The essential guide for all international Berlin conquerors. Living in Berlin since 2008 New Yorker author Giulia Pines takes you by the hand and tells you what to expect as an expat. Her lively book gives the answers to every existential question regarding: history, official stuff, finding a place to live, learning German, getting around in the city, Berlin with children, work life, shopping, eating, culture, books, and other expat resources.



Page through it for inspiration. Lean it to assuage your worst fears and help fuel your dreams. Use it as a companion, but don't assume that it possesses the power to dictate exactly what your experience of moving to Berlin will be.



With 21 photographs by Paul Sullivan.



Giulia Pines was born in New York City, came to Berlin in 2008 and promptly fell in love with the city. Pines has written for Fodors, Time Out Berlin, NPR, Hemispheres, Slow Travel Berlin, Berlin.Unlike, and ExBerliner. She also co-wrote and co-edited Slow Travel Berlin's 100 Favourite Places.



An Introduction 6

1. Welcome to Berlin 8

2. Berlin's Many Faces 17

3. The Official Stuff 41

4. Finding a Place to Live 59

5. Learning German 75

6. Getting Around in the City 84

7. Berlin with Kids 95

8. Student Life in Berlin 113

9. Work Life in Berlin 123

10. Shopping, Cooking, and Eating 140

11. Free Time and Entertainment 152

12. Expat Resources 169

13. Berlin in Books 176

Conclusion 184