...
Everything smells like piss again. I wonder why does everyone here just piss wherever? You got public toilets and restaurants and whatnot, but people just excuse themselves, walk 1m away, and start pissing. Bus stops, parks, buildings, cars... nothing is sacred.
Reminds me - I got a a new coworker. Guy came in January and I've jokingly mentioned that the gray season has started. He tells me it can't be that bad, can it? I told him yeah, cause you only saw the gray season between january and april, while there's three more cold and dark months preceding it.
He laughed it off. That was in the beginning of October. Now he's asking me about cheap air tickets to spain and if I got any hacks to last until April. Poor guy.
Well, I'm outta here before April comes around. It's really uplifting. Just got my one way ticket last week. Once I got that, I no longer feel so depressed. Got a smile on my face everyday now, which makes the Germans even angrier.
Coming here was a real eye opener. I didn't know how depressive and just plain negative people could be. Of course, I'm just not a good fit to live here. Not saying that people here are. It's definitely a great place to live if you only care about money, beer, getting drunk like a pig, cars. There's probably some upsides, but out of all the places Ive lived in, I just can't find any here. I wish I could say something nice about the people, I really do, but the amount of negativity is just staggering. You get hit by it like 20 times a day and you maybe see one good thing once every 2 weeks. Few days a go someone held the door open for me and I couldn't believe it happend!
Underpass and doorway pissing! I forgot about that. You know you're going near an underpass before you even turn the corner. I heard that in Munich they are using special paint that reflects the pee back at the pissee, supposedly to teach them a lesson.
This reminds me of people spraying water at cats to teach them not to do something bad. I just didn't think the same applies to people.
These savages somehow think sinking ungodly amounts of money into anti-piss paint will change anything. Here's an idea dumbasses, fine the miserly underbelly of this godforesaken hole. Obviously worked for jaywalkers and alcopos. Stop playing stupid already.
You know that feeling when you try to describe Berlin to someone who hasn't lived there? They are staring at you in disbelief, trying to figure out why you suddenly became so agitated. And why are you telling to them things that doesn't match their expectations at all. I swear to you, few of them even had "this guy is clearly a kuu kuu head" look in their eyes. And I can't really blame them. The stereotypical image of Berlin / Germany and the reality differ so greatly.
I fully agree, I meet so many people throughout the world that still think Berlin is a wicked cool place to go. When they find out I lived there for 10 years they say "OMG... wasn't it awesome?".... my pulse rises immediately and I try not to be too negative about it but I can't help it... After my ten minute rant they are pretty sorry for asking... I try to end with " It an OK place to visit but I strongly advise you not to stay too long as it will suck the soul right out of you."
(So 1st commentator) to whom wrote it:
Firstly I write fast, and we do not have a spelling competition here.
Secondly no I am not the mayor of Berlin.
Thirdly love the city or hate it, nobody from the "real world" gives a darn about your silly opinions. You do not have any qualifications to discuss economics or politics or philosophy for that matter. Of course you are entitled to your own opinions, but trust me nobody in the "real word" cares much nor do they have time to listen to someone like you. Your critical thinking is in the same stage as an embryo in the mothers womb. You need 10-15 years to form any personality or character first, in other words you are just a kid on a nice warmly lit trip of self discovery, take your time, I believe in you one day you might not end up being a complete moron you are now. Bless you.
sorry mates you got a long way to Monty Python level, the simplistic backstabbing your word against mine, this reminds me of someone who might have read a bit of transgressive poop, but never beyond that, would be surprised that you can actually read 3 pages in a row without touching your mobile phone in hopes of finding a new tinder date.
PS. I am not trying to impress you silly. You are simply zero to me, maybe even minus zero. All I want is so you grow up and stop thinking that the world revolves around you. The universe poops on you, simple fact your monkey brain is too slow to apprehend.
PS.PS I am done with you computer nerds, keep on jerking off on your website here. While I have some real fun in the "real world". Peace! and Merry Christmas!
I used to get the same feeling of uneasiness when somebody talked about Berlin and how they would like to go live there. Luckily it's now eased off but eventually I still get triggered. " It an OK place to visit but I strongly advise you not to stay too long as it will suck the soul right out of you." is the advice I also give.
