At Connectors Plus we never rest and we are always looking for new destinations, programs and opportunities so that you can learn different languages and live unparalleled life experiences.
A few days ago we talked about the French city of Lyon and now we are going to the engine of Europe:
Germany and its crown jewel, Berlin.
When we think of Berlin, adjectives like cosmopolitan, alternative, modern, open, bohemian come to mind… Well, Berlin is all that and more. Let’s discover it together!
What you didn’t know about Berlin:
1. In Berlin there is a University that has produced 29 Nobel Prizes.
The Humboldt University of Berlin is a successful university that has served as an inspiration for other renowned institutions such as Harvard and Cornell in the United States. One of its most popular Nobel Prize winners was the physicist Albert Einstein. Do you want to become the new Einstein?
2. The Berlin Wall was built in a single night.
The Berlin Wall was built during the Cold War, on 13 August 1961, and divided the city into two: the western half and the communist half. It is now one of the most important tourist attractions in the capital of Berlin.
3. The city, which was once dubbed “poor but sexy” by its mayor
Berlin is one of the cheapest European capitals to live in. It doesn’t have the highest average salary in Germany, but we’re talking about a minimum wage of €1,600. The average rent is around €700 per month, and if you share a flat, a room will cost you around €350 per month… Affordable if you’re going to study.
It is one of the most multicultural and open cities in Germany and there are a large number of startups and international companies that make this city one of the most interesting destinations for entrepreneurs from all over the world.
It’s not too difficult to find a job if you don’t speak German yet. Don’t worry, because if you have a good knowledge of English, that will be enough, and you know that we can help you with that.
In addition, you can always train yourself a little before you go. To do this, we recommend the following blog where you can find resources, grammar explanations, useful phrases, texts, songs, videos, etc… https://www.alemanista.com/
4. Berlin is constantly being rebuilt
Wherever you go in Berlin, you will find a city under construction. The city was completely destroyed during World War II by the Allies. There is an urban reconstruction project, known as “critical reconstruction”, whose architect is the Berlin architect Josef Paul Kleihues; a project that began shortly after the fall of the wall and is scheduled to be completed no less than 2050.
5. The famous Donner Kebab was invented in Berlin.
It is common knowledge that Berlin has a large Turkish population, but did you know that the “kebab” as you eat it in the Turkish restaurant on the corner was invented by a Berliner of Ottoman origin? Back in the 1970s, they began to put the meat (which until then had been served on a plate) in bread together with salad, the typical sauce and voila! The kebab as we know it became a revolution in the German capital.
6. Berlin means “Swampy Land”
The city was built on a swamp. When you walk around the German capital, you will be struck by the multitude of coloured pipes you will see on its streets. No, they are not works of art, they are real pipes! And this is because the level of humidity under the ground in Berlin is very high, so they decided to take them out of the subsoil and paint them to make them more aesthetically pleasing.
7. The “Museum Island”
There are more museums in Berlin than rainy days, and it rains quite a lot there. The cultural offering of this city is mind-blowing! There are more than 170 museums, so you’ll have to make a list to select the most interesting ones according to your tastes.
But what is absolutely essential is a visit to what is known as Museum Island. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, this island on the River Spree is home to 5 major museums that contain some of the greatest works of art in history.
Almost two centuries old, Museum Island represents the purest spirit of the great museums, with neoclassical buildings and collections ranging from archaeology to sculpture and painting. The two you shouldn’t miss for anything in the world are the Pergamon Museum or the Bode Museum.
I don’t know what you’re waiting for to ask us for information. Berlin is now within your reach, you just have to call us or write to us and we will tell you everything you need to know. Are you up for it?
