Berlin City Guide

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City Guide: Berlin

www.dwellworks.com

The information contained in this publication is provided by Dwellworks GmbH and its affiliated entities (the “Company”) as a service to relocating employees and should be used for general informational purposes only. This publication contains a considerable amount of information – addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses – and our inclusion of lists of any service providers is intended as a courtesy and not a guarantee or endorsement of those individuals. Please also note we can take no responsibility for the lines or contents of the links. While the Company undertakes measures to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information in this publication, the Company cannot assure its accuracy or completeness and does not commit that it will maintain updated information. This publication, in its entirety, is the sole copyrighted property of the Company and may not be modified, reproduced, sold, or otherwise distributed without the express written consent of the Company.

Dear Assignee, Dwellworks in Frankfurt and your Dwellworks Destination Services Consultant warmly welcome you to Germany. We hope this Welcome Package provides you with useful and interesting information about your new destination. We suggest you take the time to look through the information and to familiarise yourself with the topics in this Guide. We hope the information helps you settle down to life in Germany. Some topics will not be completely relevant to your situation, but make interesting reading nonetheless. Please note that the information in this booklet is a guide only. Regulations and requirements are subject to change. By German law Dwellworks is not allowed to give legal advice. Therefore, information given in this guide is based on our longstanding experience. We wish you a successful and rewarding time in Germany.

Your Dwellworks Team

Provided by Dwellworks GmbH Head Office: Dreieichstraße 59, 60594 Frankfurt/Main, Germany

Tel.: +49 (0) 69-61 09 47 0 Fax: +49 (0) 69- 61 09 47 40 www.dwellworks.com Email: Info@dwellworks.de

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Berlin City Guide

Contents City Profile ..................................................................................................... 4 Housing in Berlin ........................................................................................... 5 Insurances ..................................................................................................... 7 Education ...................................................................................................... 9 Children’s Activities...................................................................................... 12 Learning German......................................................................................... 13 Everyday Shopping...................................................................................... 14 Public Transportation................................................................................... 15 Postal Services............................................................................................ 17 Pets ............................................................................................................. 17 Public Holidays ............................................................................................ 18 Social Life.................................................................................................... 18 Museums ..................................................................................................... 26 Annual Events and Highlights ...................................................................... 29 Conversions................................................................................................. 30 Useful Websites........................................................................................... 31 Important Telephone Numbers in Berlin ...................................................... 32

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Berlin City Guide

City Profile Berlin is characterised by its diversity of ethnic backgrounds, cultures, mentalities and lifestyles. The city is currently experiencing fundamental changes and modernisation on all levels. The relocation of Germany's government to Berlin in 1999 was more than simply a move to a different city. As Germany's new capital, Berlin gives the nation's federal structure a distinct new quality. Berlin is a modern cosmopolitan centre for the new German States. Profiting from an international urban atmosphere, new realms of activity are opening up for government, industry and business. Major German corporations and leading industrial associations are in the process of relocating their headquarters to the country's focus of political decision making. The city's population is 3.5 million inhabitants and has a total of 5 million people in the Berlin metropolitan area. The city itself covers an area of 343 square miles with a wide variety of different districts and neighbourhoods, each with its own special personality. Berlin is home to people from all over Germany and from 180 different nations. The size of the city lends itself to virtually unlimited contact opportunities: from politics and business to media, science, culture and sports. At the same time, there is also a wealth of opportunities in the form of conferences, exhibitions and conventions. Currently, 400 trade shows and congresses take place in Berlin every year. These include the IFA World of Consumer Electronics and the International Tourism Exchange.

Map of Berlin

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Berlin City Guide

Housing in Berlin Registration with the Utility Providers Electricity

The local electricity company should be contacted to state the move-in date and check whether the previous owner or tenant has cancelled his registration. When registering, there may be a fee. Normally, a pre-payment amount will be charged every one or two months, and these are adjusted at the end of the year according to usage. The easiest forms of payment are direct debit or standing order. Water, Sewage and Garbage Collection (see also page on garbage separation) The tenant normally pays for water, sewage and garbage collection to the landlord. In case he has to register directly, the tenant must call the respective local utility company himself. Snow Clearing and Cleaning of Communal Areas According to house rules which are attached to the lease agreement or put in the communal staircase, tenants are sometimes held responsible for the cleaning of the communal areas of the house and for the snow and ice removal during the winter. It is advisable to ask your landlord if you are responsible for snow and ice clearing. If the tenant is required to be responsible for snow removal during the winter, then he is liable for any damage which may be caused by his neglect to remove the snow. Telephone Registration (see also separate chapter) In order to arrange for the telephone to be connected, call Deutsche Telekom (0800/330 10 00) . The connection should be made within 14 days. It helps to be able to give the name and number of the previous tenant. TV/Radio Registration In Germany all TV sets and radios, including those in cars, have to be registered with the GEZ ( Gebühreneinzugszentrale). Children who live with their parents but have their own income must also register their own radios and TV sets. Registration forms for the GEZ can be obtained from all post offices and banks, downloaded from the internet: www.gez.de or via fax: 0180-582 10 10. The mailing address of the GEZ is: GEZ 50656 Köln.

