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This city has so little to offer, that place 33 in the book "111 Orte in Berlin die man gesehen haben muss" is a fooking Traffic Island with rabbits on
I've been posting here every Oct 7th for the past 3 years. What is special about today? It's the day I left from the city. I had to come here, to this site, every year to vent all the past awful experiences in the city. But now I finally feel all the venom of the city has left my system. I feel renewed, full of pep and obviously wealthier compared to when I lived in Berlin. This is going to be my last post and the only thing I have to say is, Berlin stole 4 years of my life and 3 other years of "complete readjusting" to a healthy society where I now live in. All the time I spent "integrating" to Berlin was wasted, a complete waste of time, energy and money - I urge everybody who feels Berlin is draining off your life, please leave the city now. Life is significantly better away from that place.
I've moved out of Berlin about 2 weeks ago and to be fair I miss Berlin but on the other way around I feel more connected to reality than ever before. Before was easy, with 300€ you would pay your rent and that was it, you would just pass a month dwelling around (I'll not start complaining about everything, but most of you get the picture I saw when you wander around town) and wondering when things would go my way, now I'm in a town far out the spectrum of hipster attention and it's quite good, it's just as crazy as the time I moved to Berlin
I feel the same way, moved away from Berlin 3years ago. I check out this site every week or so to remind myself that I made the Best Decision. I dont want to imagine the person I could have become by staying in that miserable place and in a miserable relationship. As the poster above; I too have missed certain aspects of the city...BUT what I miss are only European traits; the calmness, the locality, walkable streets and fresh foods. Berlin as a whole...RUN, run away and never return!! That city is a monument to a very bad Decision, and like all Monuments, it only has Posthumous Value. The few positive things I gained from my 3years there...is a stronger and more confident sense of Purpose and Self. For this, I am thankful.
If you are stuck there, for whatever reasons, be strong. Remember who you are despite Berlin and its lost inhabitants. Dont ever let it be your Absolute. Keep moving.
Indeed, I'm thankful to Berlin for the fact that when I've moved I was quite "green" to real life challenges (ie: Language that I don't speak, paperwork that I never heard about, having self-confidence to deal with all the BS around it) and now I have the self confidence, I moved to a town somewhere in Ireland where it's completely different from continental Europe and there aren't direct flights to Berlin nor my hometown so somehow I got away from people from where I come from and Berliners. If there is something that I can tell you about it is that I feel ready now, now the grass is greener and I'm again alone in search for a true purpose in my life. This is way crazier than Berlin was because now it's up to me to do something and the against-all-the-odds Berlin was.
Cheers
May I join you in a hearty vomit. Especially on her tidy apartment,50 euro bicycle and melancholy she suffers now the zing has gone from her days in the park.(Ohh..la la..Dope smoke) And an earnest sunset by the Spree. Once again I vomit in unison with others who have the misfortune to read this load of puke below. Bile a plenty.x
She should try this on for size:
phillewisblog.wordpress.com/2016/04/03/an-african-american-in-berlin/
Sorry, no, she's just trying to make herself feel better about coming here, trying to explain it away using "magic". I've been here almost 2 years and yeah, I have a thick skin, but it fookin bothers me that total strangers will suddenly attack you, verbally or physically (I even got pushed off my bike last week, what the flying fook?). This is not ok. This is wrong. This is bad. This place, these people, they are all poisoned. I won't waste my life changing them, Im getting the fook out of here. But please don't excuse abuse and hostility by saying that hey, it's a "thing" here and that you "get used to it." Sure, people also get used to domestic violence, doesn't mean it's ok.
You the Germans opened your country because EU benefited your economy. You popularized the Berlin dream. The mecca for expats. The mecca for european start ups. You treat your expats with poor bureaucracy and xenophobia. no wonder your own people hate you for your incompetence. Who invites millions of refugees when your own elderly go through garbage for.08-.25 cent a pop?
