Michalina | iHeartBerlin.de

A Guide to German Integration: How to Fully Immerse into Life in Berlin

illustrations: Berk Karaoglu.

Berlin is often thought of as a capital of individualists, and its inclusivity is something we’re grateful for every day. But as many of us Ausländers know, the idea of having to integrate into life in Germany is still very much preached by some institutions, and its principles are accordingly taught in special courses. Obviously, the western mindset of molding unique people into perfect(ly boring) citizens is inherently flawed and we can do better. But why not have a little laugh as we’re striving for social change? We’ve put our own spin on the integration process, and present you with our iHeartBerlin Guide to German Integration that will finally let you fully immerse yourself into life in Berlin!

The Most Bizarre Food You Can Find in German Supermarkets

by Michalina | Food, Stories

illustrations: Berk Karaoglu.

We all know Germans have their quirks – previously, we’ve written about their obsession with bureaucracy, their linguistic fondness for the Wurst, and their unique sense of humor, among many other riveting subjects. This time, we’re entering the strange realm of German food inventions: things you can easily find at a German supermarket, but would really rather not. A warning: this article doesn’t really fall into the NSFW category, but you should probably avoid it around lunchtime.

These Berlin Students Are Shining A Light On Local Businesses Run by Seniors

by Michalina | People, Shops

Every one of us experiences individual struggles around the ongoing pandemic. One undeniable reality of the current time is the struggle of shop owners to attract customers, which especially impacts those with little to no online presence. That’s where the project Senior Shops comes in: this new initiative started by a group of Master students from the HWR Berlin school is devoted to highlighting various businesses run by elderly people.

5 Things in Berlin The Pandemic Didn’t Affect

by Michalina | Stories

illustrations: Berk Karaoglu.

Over a year into the pandemic, it seems like we can find its traces in almost every single aspect of our lives. Whether it’s work, leisure, or socializing – chances are you’ve had to make multiple adjustments, and wearing a mask was just the beginning. But here in Berlin, there are at least five things that have remained unchanged throughout the raging pandemic.

Das Techno Team from Berlin: Learn How to Rave

by Michalina | Party

photo: Das Techno Team.

Are you looking to spice up your workout routine with some techno-inspired exercises? Or maybe you need to refresh your dance moves before a triumphant return to the club? In either case, the videos of the Berlin-based Das Techno Team are sure to make you chuckle!

Das Techno Team, the self-described “Techno Fitness made in Berlin”, posts videos combining ravers dancing to awesome electronic beats with a humorous, yet surprisingly accurate description of their moves. With this simple yet ingenious concept, the online sensation is already taking Tiktok and Instagram by storm. read more…

The Beautiful Feminist Puzzles by Wonderpieces from Berlin

by Michalina | Design, Products

As the gift-giving season approaches, we’re all on the lookout for fun and sustainably produced presents for friends and family. Wonderpieces, the new collection of feminist and socially conscious puzzles by the publishing house Familiar Faces might be exactly what you’re looking for!

The idea for this innovative puzzle collection came from Marie and Yvonn, the founders of Familiar Faces. These two Berlin moms have been known for creating products that bring the whole family together, starting with customizable childrens’ books. Now, Familiar Faces are addressing a wider audience with puzzle designs that celebrate feminism and inclusivity.

5 Awesome Bars in Kreuzkölln

by Michalina | Bars, Kreuzberg, Neukölln

photo: Fahimi Bar.

Now that the cold and dark evenings make the concept of a Wegbier by the canal a rather unpopular idea, bars with their cozy and inviting interiors are a tempting alternative. In this post, we’ve collected some of our favorite spots in Kreuzkölln. They’re all more or less within a walking distance from each other, so don’t get discouraged if one of them is too full and simply enjoy your stroll through one of Berlin’s most famous nightlife areas!

This Cute Puzzle Will Help You Rediscover Berlin

by Michalina | Design

The declining Corona regulations and warm weather of the last few months have given us the chance to rediscover Berlin. But now that the autumn gloom is upon us, and the dreaded Berlin winter is already lurking around the corner, you might feel more inclined to rediscover the city from the comfort of your home. And why not do it with a lovely puzzle?

Many Berlin creatives managed to come up with some amazing stuff during the pandemic. Such is the case of Magda Stadnik, an illustrator and designer originally from Poland, who has come up with “we come in piece” – a wonderful puzzle depicting Berlin.

The Soura Film Festival in Berlin: Shining A Light on Queer Cinema from S.W.A.N.A.

by Michalina | Events, Movies

photo: Outsiders, directed by Hannah Cauhépé.

Berlin is known around the world for its big movie festival Berlinale, but there are other great initiatives that promote less mainstream movies and amplify important voices. One of such events is the Soura Film Festival, the third edition of which will happen at the end of this month. Taking place at Oyoun from the 21st until the 24th of October, Soura Film Festival presents a daring selection of films by queer artists from the SWANA (South West Asia & North Africa) region.

Metabolic Rift: A New Immersive Experience at Kraftwerk

by Michalina | Art, Events

photo: Frankie Casillo.

The old power plant Kraftwerk has proven to be a magnetic event space over and over again. This time, the great halls will feature Metabolic Rift, an immersive experience organized by Berlin Atonal that is supposed to fuse the elements of a festival, an exhibition, a tour, and a performance.

Kraftwerk is a venue especially suited for immersive exhibitions. You might agree if you remember either the audio-visual experience Skalar or the laser and sound installation Deep Web. Next week, yet another immersive exhibition will transform these halls – an artistic parallel universe that promises to show you around Kraftwerk’s “unexplored areas”.