Contact addresses of local companies in charge of utilities: Berliner Wasserbetriebe

Berliner Stadtreinigungsbetriebe Berlin Cleaning Authorities

Berlin Water Authorities Neue Jüdenstr. 1

Ringbahnstr. 96 12103 Berlin

10179 Berlin

Tel: 0800-2 92 75 87

Tel: 030-75 92 49 00 www.bsr-online.de

www.bwb.de (English version available)

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Berlin City Guide

Classified Advertisements Local newspapers offer a wide range of classified sections on accommodation either to rent or to buy. It may be useful to place an advertisement oneself. Below are some contacts to look for or place advertisements: Berliner Morgenpost (www.morgenpost.de) – Saturday edition Berliner Zeitung – weekend edition Tagesspiegel (www.tagesspiegel.de) – Saturday edition

Immobilien Scout (www.immobilienscout24.de) Basic abbreviations used in classified ads : 1-ZKB

1 Zimmer, Küche, Bad (1 room, kitchen, bathroom) 2 Zimmer, Küche, Bad, Balkon (2 rooms, kitchen, bathroom, balcony)

2-ZKBB 3-ZW Atelier

3-Zimmer Wohnung (3-room apartment)

Studio Apartment Dachgeschoss (attic) Erstbezug (first letting) Einbauküche (fitted kitchen) Erdgeschoss (ground floor)

DG EB

EBK EG KM Lux.

Kaltmiete (rent excl. heating or utilities ) Luxuswohnung (luxury apartment )

Miete z.Z. Möbl. Nachm.

Miete zur Zeit (current rent – may be raised for new tenant)

Möbliert (furnished) Nachmieter (new tenant) Neubau (new building) Nichtraucher (non-smoker) (basement apartment)

NB NK NR

Nebenkosten (maintenance costs for heating, garbage etc.)

Souterrain Teilmöbliert

(partly-furnished, usually with fitted kitchen and bathroom) Umlagen/Kaution (additional costs/security deposit)

U/Kt. Warm

heating, sometimes utilities included

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Berlin City Guide

Insurances Personal Liability Insurance ( Privat-Haftpflichtversicherung ) a) Vehicle: An unlimited third party liability insurance policy is compulsory for all cars/motorized vehicles in Germany. Safe drivers are rewarded by reductions of the premiums. In order to benefit from this, please provide your insurance record from your previous insurance company. b) Private: This insurance is optional, but highly recommended. Many landlords will demand proof of liability insurance before signing a lease contract, since it covers cases of liability for injury or damage to other persons or their property. Basic or standard coverage is EUR 5-10 million against injury or damage and EUR 1 million against damage to rented property. Some insurances offer special premiums for singles. c) Animal owner: Dog liability insurance is strongly recommended. Legal Insurance ( Rechtsschutzversicherung ) Legal Insurance covers any legal costs you encounter up to a certain limit. And, if you want to counter sue, it will cover the payment as long as there is a reasonable chance of winning. Legal insurance can be purchased for different purposes, such as for the entire family, the job, traffic infractions or the lease of your home. Suggested English speaking independent insurance brokers* offering services in different ways (in person, via email, on-line or phone): Hoesch and Partner (offices in Frankfurt, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Stuttgart, and Munich) Matthias Heil Rüsterstr. 1, 60325 Frankfurt Tel.: 069 - 71 70 7-0 Fax: 069 - 72 73 75 E-Mail: info@hoesch-partner.de / Website: http://www.hoesch-partner.de/home.html Competence Exclusive E.K. (offices in Cologne, Aachen, Bonn, Leverkusen, and Düsseldorf) Claus Edam Klosterstr. 6, 50181 Bedburg Services of these brokers are offered free of charge and include not only initial consultation but also the development and presentation of tailored solutions, negotiations of conditions with insurance and financial institutions, as well as applications, claim settlements, cancellations or changes of policies. *Brokers may also provide contracts with state health insurance. If not, please contact the insurance company directly. Suggested English speaking state health insurance providers offering services in different ways (in person, via email, on-line or phone): Tel.: 02272 - 4 07 58 34 Fax: 02272 - 4 07 58 35 E-Mail: cedam@ce-expat.de / Website: www.ce-expat.de

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Berlin City Guide

TK – Techniker Krankenkasse Carmen Dücker and Jan Müller Rhonestr. 7, 60528 Frankfurt

Tel.: 069-6 64 48-937 Fax: 069-6 64 48-939 E-Mail: carmen.duecker@tk.de / Website: www.tk.de Barmer GEK Ralf Köhler Mainzer Landstr 293, 60326 Frankfurt Tel.: 0800 - 33 20 60 47-1506 (inside Germany) Tel.: 069 - 216 71 47-1506 (from abroad) Fax: 0 800 33 20 60 47-1090 (inside Germany) Cell: 0151 - 18 23 43 70 E-Mail: ralf.koehler@barmer-gek.de, Website. www.barmer-gek.de

Please note that the information in this brochure is a guide only. Regulations and requirements are subject to change. By German law Dwellworks is not allowed to give legal advice. Therefore, information given in this guide is based on our longstanding experience. Dwellworks GmbH does not assume any liability for the completeness and accuracy of the statements made. Especially no liability is assumed for all legal, fiscal or other consequences as a result hereof.

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Education Childcare

The most popular childcare options for full-time working parents are au pairs, all-day babysitters and in-home care providers. Several agencies in Berlin offer assistance in finding the appropriate child-care.

Tel: 030 90227 5050 www.berlin.de/sen/bjw pme Familienservice GmbH Private organisation, works with employers in helping their employees to find childcare

Flottwellstr. 4 10785 Berlin

Tel: 030-26 93 71 0 Fax: 030-2693 7121 www.familienservice.de (English version available) E-mail: berlin@familienservice.de

Kindergarten Most children in Germany go to a kindergarten between the ages of three and six, although it is not compulsory. The law guarantees a place for every child, however finding vacancies in a kindergarten can be difficult. Therefore, flexibility may be required when choosing a kindergarten. It may not be possible to send one’s child to the nearest kindergarten. Children can usually attend half-day or all day.