There was a news article about 3 german people who said how bad Germany has become due to all the foreigners. The first one was an old man who owned a company that went under and now lives off of hartz iv - he said that he wants to kill himself because he doesnt have enough money for beer at a beer garten or to go on vacation. Then there was a married couple that said that it's not right that raising a child should cost as much as a car, that the government should give more money, because they have 4 children and they want another one and how come children are expensive? They can only go on "cheap vacations" like going to the lake or denmark. Then there was a 30 year old "student" also living off of hartz iv because he majored in something like feminist throat singing literature studies and his gripe was that he cant book cheap tickets earlier to go to the bahamas because the unemployment office cant schedule his visits precisely when he wants them. Get it, a 30 year old man, unemployed, bitching and moaning that he cant take a vacation from already being on vacation (paid unemployment).
I cannot handle this city anymore. My body and mind are having a strong counter response to Berlin. Winter in Berlin is my nightmare. I hope I do not die from alcohol poisoning. When I feel this way, I have to restrain myself from hitting people who just absolutely LOVE this city. Good luck and brace yourself for the winter. Stock up...
Alcohol and narcotics are the only saving graces in Berlin. Which is why so many people find solace and respite from disrespect and torture from this sick and soulless city. Their is simply no choice for the majority of people who live in Berlin. I dont have a German passport..So I got the fornicate out of Dodge.
The drugs and club life that resonate to the mighty core of this city. I love Berlin, but what I have witnessed this "darkside" do to friends and acquaintances makes me despise this environment it provides for people searching for themselves. Berlin is a 90's teenager trying to find it's identity: The 4 day club weekend/no consideration for responsibility mentality still swinging like the increasing number of cranes that flourish the city. My wish for Berlin is to keep it's freedom, while leaving behind this darkside. Although I feel that's not what most of its inhabitants want. Therefore I believe my time is ticking before i leave this place and onto the next adventure.
" When they bump into with a stranger, they have no idea what to talk about. Except school or work. They can not hold meaningful, profound conversation. "
The reason behind this attitude is predictable. The German culture Is based on success. Being successful at school and / or work is the most important thing in that culture. They actually can hold conversations about other topics but at the first place they want to learn who is more prosper in the life ? ( I know sounds silly but this is the truth ) So, if they find out you are more successful they respect you somehow otherwise they start preaching.
It even happens with german in laws. My german sister in law is the perfect example. She ONLY talks to me about my professional plans in a sarcastic tone. Germans like her have no idea how to hold a small talk or even a meaningful conversation with a foreigner except inquiring about my INTEGRATION process.
I am not integrated enough yet in their superior nation to consider me as a human being with a personality.
I actually confronted her about it and she could only say that I am not trying hard enough to integrate.
Family communication should not always be a painfully bureaucratic integration interview.
Hello, I am the same person who has written that long post and also this one. ( There is no editing function unfortunately )
I understand you completely. That's why I said, there is no way to deal with their weirdness. The problem does not belong to you. I will tell you a story which is completely true and happened in the past two years. In Germany, there are too many language learning advertisements. They try to urge you to learn German. ( Which is understandable ) ( Die Sprache spielt wichtige Rolle zum Integration ) So, you have been learning the language and you need some practise. THIS IS TRUE STORY brace yourself. I have a friend who has been living in Germany more than me ( 5 years ) She ( Canadian master student ) is struggling to learn German but during our discussions we ended up like '' Okay, maybe we have to try harder '' So, she decided to show up at parties more and meet some German people. Anyways, She told me that, ''I have met a German guy and at the beginning, I was talking German, then we switched to English.'' I asked why, and her answer was : '' He told me that, he can speak better German than me so, he wanted to switch to English '' I have just written the truth. So, those weirdos can tell you that, they can speak their native language better than you. So, being able to speak German would not change anything. I was also hopeful about possible change after being fluent in German. Just no.