Luckily the struggle with that feeling in your new country will vanish eventually, I've been in you position. Wounds are still too fresh and it will take time until you have re-adapted to a real society. Even so you might experience flashbacks but you just have to remember that you're no longer in hell and no one is going to attack you for no reason.
I can deal with this shltty rude attitude, so endemic to this city. HeII I can play this game too. You're bltching at me? I'll bltch right back. You're trying to put me down? I'll put you in place in no time. You know what gets me every time though? How people react when I'm kind. When I'm smiling for some unknown reason. Mostly when I return from somehwere else, anywhere really. When I care to help my fellow man. People react like you have some sort of disease. They get suspicious or something. Hard to put a finger on the definition of it but this hurts most, nonetheless
Exactly my attitude since recently. They act berlin, I will overberlin them with my own ignorance. They want things be just formally correct, I will act beyond formal until they throw up. I might be wrong, but I’m so fed up with this place, I cant help it.
Yeah I only need to remember in time to turn off my Berlin personality and turn of the human one when I travel abroad. Otherwise people think I am the worst jerk ever and never talk to me anymore. The Berlin way of interacting will bring normal people to tears
I have been travelling among Berlin - London and my home country recently. Let me share two conversations (one of them is monolog ) from London and Berlin airports.
- London Heatrow - P : Police Officer M : Me ( I was returning from my home country to London )
M : Hello sir. Here is my passport.
P : Hello. How long have you been away ?
M : Since couple of days i was visiting my family.
P : - Smiling face - It must be nice to visit your family i hope it was nice visit. ( He has given my passport back )
M : - Smiling face - It was. Thanks sir ! Have a nice day !
P : - Smiling face - : You too ! Welcome back to London !
- Berlin -
M : Hello sir !
P : No answer and facial expression. -Given my passport back -
M : Thanks have a nice day !
P : No answer and no facial expression.
Number one rule of living in Berlin. You should forget about your humanity and kindness.
Wow, I have to share this post I made 3years ago regarding the Hipsters in Berlin: "Privilege is a b**ch. How in the hell can you complain about anything when your Government literally wet nurses your existence from Uterus to Soil?! (*Speaking of the Locals) Your Universities are essentially FREE, you purposefully refuse to develop any Business acumen, Basic Social Skills or Talent. Standard rent OUTSIDE of the Neukolln/K'berg/P'berg/Mitte bubble is LESS than 10euro per Sq Meter!! You speak the Language...yet STILL can't find a job?! You can organize a Protest...but can't seem to do anything Philanthropic. You're no more of a 'Feminist' than...Oedipus. You love to preach Individuality & Growth, but anyone that challenges you intellectually..."is being Negative."
Informal survey: How did my fellow Berlin-Haters end up in this toiletbowl? And how long before you came to see this trash heap for what it is?
I came here because I got accepted into an internship program for postgrads. How long did it take to make me hate the city? not too long. The only genuinely nice people I've met here have been other foreigners which is funny because I've lived, studied and worked abroad for a long long time so I know how and I like to mingle with locals but here is just awful. Everything quickly turned to poop because research funding dwindled significantly and I had too many xenophobic incidents in a short period of time. so less than one year and a half? Can't wait to finish the program to gtfo.
I came because a girl I met traveling was from Berlin. We dated a couple years before we decided to move back to Germany.
I am not the most outgoing person so it took me a couple years to really dislike this city... was sped up by the end of our relationship and the pure nastiness that followed.
I stuck around another 8 years due to familial commitments (our child) and really started hating life. I realized it was more the city and people so we created this website to make sure we were sane. It worked, we are sane... the city is mad.
Met (what I thought) was a wonderful guy from Berlin, in the states. Dated for a number of years, then we made the decision to move to Berlin. I did enjoy it for a while, but it didnt take me long to realize that Berlin and its people were just AWFUL! The bureaucracy, though tedious, isnt as bad as some claim it to be, I found that after one year basically being alone in Berlin (my BF traveled for work weekly) caused me to become very depressed. The people and their neurosis', the weather, the lack of Community, the lack of Trust, and barely being able to find a hope of refuge ANYWHERE. I got tired of being around people that were just so Miserable and displaced. I made the decision to Divorce and leave after 3yrs. His true Eastern Block roots began to show; cheap, squalid, controlling and Toxic. It was very hard, for I do miss being in Europe in General. But Berlin...F**k what a pit!!