Tel: 030 90227 5050 www.berlin.de/sen/bjw Montessori Preschool Private kindergarten - All Saints Church

Taylorstr. 16 14195 Berlin Tel: 030-81 49 66 30

www.montessori-preschool-berlin.de/index.html E-mail: info@montessori-preschool-berlin.de

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Schooling Senatsverwaltung für Bildung, Jugend und Wissenschaft Senate Administration Office for Education, Youth and Science Referat für Tageseinrichtungen und Tagespflege Bernhard-Weiß-Str. 6 10178 Berlin-Mitte

Tel: 030 – 9 02 27 50 50 www.berlin.de/sen/bjw Berlin International School (B.I.S.)

The Berlin International School is a private, non-profit organisation serving some 1.000 students, the largest private school in Berlin. It consists of five individual branches, each of them working independently. All subjects at the bilingual B.I.S. are taught in German or in English and are offered to children from the age 3 to 18. The program starts with a nursery school and kindergarten for children aged 3 to 5. The elementary school, middle school and high school cover all age levels up to the age of 18. Special language programs in English and/or German as a second language will be offered at each level. B.I.S. describes itself the following way: B.I.S. considers learning to be a life-long process. School is seen as an opportunity to offer students a wide-range of learning experiences, including not only academic skills but also the promotion of independence, understanding and tolerance, cultural identity, creativity and a sense of community. Social and emotional development and the promotion of intellectual, personal and physical abilities are central to the B.I.S. concept. The B.I.S. is a member of the VDP (Bundesverband Deutscher Privatschulen) and member in the ECIS (European Council of International Schools) and has applied for membership in the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO). Lentzeallee 8/14 14195 Berlin

Tel: 030 - 82 00 77 90 Fax: 030 - 82 00 77 99 www.berlin-international-school.de (English version available) E-mail: office@berlin-international-school.de Berlin Brandenburg International School (BBIS)

Berlin Brandenburg International School (former Berlin-Potsdam International School) is not connected to any national system. It offers all three International Baccalaureate Programmes for the primary years, middle years and the IB Diploma, a school-leaving credential recognized for university entrance in 101 countries, including Germany. Over 350 students from pre-school to grade 12 represent 35 different nationalities. Teachers are mostly native English speakers and classes are small with rarely more than 20 students. Am Hochwald 30

14532 Kleinmachnow Tel: 033203 - 8 03 60 Fax: 033203 - 80 36 21 www.bbis.de (English version available) E-mail: office@bbis.de

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Contact addresses of other international schools: Berlin British School e. V. (British School System) For boys and girls aged 3 - 18 Dickensweg 17-19 14055 Berlin Tel: 030 - 3 04 22 05 Fax: 030 - 304 38 56 www.berlinbritishschool.de (English version available) E-mail: bbs.enq@t-online.de International School Villa Amalienhof (British School System) For boys and girls aged 3 - 18 Tel: 030 - 36 43 98 20 Fax: 030 - 36 43 98 21 www.is-va.com (English version available) E-mail: infoberlin@is-va.com Charles-Dickens-Grundschule (German-English) For boys and girls aged 5 - 13 Dickensweg 15 14055 Berlin Tel: 030 - 3032868-0 Fax: 030 - 3032868-19 www.charles-dickens-gs.de (English version available) E-mail: verwaltung@charles-dickens-gs.de John-F.-Kennedy-School (German-American) For boys and girls aged 3 - 18 Teltower Damm 87-93 14167 Berlin Heerstr. 465 13593 Berlin

Tel: 030 - 63 21 57 58 Fax : 030 - 63 21 59 77

www.jfks.de (English version available) French Gymnasium (Collège Français) Derfflingerstr. 7 10785 Berlin Tel: 030 - 2575 8910/11 Fax: 030/2575 8919 Japanese International School Berlin e.V. Am Sandwerder 3 14109 Berlin Tel: 030 - 8 03 68 30 Fax: 030 - 8 03 66 05 Schwedische Schule (Swedish School) Landhausstr. 26-28 10717 Berlin

Tel: 030 - 86 49 59 30 Fax: 030 - 86 49 59 31 www.svenskaskolan-berlin.de (Swedish version available)

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Berlin City Guide

Children’s Activities German families often spend their free time and vacations together. There are also opportunities for children to attend camps or other vacation activities that do not include their parents. Berlin and its surrounding area are full of activities for children. Listings of the numerous playgrounds can be obtained at the city-information in the local town halls. Please find below some activities for children in Berlin. Planetarium am Insulaner Planetarium at the Wilhelm-Forster observatory, star-excursions with telescope: Tue + Sun 9 p.m. and during events in the Planetarium Munsterdamm 90 12169 Berlin-Schöneberg Tel: 030 - 790 09 3 www.wfs.be.schule.de (English version available) Zoological Garden This is the first German zoo and opened in 1844. With 14,000 different species, it is one of the Tel: 030 - 25 40 10 www.zoo-berlin.de Aquarium at the Zoological Gardens The aquarium is home to salt and freshwater fish, crocodiles, reptiles and amphibians and insects. Daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m., every last Saturday of the month until 9 p.m. Budapester Str. 32 (also accessible from the zoo) 10787 Berlin Tel: 030 - 25 40 10 FEZ Wuhlheide Children and youth recreation centre. Sports, games, culture, technical department and cinema An der Wuhlheide 12459 Berlin Tel: 030 - 5307 1504 www.fez-berlin.de Grips Theater A renowned theatre for children, young people and adults who demand realism Altonaer Str. 22 10557 Berlin most important and rare animal collections in the world. Daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., in summer 9 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. Hardenbergplatz 8 10787 Berlin

Tel: 030 - 39 74 74 0 www.grips-theater.de E-mail: info@grips-theater.de Theater an der Parkaue Germany’s largest theatre for young people