By the way, I do not want to integrate into their society. I mean, why would I ? What that society offers except money ? My opinion is just focusing on money. What means integration according to Germans ? I have no idea. I mean, we ( I think most of us on this website ) are educated, we can speak nice English, we won't do anything illegal. So, what they want us to more to integrate ? I PERSONALLY DO NOT CARE ANYTHING RELATED WITH GERMANS, GERMANY. My only motivation is money. I suggest you to ignore that society as well, and find some foreigners to spend some time together.
I feel the same way as you. I focused on money at first and ignored the Germany's problem with foreigners till I married a German. You fall in love with a German who is an exception to the rule and you feel forced to stay because of strong attachment. I got laid with many German men but I never had close relations to them till I got married to a German. Now, I understand how the German family works and I cannot stand it. There is not open sympathy and often you feel like a stranger even if you try to learn their language. I wish I could leave soon.
Family makes everything harder because you cannot just ignore the issue. You have to show up with a proud smile and stay polite no matter how much they try to get to you via their passive aggressiveness because you love your partner and want to build a life together.
Integrating into a German family will bring many many tears. You have to be strong and not take everything too seriously to heart especially the German superiority complex.
My poor parents gave me a modest monetary gift for my wedding, but the German parents did not even congratulate me with greeting card or in person. It was so awful. Who the fornicate do they think they are? They are not the superior race to make me feel like I was the mistake their son made. I cried for weeks as weak loser not because of them but because i have to integrate with heartless and senseless people like this who pretend to be the best nation.
My parents accepted and congratulated this marriage despite the German biggest mistake of killing a bunch of "non Germans" yet the GERMAN parents do nada not even a verbal congrats and good wishes. Some german families might be different, but many of them do not accept their pure GERMAN child marrying a foreigner with open arms. They make you beg to be accepted by them. I cannot wait what happens when I get pregnant from their pure german wunderbar.
Hello everyone ! I have been reading your comments since couple of days. You have mentioned about nice points, however i have noticed that the problems which you have stated are %90 Germany related problems.
I am about to graduate from a master program in Dortmund. Lived there for 2 years. Currently i am doing an internship in another country. Unfortunately, i have to go back to Germany ( Berlin ) in couple of months for working. Well, my only life goal will be get rid of Germany as soon as possible and start enjoying the life again. I need to save some money to reach my dreams.
The best thing to do in Germany is focusing on money as foreigner. Germans are weird, have no idea about communication plus they do not have any emotions. Showing your emotions is considered as weakness in Germany. You have to hang around with poker face everywhere. You know, there are some stereotypes. Germans are rude, is the most common one. When you tell this to a German person, the possible answer which you would get back is " Germans are being direct and honest ". Well, this is not the case. Honesty and being direct are actually good. However, they are rude as hell. They rarely say thanks, they never help about any single thing and the most significant one, Germans like (tend) to exploit other people. I have seen some complaints about the difficulties of making friends. Well, if a German person can take advantage of you, you would be amazed how they could become friendly. Benefits must be tangible such as money, help on exams, task etc What will you get back in return ? Probably nothing. Communication is biggest issue for Germans. Guys, let me ask you a question. We are all aware of the steady, amazing, productive German economy right ? We live in the era of communication and technology. Can you please tell me, how many computer, cell phone, camera brand you know from Germany ? ( I mean actively operate in the market ) Probably zero. Why ? Simple as hell. Those products must be renewed in the short time according to customer requirements or you need to introduce very innovative product as producer. You know what Germans can not deal with ? Spontaneity. Holding conversations require to be spontaneous. When they bump into with a stranger, they have no idea what to talk about. Except school or work. They can not hold meaningful, profound conversation. So, do not put afford on making friends. Are you so stubborn ? Okay, let me tell you that it would take ages to become friend with German person because, you have to deserve their precious(!) friendship.
Finding a partner in Germany ? I have heard very strange stories about German person ( regardless gender ) - foreign person relationships. My suggestion is not to try it. I have mentioned about spontaneity vs Germans. The nature of relationships is spontaneous. You may want to amaze your partner by " surprise " dinner. A German would be very upset by that surprise dinner. According to German logic, everything must be structured and there must be a rule to do something. Well, you can not live your relationships with certain rules unless you are German. However, ONS or fornicate buddy concept can be done in Germany easily according to my observations.
