Various tips for foreigners moving to Berlin

I never said that Germany was failing - I was simply pointing out to a UK citizen who was considering taking up German citizen that Germany did not recognize double citizenship. It now appears that my information is out of date, as since my last information, 7 years ago, Germany now appears to recognise dual citizenship within the EU. I never said the German position was a failing, simply pointed that the situation existed and someone thinking of taking up German citizenship should consider if they want to give up their original citizenship. Clearly for EU citizens this is not the case, and if you read my earlier posts in this thread you will see that I don't see why an EU citizen (from old EU states at least) needs to take up German citizenship, as they can live here with full rights. As far as I can tell, then only differences in being a German rather than an UK or Irish citizen are that you can you can vote in federal elections, and if male and of a certain age, you will be forced into national service!

So nothing wrong with the German position, and if anyone wants German citizenship, I promise that I won't interfere!!!

Thanks for everyones help and advice much appreciated - admittedly the main reason that I considered taking up a German passport was I hoped that it might qualify me for extra state assistance and I hoped it might eliminate some of the bureaucracy that foreign residents have to go through (although for EU citizens that doesnt seem to be too excesssive). Neither of these seem to apply however. The only reason I might still try for dual citizenship is because I was thinking of travelling in the Middle East after I leave Germany and had been told that if you re passport shows entry stamps into Israel they wont let you in Syria or Iran (and vice versa) - having two passports seemed a neat way of circumventing this.

Anyway thats going to go on the back burner for the time being, am moving to Berlin on Monday think Ill have enough on my plate getting settled in.

Cheers again

Ireland (and I presume others) allow you to hold two passports in certain circumstances. A common example would be a service engineer/contractor/whatever who must travel at relatively short notoce to many countries which require a visa in your passport. The company holds one passport and applies for your next visa to embassy x before fed-exing it to you and you fed-ex the one you have back to them.

If this is the only reason, don't bother. When visiting Israel you can ask to have the stamp on a separate paper in your passport.

Hi y'all,

Here's my situation: 23-year old artist/illustrator, degree in Visual Communication, native English speaker, crappy French, no German.
Want to move to Berlin for a fresh start and to do my artwork- need a flat and a job to prop me up. Plan to get on a German course as soon as I get there, whatever happens.

Need some advice...

1 - How easy is it to find cafe/bar work? Impossible without some basic German? Any English-speaking places spring to mind? I have been trained and certified by the best baristas in the UK and currently work as a supervisor at one of the top espresso bars in the country. If that makes a difference. Also what do these kinds of jobs usually pay?

2 - Would I be better off doing a CELTA course and finding teaching work? Again, is this possible without basic German?

All I want from a job is money to get by, really, but I just need to know which is more likely to work out in the long run, in some ways a cafe job would be perfect = less responsibility, but I guess I need to know either way I'll stand a good chance of getting some work.

I have read the topics on which neighbourhoods to live in, and on previous visits I've stayed in Moabit (grim) and Kreuzberg near Schlesische Str. which was cool but are there better parts of Kreuzberg? Schonenberg might be good for me too. I need somewhere cheap-ish, artsy, alternative, lively, a few good cafes and bars, not too provincial. Any thoughts?

Also, if anyone knows about what its like trying to get involved in the art scene, meet people and get your work out in Berlin I'd love to hear your experiences.

Cheers in advance!
Peace

Topics merged by admin

From my experience, it's really difficult to find a job if you don't speak German (in Munich at least). Unless you've been headhunted by an international company, you will need German even for jobs at coffee shops. You could try Irish bars at the very least. Good luck as you're gonna need it!

Hi there - my partner and I currently live in Edinburgh, Scotland but are considering a move to Berlin. We are coming to the city on 29 September for a week to really get more of a feel for the place as well as looking into the property situation. We are both professional sorts but we like the relaxed, easy going lifestyle Berlin has to offer. If anyone could recommend any good bars for stylish nights out as well as the more low-key live music type venue that would be great. Also, any non smoking venue tips would be most appreciated.

We're looking to live in Charlottenburg, Prenzlauer Berg or Zehlendorf dependent on sales here in the UK so venues around those places would be great. Also, would be great to meet any existing ex-pats while we're over for a drink or two as our contacts are limited.

On another note - I am studying photography on the side and am looking to goto Marzahn to take pics - I assume this is perfectly safe as you read all sorts of things -

Thank you very much...

Ax

Have you read any previous threads on this website at all?

Living wise, i'd recommend the site www.wg-gesucht.de, you can search for all types of rooms/apartments etc there. From what I've heard it can take a little bit of time to get a good apartment if you're only looking in certain areas but getting a short term place is fairly easy. Most people I talked to moved here and got a months short term furnished rent whilst looking for a place. Prenzlauer Berg is a great place to live but a little more expensive.

Bar wise, check Kastanienalle/oderberger strasse in Prenzlauer Berg or Simon-Dach-Strasse in Frierichshain, they're both pretty cool areas full of places although for non-smoking you may be out of luck, I certainly don't remember seeing any A lot of people like Kreuzberg for a night out too but its not to my tastes so I couldn't recommend anywhere.

Best bet though would be to turn up to the Thursday Night drinks event when you're here, you'll get lots of tips n help there.