Parkaue 29 10367 Berlin Tel: 030 - 55 77 52 52/53 www.carrousel.de

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Learning German Being able to understand and communicate in German will help immensely to become familiar with life in Germany. Numerous institutions in Berlin offer courses such as ‘German as a Second Language’, to learn German for general conversation or for business purposes. Instruction is given by native speakers who often apply the ‘total immersion’ system, in which only German is spoken in class. It is essential to obtain comprehensive information from different suppliers in order to meet individual needs and to find out which school, kind of instruction and level would be appropriate. Goethe-Institut Official worldwide non-profit organisation, active in the promotion of the German language and culture, day and evening courses Neue Schönhauser Str. 20 10178 Berlin Tel: 030 – 25 90 63 www.goethe.de (English version available) Inlingua Private language school offering day and evening courses for all levels Kronenstr. 55-58 10117 Berlin

Tel: 030 – 88 47 11 90 www.inlingua-berlin.de E-mail: info@inlingua-berlin.de Berlitz Sprachschule Commercial language school IHZ Friedrichstraße 95 10117 Berlin

Tel. 030 – 2 04 21 24 Fax 030 – 2 04 21 61 www.berlitz.com (English version available) Berliner Sprachschule Commercial language school Tempelhofer Ufer 17 10963 Berlin

Tel.: 030 – 35 30 49 60 Fax: 030 – 35 30 49 59 www.berliner-sprachenschule.de E-mail: info@bss-berlin.de

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Everyday Shopping Opening Hours

Department stores and retail shops in the city centre are usually open Monday to Friday from 9.00 or 9.30 a.m. to 7.00 or 8.00 p.m. Some stores may be open until 10 p.m. Smaller stores in the suburbs often close at 6.30 p.m. while major grocery stores are open to 8.00 sometimes 10.00 p.m. Smaller stores mayalso close for lunch. Saturday opening hours are generally from 9.00 or 9.30 a.m. to between 4.00 and 10.00 p.m. Exceptions are the grocery stores and shops at the main railway station and the airport. They have extended opening hours into the late evening and are also open for business on Sundays. Large supermarkets are often open from 8.00 a.m. to 8.00 or 10.00 p.m. from Monday to Saturday. Shops at petrol stations are an expensive choice, should beverages, food or magazines be needed urgently out of business hours. Shopping Areas Each district of Berlin has its own shopping-mile. The most well-known shopping area is the Kurfürstendamm in Berlin-Charlottenburg also including an enormous selection of food shops. In particular Germany’s biggest department store, the KaDeWe in the Tauentzienstrasse 21 offers an extraordinary food section. The other shopping area with international flair is located in Berlin-Mitte , the Friedrichstrasse . Further popular shopping areas are: the Schönhauser Allee at Prenzlauer Berg , the Schlossstrasse in Steglitz, the Maassenstrasse, Winterfeldtstrasse and Goltzstrasse in Schöneberg and last but not least the new quarter around the restored business district and the Hackesche Höfe in the Scheunenviertel . There are flea-markets in several city districts, particularly at Ostbahnhof and in the Strasse des 17. Juni. Fresh Food Markets Fresh food markets are very popular. Fresh produce, direct from farmers, is available as well as regional and international specialties. + Marheinekehalle , Monday through Friday 7.30 a.m. to 6 p.m, Saturday 7.30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Marheinekeplatz 15 in Kreuzberg + Winterfeldtmarkt , Wednesday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Winterfeldt-platz in Schöneberg + Turkish Market on Maybachufer , Tuesday and Friday, noon to 6.30 p.m., at Maybachufer between Kottbusser Brücke and Schinkestr. in Neukölln

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Public Transportation Berlin is proud of its public transportation which is swift, efficient and reliable. It is possible to go almost everywhere in the city and the suburbs by either bus, tram, U-Bahn or S-Bahn. Despite reunification in 1990, Berlin still has two centres (West Centre and Mitte, or East Centre). Most international flights will land at Tegel Airport, which is on the west side. The quickest link into the West Centre from Tegel by public transport is a 15 minute bus ride (the X109 bus), which will drop passengers at Zoo Station in West Centre. Since most of the historic sights are in the East Centre (Mitte), it is advisable to join sight-seeing tours which start in West Centre and also go to Berlin-Mitte. If you have some time get on bus No. 100 – it passes most of the interesting sites of both the East and West centres of Berlin. Public Transportation in the Berlin Area The U-Bahn (underground), bus and tram network are run by the BVG (Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe. The S-Bahn network (urban railway) is run by the VBB (Verkehrsverbund Berlin Brandenburg). Only one ticket is needed for travelling into the surrounding areas (e.g. Brandenburg) although they are run by different transport service providers. The zones in and around Berlin are defined as follows: Sub-area A: Berliner S-Bahn-Ring Sub-area B: The boundary of Berlin Sub-area C: The surrounding area of Berlin The sub-area is divided into 8 portions, each belonging to an administrative district. The area of Potsdam-Mittelmark is included in the city district of Potsdam. A Short Trip Ticket can be used for 3 stations by S- or U-Bahn or for 6 stops by bus or tram, valid for 2 hours after having been validated. Apart from individual journey tickets, special offers, e.g. a WelcomeCard (for 72 hours for an adult and up to three children) can also be obtained. U-Bahn and S-Bahn U-Bahn and S-Bahn tickets can be obtained from the ticket machines on the platform or from the ticket sales points directly in the underground stations. Most tickets require validation. Ticket validating machines are yellow. Tram Tram tickets can be purchased from machines in the trams. These machines only sell single tickets. Bus Bus tickets can be purchased from the bus driver. Tickets purchased on the bus are already validated. Ticket validator machines for tickets which have not yet been stamped are available on the bus near the entrance. Ferry With a BVG-ticket it is possible to travel on six ferry routes which are operated on commission for the BVG. Bicycles can be taken on all ferries.