To sum up, Germany is not suitable country to live for foreigners from social aspect. It's impossible to deal with their weirdness. However, if you are educated, skilful foreigner, you could earn really good amount of money in Germany. ( Even without knowing German ) Earn some money in Germany and try to get rid of that country asap to enjoy the life with normal (communicative, approachable and have some emotions ) people
if you have Germany's shi-t minus the chance of making money you get Berlin. I guess what makes foreigners hate Berlin so much is "the chance of making money" is what's missing most in Berlin and it's quickly spreading to the rest of Germany. I too lived in another German city and I agree that most of the things discussed here are applicable to other cities as well. But what is really missing in Berlin is money. Some here have discussed about startups throwing cash at incapable workers and such but in my experience that is not the norm. People most likely will make pennies than receive huge paychecks that allow them to leave. And I'm not asking about blue collar workers I'm talking about well prepared people. That's why my advice is always "LEAVE NO MATTER HOW". I have never been a fan of just waiting or muddling through. Now more than ever since one can make the same amount or more in cities other than Berlin or in countries other than Germany. Just my two cents. A good analysis of German personality though.
Your remark on exploiting other people is spot on. Germans will take a look at you, butts what advantages it brings them to talk to you and if they don't see any immediate benefit, they'll straight up ignore and dismiss you. like you're not even there. And they have no problem becoming friendly later when they find out the can use you somehow, this is really the norm how they treat foreigners. I am not sure how they treat others they perceive as equal class to them, I never expereinced that. It really helped me understand what girls talk about when they talk about "objectification"
"I am not sure how they treat others they perceive as equal class to them, I never expereinced that."
The same!
But thats also standard in other countrys like f.e. italy. And probably everywhere in the world.
Exploitation is the core of capitalism, not a german idea. The result ist such a behaviour.
I love this web sight but let us not insult each other for our opinions and views of Berlin or the world, for that matter.
Oh Jesus, can't believe I'm going to defend Berlin here.
Your lack of fornicating is not Berlin's problem. You're probably a combo of ugly and poor. Try not to be either, you'll have better luck next time.
That's not defending Berlin, if you want to defend Berlin just go to the comments that made you post on this website on the first place.
Actually you know what I need to defend? The people that needs to live with stupidity like your post on their daily life, always offending a group of people just because they are not like you (or what social media + Berlin hipsters made you do). You want to "defend Berlin? Okay, tell me why there is such an amount of old people putting their hands on garbage to get 8 cents worth of glass, then bring it home, then take it all to store in order to get a paper to buy food or whatever they want. Why?
Tell me why there are so many young expats in poverty because they can't find jack poop to make a living. Why?
Tell me why there are so many lunatics around this town every night scream in any other language. Why?
Tell me why every U-Bahn and S-Bahn will have at least one beggar on every trip, every day every year. Why?
Tell me why there are so many people moving to Berlin and end up suffering from loneliness and depression. Why?
Tell me why Berlin is even the so-called city for Start-ups. Why?
If you want to defend so much Berlin tell me why all this things happen and why people hate it due to lack of fornicating
You can also go ahead and tell me what is positive about Berlin being like that, or do what you do, offend me
I think you're looking too deep into this. The points you raise are valid. However, they have nothing to do with a dude who can't get laid. I also hate Berlin as much as everyone else here.
Below we have several posts from some butt hurt dude who couldn't get his leg over. 1 post yeah that's cool but multiple drunken 1 liners of despair... erm that's not cool. There's absolutely no defending this guy imo. Complaining you can't get laid and blaming the women of this city is utterly laughable, it's all his fault.
absolute bullshit, city is nice but women should be more easy like in 70s
sort your freaking auto correct below let me write my freedom of expression properly female dogs
this website auto corrects my poop below