I moved to Berlin because a kinda large conglomerate offered me a job. It just took me 6 months to hate the city because I'm hispanic, you all know what that entails in this city, no need for details this website has 'em all. I grew up in the south, in NOLA where supposedly racism should be a big thing but here in Germany is just worse, MUCH worse. I had little incidents growing up but nothing compared to what I've experienced in Berlin and in Germany is less than a year tbh. I'll just finish my contract and move on with my life in another place. I already got another offer so I'm looking forward to move. This place is toxic to the max. I've lived in Dallas, NOLA and London and this city is just the worst.
I fortunately escaped from the city. What brought me there? it was work and study. A master in science in a "top German university". Was it worth it? no. I was lured by the idea of paying close to no tuition after paying an expensive B.S. but I after experiencing German education I can say honestly say that you get what you are paying for. I know there will be people here who think that education in Germany is fine and I respect that. This is just my own opinion. What you get is poor or outdated syllabus, no guidance, narrow minds and lack of exposure to foreigners, endless bureaucracy, etc. They will be problems you'll encounter almost daily in the city and even at college. Also German engineering is waaaay overrated. It might have been just me but my (local) classmates behaved like angsty teenagers when they were in their twenties. My advice for students who want to study in Berlin is that there are better options out there even if it costs a bit more, there are still affordable universities, just avoid overpriced college fees or for-profit colleges and you'll be fine, don't consider Germany as an option. Good stuff about university life in Germany? I can say we had good times but that was it. You can party, yes, but partying is not all that there is in life. I had the chance to work in Germany as well but that was a whole 'nother story, my opinion is similar to others here in this website. From a group of 20 international MSc. graduates , 20 are working and have ok careers, none in Berlin though, only 1 working in Germany. The rest are doing fine far faaar away from that city. And zero have a good opinion of Berlin after having lived there for 2 years or more like me.
I know many people who complain the same about London, Paris, New York lol
its pretty safe here, lets agree on that, and anyways it should never be easy anywhere, whats you background? are you a dentist? are you an engineer? do you have the tech background, those people are always in demand even here, if not in Berlin, then in Hamburg or any other major city here. The problem is that lots of losers from other places who could not make it over there come here and complain about the same staff they complained back home.
Serious question. Is there seriously a good startup to work for in this city as a coder? Could you link me one or two please? I've struggled to find one, it seems like all them are a joke. I've tried my luck with 4 of them but they all seemed like the copy of the copy of the same company, besides I get the feeling that all of them are running out of seeding cash and coders are being dumped everywhere, is it just me? Cuz I'm getting the same opinions from a bunch of people here. Obviously, there are the same old Berlin cheerleaders who think everything is awesome, I wouldn't count them for obvious reasons even though their numbers are shrinking at least in the international programmer community. Any information is welcome. Thanks.
systems are becoming increasingly efficient, just like MS DOS it took a knowledgeable operator to run that piece of crap, then it became a windowed interface, same with coding, soon it will not take much skill to create systems to operate, just like website designers whom are a past now, you will soon be past too, welcome to the real world again, economies where build by people with hands, not you tinder sissies
Hey, canadian sysadmin here. I used to work in the city and I noticed the same trend while I lived there. It actually helped me make the decision to move. As you probably know soundcloud, zalando and friends are only possible to get hired if you can get a recommendation from the inside, job openings are there for months and even years waiting for the right person to appear - their words. There are a couple players that pay well and you can actually get hired like plista (ads) and trivago (but they are located in duesseldorf). Kayak is fine too. All the rest are just a waste of time, I might be wrong thou, there might be some others out there but it's probably just one or two companies. It's funny somebody mentioned the Berlin senate letters, last time I was in London there were trucks luring companies to move to Berlin. But nobody over there is really considering moving to Berlin, I guess most companies already know about the reality of the city specially in taxes where small companies abide by the same rules as large conglomerates which is ridiculous. Starting up in Berlin is neither a good idea as most media in Europe try to convince you but you probably know that already. You'll be better off starting up somewhere else with more opportunity and lower fees if that's something you're considering to do. Good luck.