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There are other numerous ticket options available. More information is provided at the BVG customer service centres: + Underground station Turmstrasse (Tiergarten), Berlin-Tiergarten, entrance from Alt- Moabit, Opening hours: Mon - Fri 6.30 a.m. - 11.00 p.m., Sat 9.00 a.m. - 3.30 p.m. + Zoo Pavillon, S+U-Bahn station Zoologischer Garten, Berlin-Charlottenburg, Hardenbergplatz, Opening hours: Mon - Sun 6.30 a.m. - 8.30 p.m.

BVG-website : www.bvg.de (English version available) VBB-website: www.vbbonline.de

Information can be found at every underground, urban railway station (S-Bahn), tram and bus stops. In the entrance area and on the platform the following is provided on the "BVG Service" information panel: + A Berlin city map with street directory + A complete route plan for Berlin + A diagram network for the underground and urban railway (S-Bahn) with a station directory + A list of all stations with details of the fare zones + The BVG night service network + Timetables + A map of the area around the underground station Special information: Information such as "current timetable changes" is displayed on the "BVG Service" information panel. Special display cases at the entrance of the underground stations contain additional information on short-term and temporary changes. Public transportation runs from approximately 4.00 a.m. to 0.30 a.m. on weekdays and is extended on weekends, some of the services even run all night. German Rail The railway system (DB-Deutsche Bahn) in Germany connects the major cities by Intercity Express (ICE) and Intercity (IC) trains. Regional trains operate in the smaller cities and towns. A number of different types of train tickets are available. Contact for information on individual trips: 24-hour information hotline Tel: 11861 (nationwide) Website: www.bahn.de (English version available) Taxi Taxis can be ordered by phone or hired at taxi ranks. Waiting time will also be charged. In case a taxi is needed early in the morning it is advisable to order it the evening before. Taxi-Funk Berlin GmbH Taxi-Ruf Taxi-Ruf GmbH ‘City-Funk’ Tel: 030-44 33 22 Tel: 030-21 01 01 Tel: 030-21 02 02

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Postal Services Stamps can be purchased at the post office, at vending machines outside the post office and often in newspaper stores. The public mail boxes are yellow. Most post offices open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., some smaller offices may close for lunch. Main post offices have extended opening hours. Below a list of the main post offices in Berlin: Post office Nürnberger Strasse Mon – Fri: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sat. 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Nürnberger Str. 8

10787 Berlin-Charlottenburg Post office at Tegel Airport Mon – Fri 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sat 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Flughafen Tegel 13405 Berlin-Reinickendorf Post office Friedrichshain Mon – Sat 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sund 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Koppenstr. 3 10243 Berlin-Friedrichshain

The Deutsche Post publishes its rates and restrictions in a booklet called ‘Service-Informationen’, which is available at all post offices. The same information in English is provided at the Deutsche Post’s website : www.deutschepost.de (English version available). Look for “prices and facts survey”.

Pets For information the Staatliches Veterinäramt (State Veterinary Office) can be contacted: Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung Thielallee 88-92 14195 Berlin Tel: 030-84 12 0 www.bfr.bund.de (also English version available) Bundesamt für Naturschutz Information about importing exotic animals Konstantinstr. 110 53179 Bonn Tel: 0228-84 91-0 www.bfn.de (English version available)

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Public Holidays Additional holidays that vary from state to state: Epiphany, January 6 Ascension (also German Father’s Day) Corpus Christi (11 days after Whit Sunday)

Heilige Drei Könige Christi Himmelfahrt Fronleichnam Reformationstag Allerheiligen

Reformation Day, October 31 All Saints’ Day, November 1

Social Life To become acquainted with life in Berlin as soon as possible, it is essential to take advantage of social and cultural opportunities. The city is in the process of establishing an expatriate community, offering orientation programs, welcome networks and lots of possibilities to socialise. To get first impressions of the city it is helpful to attend sightseeing or walking tours through Berlin. The "Discover Berlin" tour on foot in English starts daily from the taxi stand at the Zoo Station (call 030-301 9194 for up-to-date start times). The tour guide can be identified by the Original Berlin Walks badge. Tickets can be purchased from the guide 15 minutes before the tour starts or in advance from the EurAide office inside Zoo Station. The Original Berlin Walks c/o welcome berlin tours GmbH

Neue Bahnhofstraße 9-10 Berlin , 10245 Germany

Tel: 030 - 3 01 91 94 Fax: 30 - 44 33 93 39 www.berlinwalks.de (English version available) E-mail: office@berlinwalks.de

Numerous other walking-tours are offered throughout the week from different meeting points. It is advisable to contact the Tourist Information Centres (www.berlin-tourist-information.de) for further information: Europa-Center Monday to Saturday 8.30 a.m. to 8.30. p.m., Sunday 10.00 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. Budapester Str. 10789 Berlin

Tel: 030-88 67 55 50 Tourist Info Center Brandenburger Tor Opens daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pariser Platz 10117 Berlin Mitte Tel.: 030 - 25 00 25 Mail: information@visitberlin.de

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Clubs and Organizations American Women’s Club of Berlin (AWC) Postfach 410951 12119 Berlin

Tel: 030-79 70 65 23 Fax: 030-79 74 18 65 www.awcberlin.org Berlin International Women’s Club (BIWC) Marienstraße 19 / 20 10117 Berlin Telefon: +49 (30) 28 48 24 50 Fax: +49 (30) 28 48 24 59 www.biwc-berlin.de (English version available) E-mail: info@biwc.de Swedish Women’s Educational Assoc. Int. Berlin (SWEA) www.swea.org (Swedish version available) E-mail: berlin@swea.org John F. Kennedy Friendship Center e.V. Mon-Thu: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m . Von-Luck-Str. 24 D-14129 Berlin Tel.: +49 (0)30/818 40 00 Fax: +49 (0)30/8049 62 73 www.jfkfriendshipcenter.org (English version available)

