Photo: Gratisography
On learning German while living in Berlin
“I think it’s pretty obvious that you have to speak German when you want to live in Germany. But Berlin is not Germany. Berlin is a state of mind. And in this state of mind of total freedom people often think that they don’t need to speak German when they start living and working here. I know quite some people who are annoyed by the English speaking expats, but for me as a German I find it actually pretty great that I can practice my English with a lot of native speakers without even leaving my neighborhood. But for the new people who arrive in Berlin and who try learning German it’s really difficult to practice because everybody automatically switches to English as soon they hear a foreign accent.” Read more on iHeartBerlin.
Berliners and their dogs
I love this series on überlin photographing people in Berlin out with their dogs and a few words about them. Read the latest here.
What you need to know about studying in Germany
“In a recent interview with Marketplace from NPR, I said that Americans needed to be self-starters to have success in Germany. That’s been my experience, and it’s been the experience of nearly every other American student I’ve known here. The most successful are the most independently motivated, the types who push forward and own their education, whereas students who expect to be told what to do tend to fall by the wayside. This happens in the States too, the difference is that you have a well-funded counseling or advising department there to catch you when you fall.” Read more here.
Exploring the Herz Region with kids
“Herzberg am Harz is a forest region with some slight elevations that is about 2 and a half hours northeast of Frankfurt. It has some skiing areas, tiny villages and towns, and local legends about witches (Hexen auf Deutsch). It was a mining area, and is known for hiking and outdoorsy activities in the Harz national forest. A perfect weekend getaway for two moms and six kids!” Read more here.
Did you know there is a Ramones Museum in Berlin?
They have it all there you know. “Maybe Berlin is not the most obvious place for a museum all dedicated to the incredible Ramones, huh? But, against all chances, it’s between expensive restaurants and shops and the mecca for touristy business that you can find a piece of punk rock history. The Ramones museum is located in the heart of Mitte.” Read more on Fotostrasse.