I applied for a couple of their job openings, let's see what happens. Some time ago I had an offer in another country that didn't sound too good at the time but as time passes it sounds more and more appealing, I guess I can call them too. What do you think about moving since I don't see a lot of future for tech here in Berlin? I mean I see how some of them can make money but career-wise everybody seems stuck except for a few ex-CEOs that made their $$$ while the rest are feel like are trapped in an neverending loop of failed startups. Most of which wouldn't be seriously considered for a position in a real company ie a non-Berlin/non-German-startup.
why don't you go to San Francisco? not good enough? here you are you just answered your own question, people in tech who a great do not come here. people in tech who are average come here. Therefore your average IT industry! Its a tourist city, what do you expect here man?!
Well if you have an offer just go for it. I don't see the trend in Berlin reversing anytime soon. There are new cities in Britain (other than London) with new opportunities. The market there is still smaller in size than most advanced cities but they offer significant equity and many have solid products. Same happens in North America, Raleigh, Denver, Toronto and others are attracting new talent everyday. Asia has also hot tech hubs if you don't mind spending a few years making some money in an exotic place. This is my totally biased advice. I'd even give you my email to chat further but posting one's email is always a bad idea. Best.
Thanks, that was really helpful. I was just looking for opportunities in Berlin so I can support myself before I leave for good. I'm happy to know that it wasn't just me. I got in contact with the people that offered me that position some time ago and they are considering me again that it's an ok position away from Berlin, thank God. So if I cannot find anything better in the meantime I guess I will take that offer. Thanks again for your advice.
I think the only reason Berlin got so much hype as a startup city was because the job market there sucked (still does) and people saw all these startups popping up in major US cities and London and thought they could easily do the same in the cool, cheap city they wanted to live in. So, some hipster and less wealthy entrepreneurs started giving it a go.
Similarly, people who needed a job to live in Berlin (money, visa) started to develop skills for those types of jobs and network. It was more about being able to keep living in the city that has been really trendy for the past 10 years (and really since the 90s). After all of these years and hype, there are still only a few relatively big names to emerge. It's definitely not a good city to move to if you're open to where you live but are looking for good tech job opportunities (and higher salary).
I'd say it's heyday as a cool city to be in is over as well, nobody will give a poop unless they're an edgy 20 year old art student. Nobody is going to welcome you when you arrive, or care if you left, unless you were already friends.
"definitely not a good city (Berlin) to move to if you're open to where you live but are looking for good tech job opportunities" I think that sums it all, I have the chance to travel thanks to the company I currently work for (Not in Berlin btw) so I can tell you that pretty much anywhere with a significant tech industry, even medium size is better than Berlin. Don't let news that are actually blog posts like "Investment in Berlin tech is now higher than London" or articles praising the tech scene in Berlin deceive you. Just stick to known media. All the rest is all BS made in Berlin. Btw right now I make literally 12 times more than what I made in Germany so relocating is a good idea so good that even German companies are doing it.
I'm just a regular guy with an above average payroll that gets to travel a lot. I often have good a impression of places I've been to but Berlin and other cities in Germany well are something different. Berliners praise themselves as being tough, stoic and having no problem with dealing with criticism (and even praise themselves for being assholes as if that's a good thing- fornicate that Berliner schnauze) while they deem others, usually foreigners as nimble if they do something as simple as displaying emotions. In truth they are the least resilient people I've had to meet in my life, underneath that neutral exterior there is only depression and anger. I get to travel a lot and I get to experience different cultures but Berliners are not ok. Being laid back is an unknown concept because it's their way or the highway in all aspects of life. I'm happy because I only have to stay here short term, <3 months more. But during my stay I've seen so many horrible things I wouldn't even dare to mention in public since many people just wouldn't believe them. Just like the guy complaining he was mugged and was a victim or racism down below, to Berliners that didn't occur simply because it didn't make it to the news. Guess what, an average guy being hit doesn't make it to the news, even if it was punched in the face by the police that's a fact but that doesn't mean it didn't happen. People here are being brainwashed (not by the media though but by the culture) into thinking of themselves as the most considerate, unique, smartest and most talented beings on the planet (Usually talented people are located in places full of opportunity and competition, in Berlin there is neither). But later that day they become the most arrogant people that need others to be like themselves because the rest of the world is just unfit to be part of their culture which is nothing extraordinary really. The cultural message says "we're the most open and advanced society" while at the same time poverty and unemployment is as high as in developing nations, "we are tolerant because we've learned from our mistakes" while at the same time the most talented foreigners and even Germans with foreign ancestry flee the country mostly complaining about xenophobia. I just hope the international community finally wakes up to the lie that is Berlin because it's being advertised as the best option in Europe, I found too late that this has been done for a long time now without any visible change, maybe it's been good for some urban developers and related people but not for anybody else. Changing the city is impossible, but there are other ways you can help others avoid this city. So please if you leave the city share the message, share the truth about the city. This needs to stop!, there are even letters sent by the city council to companies to consider moving to Berlin after Brexit the lie is still being maintained and making the crap public is the only way to stop good people coming here and then regretting it (And probably stop them from spending a good bunch of money just before being bankrupt).