Bookshops North American and British newspapers are available at shops and kiosks in the centre of Berlin, at the airport, in the Europa Center and from special bookshops: Saint George's English Bookshop (second-hand English bookstore) Woerther Str. 27 10405 Berlin Tel: 030 81 798 333 www.saintgeorgesbookshop.com E-mail: info@saintgeorgesbookshop.com Another Country (second-hand English bookstore and library) Riemannstraße 7 10961 Berlin http://www.anothercountry.de info@anothercountry.de Englich Bookshop (Kulturkaufhaus Dussmann) Friedrichstraße 90 10117 Berlin

Tel.: (030) 2025 1111 Fax: (030) 2025 2445 E-mail: http://kulturkaufhaus.shop-asp.de

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Hugendubel Wide selection of English-language literature

Tel: 01081-484 484 www.hugendubel.de + Friedrichstr. 83

10117 Berlin-Mitte + Tauentzienstr. 13 10789 Berlin + Wilmersdorfer Str. 121 10627 Berlin + Alte Potsdamer Str. 7 10785 Berlin + Karl-Marx-Str. 66 12043 Berlin-Neukölln + Schlossstr. 110 12163 Berlin-Steglitz

Entertainment There are plenty of interesting places to discover Berlin’s nightlife – an entertaining cultural landscape with superior opera houses, various theatres, musical performances of any style, famous modern ballet companies, cinemas and also, English-language film, theatre and literature features. Below is a brief selection for a first impression: Operas houses and concert halls Deutsche Oper Berlin Classical music and ballet, performed by stars from all over the world Bismarckstr. 35 10627 Berlin Tel: 030-3 43 84 01 www.deutscheoperberlin.de (English version available) E-mail: info@deutscheoperberlin.de Komische Oper Berlin A rich repertoire of theatre, classical concerts and dance performances Behrenstr. 55-57 10117 Berlin Tel: 030-20 26 00 Fax: 030-20 26 04 05 www.komische-oper-berlin.de (English version available) E-mail: info@komische-oper-berlin.de Konzerthaus Berlin Presents old and new classical music in a splendid Gendarmenmarkt 10117 Berlin Tel: 030-20 30 90 www.konzerthaus.de (English version available) E-mail: info@konzerthaus.de

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Staatsoper Unter den Linden State Opera, house with long tradition Unter den Linden 7 10117 Berlin Tel: 030-20 35 40 www.staatsoper-berlin.org (English version available) E-mail: tickets@staatsoper-berlin.de Berliner Philharmoniker one of the best orchestras in the world Herbert von Karajan Str. 1 10785 Berlin-Tiergarten Tel: 030-25 48 80 www.berliner-philharmoniker.de (English version available) Theatres Theater des Westens musical theatre Kantstr. 12 10623 Berlin-Charlottenburg Tel: 01805 / 44 44 www.theater-des-westens.de

Schaubühne am Lehniner Platz Famous play and dance theatre Kurfürstendamm 153 10709 Berlin Tel: 030-89 00 20

Fax: 030-89 00 2190 www.schaubuehne.de E-mail: ticket@schaubuehne.de Berliner Ensemble Theater am Schiffbauerdamm Bertolt-Brecht-Platz 1 10117 Berlin Tel.: 030-28 40 80 Fax: 030-28 40 81 51 www.berliner-ensemble.de E-mail: theaterkasse@berliner-ensemble.de

Maxim Gorki Theater shows classical plays Am Festungsgraben 2 10117 Berlin Tel: 030-20 22 10 www.gorki.de

E-mail: ticket@gorki.de Renaissance Theater Knesebeckstr. 100 10623 Berlin-Charlottenburg Tel: 030-3 12 42 02

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Cinemas Many films are screened in their original language and with original soundtrack. The abbreviation OV after the title refers to original version and OmU (original version with subtitles). Generally, there are two kinds of cinemas: small art house theatres ( Programmkinos ) which show mainly non- mainstream and cult-films and the larger and more luxurious cinemas with commercial programs. Below please find a small selection of cinemas in Berlin: Cinemaxx Enormous theatre-complex with 19 screens Potsdamer Str. 5 10785 Berlin Tel: 01805-24 63 62 99 http://www.cinemaxx.de/programm/info.asp?Center=D107 Arsenal High-quality films outside mainstream Potsdamer Str. 2 10785 Berlin Tel: 030-26 95 51 00 Email: mail@arsenal-berlin.de www.arsenal-berlin.de/arsenal (English version available) Filmtheater in den Hackeschen Höfen Show some films in original version

Hackesche Höfe, Hof 1 Rosenthaler Str. 40-41

10178 Berlin-Mitte Tel: 030-2 83 46 03 E-mail: info@hoefekino.de www.hoefekino.de Yorck-Kinos Show some films in original version Rankestraße 31 10789 Berlin www.yorck.de

