How to use public transit in Berlin
This guide shows you how to use public transportation in Berlin, and how to use other options like car sharing, bike sharing and taxis.
Welcome to Berlin
This is the start of a great adventure! Let's get you ready for it.
Latest guides
What is legal insurance (Rechtsschutzversicherung)? Is it worth it?
In this guide, I explain what legal insurance (Rechtsschutzversicherung) is, what it covers, and when it's worth it.
How to create an ELSTER account
This is how you create a My ELSTER account. You need this account to access ELSTER services, and file your German tax return online.
How to create a Service-Konto Berlin
You need a Service-Konto to access Berlin's digital services. This is how you create it.
How to get a Gewerbeschein in Berlin
This is how you get a trade licence (Gewerbeschein) and register for the trade tax (Gewerbesteuer).)
The Mietendeckel is gone. Here's what it means.
The Mietendeckel was repealed. You might have to give the money you saved back, but there are other ways to reduce your rent.
Police and emergency numbers in Berlin
If you need to call the emergency services, call 112. For the police, call 110. This guide also tells you how to call other emergency services in Berlin.
How to learn German in Berlin
A list of German schools, language learning apps and other resources to improve your German in Berlin.
Buying eyeglasses in Germany
General information about getting glasses in Germany: what health insurers pay for, where to get glasses for cheap and other ways to pay less for eyeglasses.
How to renew a German freelance visa
When your German freelance visa is about to expire, you must renew it. This is how you must do it.
Recently updated guides
How to get a German pension refund
If you left Germany, you get your German pension payments back. It can be worth thousands of euros.
Cinemas with English movies in Berlin
This guide helps you find cinemas that play movies in English in Berlin.
How to get a motorcycle licence in Germany
A detailed description of the process of obtaining a German Klasse A driving licence. This information is also valid for the Klasse B licence.
How to trade your foreign driver licence for a German one
Here is how you can trade a driver licence from another country for a German one.
How to go from employee to freelancer in Germany
This is how you go from a full time job to freelancing when you have a German work visa or Blue Card.
How to start a business in Germany
A detailed guide to all the rules you must follow when starting a business in Germany, from registering as a freelancer to paying your taxes.
How to fill the Fragebogen zur steuerlichen Erfassung (2022)
This is how you fill the Fragebogen zur steuerlichen Erfassung and register your business with the Finanzamt.
How to move into an apartment in Germany
All the little things you should do when moving to a new address in Germany: address changes, mail forwarding and more.
Coronavirus in Berlin: rules, quarantine, tests and vaccines
The COVID-19 situation explained in plain English, including risk areas, travel restrictions, quarantine rules, getting tested and getting vaccinated.
How to find an apartment in Berlin
Finding a place to live in Berlin is a not easy, but with this guide, it's easier.