Nobody says Berlin is perfect. When it comes to violence its everywhere. When it comes to arrogance its everywhere. When it comes to emotionless its everywhere. But when it comes to talented people hey man there are plenty in here too. What about architecture for example. Who draws plans to those buildings, not the crappy DDR ones but the new ones. What about scientists based here. What about plenty of media personalities here. The list goes on and on man, of course its not London or New York. But hey its only around 3.5 million people here 5-6 times less than in those cities. I mean of course if you want to be a filmmaker its much wiser to go somewhere else, or a NBA player lol. But there are some perks here too. The problem is that there are just too many people keep on coming and coming, the job market does not grow that much unless people start opening their own businesses. And nowadays not many people are willing to do that, not many people want to be self made etc. This generation wants to be spoon fed with the gold lol.
The whole point is Berlin is not even decent period. No need to look for fringe scientists or invisible perks for unreliable businesses that's not even the point. You're calling for entrepreneurs but truth is, I can tell you, that creating a brand new business or expanding in Berlin is hell. It only works if you're a multinational. The ads read cheap housing for new business, but reality tells you that: taxes, endless bureaucracy, bureaucratic payments and other government payments will eat away all your "savings". Ever tried to create a new company in Hong Kong, EASY whole thing costs approx 400$-800$, a year! and the process lasts 2 weeks max. Wanna do it in the UK maybe? not a problem jut give us an address and some cash, though don't forget to pay your taxes on time. Even in the US you just need to spend 300$ for a LLC in Delaware or Nevada. Incorporating in Berlin is as hard as incorporating in the state of NY, well, almost just without all perks and network of incorporating in a world trade center, plus Berlin is in an awful, awful location. I'm not talking about opening a bakery, I'm talking about a proper money making business. If you want to blame it on "lazy workers" or "lack of entrepreneurial spirit" then you're no better than the Berliner culture telling you you're not worthy enough for their culture. For that reason I think it's fair to leave these talented workers, artists and entrepreneurs be, obviously in a place where their talents are appreciated and yes I'm talking about young coders, tech people, salespeople, artists. If you like Berlin, fine, enjoy it. Just let others have their own opinion and share said opinion with people who might find it useful. Endless stories of failed entrepreneurs who came Berlin with an idea left and then, after n months due to endless bureaucracy (if you know what I mean) who later became successful in other places are a persuasive example of my argument.
lol no one is arguing with you, I said its not perfect, but there are much worse places like Detroit lol, or try doing something in Kazakhstan, Berlin is not for everyone, man there are plenty of people who fail businesses in UK or Hong Kong, come on man! Berlin is Las Vegas of Germany what do you expect? Its the entertainment hub, and most businesses which are successful here cater to that sector. Perhaps opening a nightclub or hotel is a wiser decision here than starting a new silicon valley or Hollywood studio, wasn't it obvious from the beginning?
man, why not? open up a brothel you be surprised how much money you be making : ) nowadays nothing is easy my friend. This stage of capitalism is stagnating. More and more money are moving to people who make virtual products. Real artisans are a dying breed. Other professions which were in demand a few years ago are replaced by new. Yet those new professions do not create benefits for a whole population just a few people. Its a hunter gatherer society, the smartest survive anywhere, the dreamers keep on dreaming, but dreams is all they have.