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Useful Local Magazines for more Information There is a huge variety in Berlin’s restaurant, café and bar scene. Every taste is cared for. Due to the numerous places and quick changes in this field we would like to refer to local magazines or special Going-Out-Guides, which can be obtained in every newspaper or book shop. + Berlin – The Magazin – published quarterly, 3-month diary provides info on art, music, theatres, festivals, exhibitions, sports events etc. www.berlinmagazin.com + Prinz – ‘off the beaten track’ life and entertainment information http://berlin.prinz.de + TIP – published every two weeks, comprehensive information about entertainment www.tip-berlin.de Sports, Clubs and Recreation Berlin’s location with its lakes and forest areas is ideal for various sports throughout the whole year. 40% of Berlin’s municipal area consists of forest and green areas. The waterways through Berlin total 197 kilometres. Like most cities in Germany, Berlin offers a selection of organised sports and clubs. The best way to look for a club is to contact one of Berlin’s Sports Associations (Turnerbund). They will provide information about the indoor and outdoor pools as well as the sports clubs in their area. The ‘Gelbe Seiten’ (www.gelbeseiten.de), the local classified directory provides most of the addresses of private fitness clubs. Berliner Turnerbund, Verband für Turnen, Gymnastik and Freizeitsport Association for Gymnastics and Leisure Sports Vorarlberger Damm 39 12157 Berlin

Tel: 030-7 87 94 50 Fax: 030-78 79 45 20 www.berlinerturnerbund.de E-mail: info@berlinerturnerbund.de

Senatsverwaltung für Bildung, Jugend und Wissenschaft Senate Administration Office for Education, Youth and Science Referat für Tageseinrichtungen und Tagespflege Bernhard-Weiß-Str. 6 10178 Berlin-Mitte Tel: 030 90227 5050 www.berlin.de/sen/bjw Berliner Bäder-Betriebe, Anstalt des öffentlichen Rechts Berlin association for public swimming pools Sachsendamm 2-4 10829 Berlin Tel: 030-78 73 25 Hotline: 01803-10 20 20 www.berlinerbaederbetriebe.de

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Berlin City Guide

Prinzenbad – Sommerbad Kreuzberg Family swimming pool, good for swimming laps, with two fifty-meter pools Prinzenstr. 113-119 10969 Berlin-Kreuzberg Tel: 030- 616 10 80 Bad am Spreewaldplatz Designer swimming pool with artificial waves and a whirlpool Wiener Str. 59h 10999 Berlin-Kreuzberg Tel: 030- 69 53 52 10 American Football Verband Berlin/Brandenburg e.V.

Ehrlichstr. 6 10318 Berlin Tel: 030-50 96 86 91 www.afvberlin.de

International Tennis-Club Berlin e.V. Kurt-Schumacher-Damm 160d 13405 Berlin

Tel: 030-41704631 Fax: 030-41704632 www.itc-berlin.com/index.html

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Berlin City Guide

Recreation Areas (Nature, Lakes and Parks) Botanischer Garten

A beautiful botanical garden with a wide range of different species, a large tropical house and a water and marsh-plant biotope. The large complex offers plenty of wide-open space for recreation. Königin-Luise-Str. 6-8 14191 Berlin Tel: 030-83 50-100 www.botanischer-garten-berlin.de (English version available) Erholungspark Marzahn Recreation Park with environmental didactic excursions, dogs and bicycles are not allowed. Eisenacher Str. 99 12685 Berlin-Marzahn Tel: 030-54 69 80 www.erholungspark-marzahn.de Strand am Müggelsee Leisure activities and clean water, all amid beautiful surroundings, open daily. Fürstenwalder Damm 838

12589 Berlin-Köpenick Strand am Wannsee Sun and sand, like being on holiday opens daily Wannseebadweg 25 14129 Berlin-Zehlendorf

Alcohol and Smoking You have to be over the age of 16 to be allowed to purchase alcohol and over the age of 18 to purchase high-percentage drinks. Smoking is allowed from the age of 18. Smoking is not allowed in restaurants, pubs, bars etc. In some locations there might be separated smoking areas. In public buildings or areas, smoking is often not allowed. Please watch out for special smoking signs. There may be other regulations for other areas in Germany. Tipping In Germany, a tip is already included in the invoice. Nevertheless, giving a tip is common and expected. Usually, approx. 10% of the invoice amount is given, even after only purchasing a drink.

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Berlin City Guide

Museums Berlin meets every interest in arts – there are over 160 museums and numerous private art galleries. A number of Berlin’s museums and galleries are undergoing renovation, therefore it is advisable to check with the Tourist information for up-to-date information. Many museums are closed on Mondays. Below is a selection: Museumsinsel - Museum Island Berlin's world-famous Museum Island lies between the River Spree and Kupfergraben. The buildings on the island accommodate the archaeological collections and art of the 19 th century: + Altes Museum – Collection of Classical Antiquities + Pergamon Museum – Collection of Classical Antiquities + Alte Nationalgalerie – Old National Gallery + Museum für Spätantike and Byzantinische Kunst – Museum of Late Antique and Byzantine Art + Münzkabinett – Numismatic Collection + Skulpturensammlung – Collection of Sculptures + Museum für Islamische Kunst – Museum of Islamic Art

+ Vorderasiatisches Museum – Museum of Ancient Near Eastern Art + Deutsches Historisches Museum – German Historical Museum

Stauffenbergstr. 41 10785 Berlin Tel: 030-2 66 29 87 www.smb.museum (English version available) Berlin-Dahlem - Museums in Dahlem

The museum complex in Dahlem unites collections of European and non-European art literally "under one roof". These collections, which have developed over the centuries, combine to form the world's largest, richest and most balanced complex of this kind: + Museum für Indische Kunst – Museum of Indian Art + Museum für Ostasiatische Kunst – Museum of East Asian Art + Museum für Völkerkunde – Museum of Ethnology (Children's Museum and Museum for the Blind) + Museum Europäischer Kulturen – Museum for European Cultures

Lansstraße 8 14195 Berlin Tel: 030 - 266 42 42 42 www.smb.museum (English version available)

