople show their skills, whilst close by a choir, a dancing chorus or other artistic performers astonish the fascinated spectators and make sure for that solemnly spirit one expects there. Besides typical, christmassy goodies renowned cooks from the well reputated restaurants near by offer their remarkable meals.

Somewhat different: The Chanukah market at the jewish museum

Close to Friedrichstrasse at Lindenstrasse and right next to the Jewish museum the feast of lights will once again take place and remember its visitors of the rededication of the jewish temple in Jerusalem 2000 years ago. In the museum´s backyard one find´s specialities in jewish tradition like „latkes“ just beside the european christmas classics like hot spiced wine. A very nice alternative for all those, who are tired of the typical x-mas markets or simply want to try something different.

The Lucia Christmas market

Traditionally and alternative – these are the subjects of the Lucia Christmas market at the „Kulturbrauerei“ in Berlin Prenzlauer Berg. The holy Lucia, who was the epitomy of this event, was a bringer of light and a symbol for hope in swedish religious tradition. In the beautiful, cozy atmosphere of the old brewery building one finds fancy foods and neat presents. The daily culture programm there offers lots of attractions. You´ll see characters from fairy tales walking on stilts and old Santa takes a visit to the place personally. Merry-go-rounds, a trampoline or the swingboat take care there is always movement on the Lucia Christmas market in Prenzlauer Berg.

Winterworld @ Potsdamer Platz

Situated at the historically meaningful Potsdamer Platz framed by all the magnificent new buildings of the last decade you´ll find one of Berlins most famous and most popular Christmas markets. Strolling along Potsdamer Strasse there were counted more than 2.5 million visitors last year. The appeal of this place lies not only within the classiness of the adress itself, as another reason for the hype around the area might have to do with the extensive range of offers the attendants find here. Close to the market stalls where you can buy handicraft art or just delicious snacks there are children´s carrousels, a skating rink, even a toboggan run, therefore the Christmas market at Potsdamer Platz is maybe the most versatile and the most spectecular among the x-mas markets in Berlin.

Find the German Version of this blog post here

Kiez Weihnacht – Traditioneller Weihnachtsmarkt um die Samaritakirche im Friedrichshain

Am 11. und 12. Dezember 2010 findet wieder und bereits zum fünften Mal in Folge der beschauliche Kiez Weihnachtsmarkt in Friedrichshain an der Samariterkirche statt. Auch in diesem Jahr präsentieren über 40 Anbieter aus dem Kiez ein abwechslungsreiches, stimmungsvolles Programm. Die hier gebotene Auswahl ist so vielfältig wie der Kiez selbst. Für die weihnachtliche Stimmung sorgt die Kirchengemeinde Galiläa-Samariter. So werden nachmittags und am frühen Abend Konzerte, Lesungen und ein Kinderprogramm in der Samariterkirche stattfinden.

Nostalgische Weihnachtsmarkt rund um das Opernpalais

Nostalgie und Faszinationen in Berlins historischer Mitte rund um das Opernpalais Unter den Linden. Vom 22.11 bis 26.12 kann man die Vorweihnachtszeit in ganz besonders nostalgischem Ambiente erleben. Der Duft von Zuckerwatte, Lebkuchen, gebrannten Mandeln und Glühwein begleiten einen, während man Kunsthandwerkern aus Tschechien und dem Erzgebirge zusehen kann. Hier gibt es weihnachtliche Accessoires jeder Couleur – von Christbaumschmuck, Krippenfiguren, Holzarbeiten, Marionetten, selbst gefertigtem Spielzeug und Kerzen bis hin zu Lammfellschuhen. Laternenbauer, Kerzendreher, Spekulatiusbäcker und Krippenbauer zeigen die Produkte ihres Könnens, die man an Ort und Stelle natürlich auch gleich erwerben kann.

Weihnachtszauber auf dem Gendarmenmarkt

Der Gendarmenmarkt bietet in Berlin eine ganz besondere Kulisse für einen Weihnachtsmarkt. Umrahmt von Französischem Dom, dem Berliner Dom und dem Konzerthaus erstreckt sich einer der beliebtesten und traditionellsten Weihnachtsmärkte Berlins. Das Programm ist vielfältig. Es präsentieren sich internationale Kunsthandwerker, während Chöre, Tanzgruppen und Akrobaten für Stimmung und fasziniertes Staunen sorgen. Neben typischen Weihnachtsleckereien bieten renommierte Köche der angrenzenden Restaurants außergewöhnliche Menüs an.

Der Chanukka-Weihnachtsmarkt im Jüdischen Museum Berlin

In der Lindenstraße nahe der Friedrichstraße befindet sich der Chanukka Markt. “Chanukka”, das jüdische Lichterfest, erinnert acht Tage lang an die Wieder – Einweihung des jüdischen Tempels in Jerusalem vor über 2000 Jahren. Im Innenhof des Jüdischen Museum gibt es neben altbekanntem Glühwein und weihnachtlichen Speisen auch interessante Leckerbissen aus jüdischer Tradition, wie z.B. Latkes. Eine schöne Alternative, wenn man mal nicht den „klassischen Weihnachtsmarkt“ besuchen möchte.