“go and make 3000 buck to pay only your rent in NYC lol” LOL
You sound exactly like my ex… she always fell back on the “cost of living” argument when I would try to describe to her the many reasons why we should move to Munich or London or anywhere but Berlin.
A few stats:
Cost of living is relative… if you live in Munich or London or NYC or San Francisco (where I live now) you will pay a lot more for rent (2000 plus for a studio apartment in a decent area of SF at the moment) In Berlin you can get this for upwards of 600 in a decent area.
BUT
Percentage of income needed is about the same which leaves a MUCH larger sum of money for “disposable income”
The same has been true everywhere I have lived… Rent and income and quality of living possibilities follow closely.
London is expensive as hell but wages are high
Munich is expensive but wages are high
Kharkiv is cheap as hell and wages are low
Berlin is cheap and wages are shit…
Quality of life is about the only argument that works and that is poop in Berlin.
You should hang out with my ex… she is another blind Berlin Lover... she will argue the virtues of Berlin till she is red in the face and then pull out the “cost of living” card when all her other points fail, as they always do.
Are you ready to hear the saddest joke ever?
Women in Berlin
Another joke is MEN in Berlin. Yesterday I saw some gorgeous Israeli girls on the U1 tram heading towards Uhlandstrasse. One of these girls was a wet dream come to life (at least for me). But one of the men looking at the girl wasn't turned on. He snarled "Heil Hitler" at them and spat in their direction when getting off the train. It wasn't just politics--these cats are impotent and surly mo-fos.
This kind of thing happens nearly daily in Berlin, e.g.: www.berlin.de/polizei/polizeimeldungen/pressemitteilung.527276.php
"Sorry bro, but your story about Heil Hitler smells like poop"
To you it does, because you aren't the one being insulted in Berlin. You sound like a typical snarky-arsed hipster Kraut. In fact it's people like you that make Berlin the nightmare that it is.
It's unreal to see how Berlin fanboys are unable to grasp the reality, unable to grasp that events like the heil hitler one or the one where that dude got beaten by neonazis are everyday occurrences. It might be because their brains are fried in Ketamine or just plain stupidity I don't know. Just so you know trolls, dissing these events (not stories) won't make them go away. All Berliners got to these events are either: "this is fake" or "you're such a weakling, toughen up!"
I just can say my story. I complain because I was attacked by neo-nazis. That's the reason why things like these need to become visible. I've done my part, I've made public my story not only here though. Unfortunately I cannot do anything about neonazis and xenophobia. The reason other people complain is that they have suffered abuse or simply they have empathy towards others and / or they want their stories to be heard. It is hard not to care when hate and indifference are so prevalent in a single place.
I am tiered of this website so boring!!!
at least have some breasts in the background !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Will we hear about this in tomorrows headline? Let's take bets....
Today I was mugged and beaten by Neo-nazis. They took my computer and destroyed my phone in front of me. While they were at it yhey called me stinky n.... and a bunch of other racists and derogatory insults. I naively reported the crime to the police but they didn't even take it seriously and made me leave the station. In fact they told me it was my fault for walking on "dangerous streets" - their words - but actually I was just a few blocks away from Betahaus. I know karma is going to get these people sometime soon. I wish I could say this was a one time event but truth is this has not been the only violent racist incident I've had to endure in this city. I'm here just for a short time but that has not stopped the city in taking its toll on me. I'm glad I've found this site. Seriously, fornicate this city.
I am thankful for the condolences. How many minorities work in police force? I have no idea but I saw no minority but I cannot blame them, this is not my country it's not for me to say. But sir or madam I can assure this is not a story, this is the truth. I have scars and bruises in my body that prove it. I have never taken a beating in my life. I'm a man that doesn't like to get in trouble and what just happened to me hurts both my body and my soul. Seeing that people in this country are still capable of such acts. Beating a black guy in 2016 may not be a big deal to the average inhabitant of this rotten town but IT IS A BIG DEAL ok. I don't care if you believe it or not. I can just hope for divine justice because filling a paper with answers at the police station for such a case doesn't give me faith in this country justice. I just called my manager and told him I'll be leaving the country and he agreed. I just want to leave the country now.
I was mugged a year ago on my way from work home close to the city center. This had nothing to do with racism though, but still was an act of a brutal unmotivated violence. A random and apparently stoned guy was beating me in the head until he crushed half centimeter of my cheekbone into pieces. He wanted my cheap cell phone for some purely sportive reasons. I remember shock, realizing myself being entirely unprotected every time everywhere I’m in this city. And this is the sad reality. Belriner polizei? Not even funny… But what I actually have to share with you, I remember that anger which took me over entirely. And you have a full right to be angry. In fact this can become a very positive feeling if you use it right way. These guys can beat you, can steal from you, but they won’t make you any damage if you know what is right for yourself and continue following your very own life, your hopes, ideas, dreams. To break you is what they want, now you become even better and stronger, and this is how you prevail eventually, making them a miserable peace of outdated stinky garbage, much better than any karma would ever do. This is my sincere advice if I may give you any. Don’t hide it, take a breath, feel this anger! And use it. You will see eventually how good it feels.
I too was mugged in Berlin and the police did nothing, I know what that indifference feels like and it hurts like hell. I also know what it feels like when you tell people in Berlin what happened to you looking for some support and all you get is: "that surely is a lie", "the police wouldn't do that, we are a perfect society" and a Berlin classic "Shit happens! I don't care! stop complaining" I'm deeply sorry for you.
I have very easing story. I have been living in London for a while after poop hole called Berlin. On weekends, there are some improvement jobs which impact key underground services and some of them are not available on weekends. So, i was waiting on the station i have heard a group of people were speaking in German. It was my wake up call to have fun. By the way, i am not native Brit. I can do proper British accent. I offered my help, explained what they had to do with saying " you guys should speak better English " Just treated them, how i was treated in Berlin by majority of people. Normally, i am not racist or anything. You got my point ;) Last but not least, i did not hear " thanks " after my directions. So, i decided to play up with Germans. I said : Sorry but actually i was wrongly explaining you should do bla bla la..... I have sent them not opposite direction but made them take wrong line to give them tough times to find their desired place by accident.
Sorry Germans, you should have said thanks which you are not familiar with.
not thanking is indicative of a 'I will use you for my own selfish means' attitude and once sucked the info I will dump you for you are no longer of use to me. Thanking shows gratitude. Thanking is courteous. Thanking is important. Souls get fed by warmth and kindness, and giving a sign you appreciated that that person stopped to take the time to help is simply...civilized.
Hey there. ex-Berlin hater here. I recently moved to Denver but I used to post here now and then. I said I wouldn't post here anymore but this is something I think it's worth mentioning. I'm not here to complain about Berlin, we all know it sucks ass. I'm here to complain about the insurance system in Berlin/Germany. I used to pay approx. 350E for the insurance premium in berlin which in principle would cover most health aspects. But I was unlucky enough to undergo a minor dental surgery while I was in Berlin and guess what, my insurance coverage didn't cover jack shi--t. I had to pay upfront for the surgery. Insurance in germany is a freaking scheme. I had to pay from my savings some thousands, it hurt my savings but it wasn't the end of the world. Recently, I just had to undergo the second and final dental procedure in the US (note, apparently German dentists broken up but that's another story) and my crappy Bronze <300$ premium insurance covered it all. I just had to pay 100 bucks for some fancy antibiotics. I still can't understand how Germans can truly think they are the best at everything and have all the best things in the world. ex-Berlin hater out.
Hey troll, I hope you never have to grow up and pay your own insurance, pay your own debt and pay your own bills. And I also hope you never ever get sick because the health insurance in your pathetic country is going to let you die. You like ALL native Berliners are the ones that NEVER grow up. AND YES, THAT'S AN ACCURATE GENERALIZATION. ex-Berlin h8'er out.
How would they grow up? The entire city is set up so that no one is subject to any accountability whatsoever, the housing is a joke and akin to a concrete block in a third-world country, the streets are full of road-raging street-warriors whose idea of good driving is fast driving, the wages are even more laughable. Basically it is impossible to live like someone >25 would live in a civilized city.
Calm down people, life is not that bad : )