Der Lucia Weihnachtsmarkt in der Kulturbrauerei

Traditionell Alternativ. Das ist das Motto des Lucia Weihnachtsmarktes in der Kulturbrauerei in Berlin Prenzlauer Berg. Namensgeberin ist die Heilige Lucia, die in der schwedischen Tradition die Lichtbringerin, ein Symbol der Hoffnung, verkörpert. Im wunderschönen, traditionellen Ambiente der Kulturbrauerei gibt es Schlemmer- und Geschenke-Stände. Das tägliche Kulturprogramm bietet allerlei Sehenswertes auf dem Hof. So wandern dort Märchenfiguren auf Hochstelzen umher und der Weihnachtsmann besucht den Markt höchstpersönlich. Karussells, Trampolin und Schiffsschaukel bringen zusätzlich Bewegung auf den Lucia Weihnachtsmarkt in Berlin Prenzlauer Berg.

Winterwelt Potsdamer Platz

Auf dem geschichtsträchtigen Potsdamer Platz umrahmt von modernen Bauten befindet sich einer der beliebtesten Weihnachtsmärkte in Berlin. Entlang der Potsdamer Straße schlenderten letztes Jahr ca. 2,5 Millionen Besucher. Die Anziehungskraft dieses besonderen Publikumsmagneten hängt neben der exklusiven Lage sicher auch mit dem umfangreichen Angebot zusammen, dass sich einem hier feilbietet. Neben einem traditionellen Handwerkermarkt, Schlemmer-Ständen und Kinderkarussells gibt es eine Schmankerl-Hüttn. Und damit auch die aktiveren Besucher auf Ihre Kosten kommen, gibt es eine großzügige Eis – und eine Rodelbahn. Der Weihnachtsmarkt Potsdamer Platz bietet ein rundum vielfältiges Weihnachts-Spektakel.

The Chaos Communication Congress is on a “Peace Mission” this year. This time we are coming in peace, but not to conquer or colonize a new world. We come in peace to explore. The expedition starts as every year 27th till 30st of December 2010 at the Berlin Congress Center (BCC). The 27C3 stands for state of art hacking as well as for new and different ideas of politics and privacy in a time where the cyberspace finally is part of each aspect in our live.

The 27C3 is organised by a big community and a helping hand is always welcome. You can volunteer yourself at the Congress for beeing a Guardian Angel, Net Angel or at the CERT(Chaos Emergency Response Team). To enjoy high class speeches is one of the things you can do at the 27C3, but there are also many projects and workshops looking for nerds and loads of nerds seeking new projects. So feel free to participate and present your ideas at the 27C3.

If you are still search the perfect accommodation for the time when the Congress takes place >>>click here<<<

Nach dem großen Erfolg des 1. Heldenmarkt im März dieses Jahres geht die Verbraucher­messe für nachhaltigen Konsum am 13. und 14. November 2010 in die zweite Runde.

Nachhaltigkeit zum Anfassen. Auf circa 2000 Quadratmetern präsentieren die Aussteller beim Heldenmarkt schöne, ungewöhnliche Produkte aus ausgefallenen Materialien. Sie zeigen innovative energieeffiziente Technik und informieren über Ressourcen schonende Produktion und fairen Handel. Workshops und Vorträge bieten Informationen zu verschiedensten Aspekten nachhaltiger Lebensweise. Bio-Catering sorgt für leckeres Essen, ausgewählte DJs und Live-Bands untermalen die entspannte Atmosphäre, und für Kinder gibt es wieder eigene Angebote. Der Heldenmarkt lädt ein zu entdecken, wie sich verantwortungsvoller Konsum, Genuss und Freude an ästhetischer und technischer Kreativität im Alltag verbinden lassen.

Bewusste Verbraucher. Weit über die Gruppe der viel zitierten LOHAS (Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability) hinaus, sind immer mehr Menschen auf der Suche nach Vorschlägen und kreativen Lösungen für einen nachhaltigen Lebensstil. Der Heldenmarkt greift diese Bedürfnisse auf und zeigt, dass verantwortungsvoller Konsum inzwischen in fast allen Lebensbereichen möglich ist: Lebensmittel, Mode, Accessoires, Kosmetik, Möbel, Mobilität, Reisen und Dienstleistungen – von Druckereien bis Finanzberatung.

Heldenmarkt. Lovis Willenberg, Initiator und Veranstalter des Heldenmarkt: „Gerade kleine Hersteller, die Kraft und Energie in faire Produkte stecken oder Verbraucher, die sich beispielsweise bei Kleidung oder Möbeln für nachhaltig hergestellte Stücke entscheiden, sind für mich Helden gesellschaftlicher Verantwortung.“

ZEIT: Samstag, 13. November 2010, 11.00 – 20.00 Uhr
und Sonntag, 14. November 2010, 11.00 – 18.00 Uhr
ORT: Postbahnhof am Ostbahnhof, Straße der Pariser Kommune 8 Berlin Friedrichshain
EINTRITT: 5,-/ ermäßigt 4.- Euro/ Kinder bis 14 Jahre frei.

Quelle: Heldenmarkt.de