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Berlin City Guide

Berlin-Tiergarten – Kulturforum The first of the new buildings of the Kulturforum , the Museum of Applied Art, opened in 1985. The whole project, which embraces four museums, was completed in 1998 when the Picture Gallery ( Gemäldegalerie ) opened. The Kulturforum also includes the + Kunstgewerbemuseum , one of the widest collections in the world of sacred and secular arts and crafts from medieval times till today + Art Library (Kunstbibliothek) + Museum of Prints and Drawings (Kupferstichkabinett) + two Philharmonic concert halls (Philharmonie Berlin) + State Library (Staatsbibliothek) + State Institute of Musicology (Musikinstitut Berlin) together with the Museum of Musical Instruments Matthäikirchplatz 8 10785 Berlin Tel: 030-2 66 20 02 www.smb.museum (English version available) Hamburger Bahnhof Museum of Contemporary Art with pieces by Warhol, Cy Twombly, Tinguely, Kiefer and Merz, easily reached by public transport from the Kulturforum . Invalidenstr. 50-51 10557 Berlin - Tiergarten Tel: 030-39 78 34 12 www.hamburgerbahnhof.de E-mail: hbf@smb.spk-berlin.de Neue Nationalgalerie - New National Gallery The New National Gallery, the "temple of light and glass", built by Mies van der Rohe, is the home of 20th century European paintings and sculptures ranging from classic modern art to contemporary art. The collection includes works by Munch, Kirchner, Picasso, Klee, Feininger, Dix and Kokoschka, but also Richter, Polke and other contemporary painters. Potsdamer Str. 50 10785 Berlin-Tiergarten Tel: 030-26 62 65 1 www.smb.museum (English version available) Berlin - Charlottenburg The collections are grouped in and around Charlottenburg Palace. The Egyptian Museum and the Berggruen Collection are located directly opposite in Schlossstr. The Replica Workshop is also located nearby. + Ägyptisches Museum – Egyptian Museum + Museum für Fotografie – Museum of photography + Sammlung Berggrün – The Berggruen Collection "Picasso and his Time"

Schlossstr. 70 14059 Berlin-Charlottenburg Tel: 030-34 35 73 11 www.smb.museum (English version available)

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Berlin City Guide

Outside of Berlin Park of Sanssouci in Potsdam Huge grounds with numerous castles and palaces: + Schloss Sanssouci + Neues Palais + Schloss Charlottenhof Maulbeerallee Potsdam Tel: 0331-9 69 41 90 www.spsg.de (English version available) Schloss Babelsberg This Picturesque castle is the former summer residence of the German emperor Wilhelm I. Park Babelsberg 11 14482 Potsdam Tel: 0331-9 69 42 50 www.spsg.de (English version available) E-mail: generalverwaltung@spsg.de Filmpark Babelsberg A huge entertainment park with real film studios is open to the public to enjoy. August-Bebel-Straße 26-53 14482 Potsdam Eingang: Großbeerenstraße Tel. (0331) 721 27 50 www.filmpark.de (English version available) E-mail: info@filmpark.de Pfaueninsel The Pfaueninsel is a tiny island on a lake (Wannesee) in the south-west of Berlin. The island can only be reached by ferry. The castle Pfaueninsel is one of the most beautiful places of excursion in Berlin. The castle Pfaueninsel, ample gardens and some other beautiful buildings guarantee that a walk over the island is worthwhile. Pfaueninselchaussee

14109 Berlin-Zehlendorf Tel: 0331-80 58 68 30

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Berlin City Guide

Annual Events and Highlights Berlin's calendar is filled with social, sports and cultural events: from the annual Berlinale Film Festival to dance, theatre, opera performances and sport events. Please find below a few examples: + Internationale Luftfahrt Ausstellung (ILA) – International Aerospace Exhibition, takes place in spring every two years on the southern areas of Berlin Schönefeld Airport (www.ila-berlin.de English version available) + Karneval der Kulturen der Welt – Carneval of the Cultures, colourful parade and a street party of the "Cultures of the World" (www.karneval-berlin. de – English version available) + Classic Open Air – live classical music being presented open air in summer at Gendarmenmarkt (www.classicopenair.de) + Lange Nacht der Museen – Long Night of Museums, more than 40 museums are open on twice a year at least until midnight (www.lange-nacht-der-museen.de) + Berlin Marathon – this Marathon has become one of the most important marathons of the world (www.bmw-berlin-marathon.com – English version available) + Berlin's Christmas Fairs – Christmas Season starts in Berlin at the end of November, through December. Many Christmas fairs are inviting with the smell of "Glühwein", ginger bread and burned almonds - With its traditional and historic atmosphere, the nostalgic Christmas fair at the opera house "Unter den Linden” is unique in Berlin - The central location of the Christmas fair around the "Kaiser Wilhelm-Memorial-Church" invites visitors to continue shopping on the Kurfürstendamm. - Another Christmas fair is on Alexanderplatz with stage programs and merry-go-rounds - A traditional Christmas atmosphere can be found at the Christmas fair in Spandau, which takes place in the whole Oldtown of Spandau. It is the largest Christmas fair in Europe + Berlin International Film Festival "Berlinale" – takes place on Marlene-Dietrich-Platz (next to Potsdam Square) where contributions from all over the world compete to gain the "Goldenen Bären" (www.berlinale.de – English version available)

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Berlin City Guide

Conversions Weight 1 pound (UK/US) = 0,45 kilogram (kg)

1 kilogram = 2.21 pound

1 kg = 1000 grams (g) 1 ounce = 28.35 grams

1000 g = 1 kg

1 gram = 0.035 ounce

Volume 1 quart/ 2 pints (US) = 0.95 liter 1 quart/ 2 pints (UK) = 1,14 liter 1 gallon (UK) = 4.55 liter 1 gallon (US, liquid) = 3.8 liter 1 ounce (UK, liquid) = 0.03 liter 1 ounce (US, liquid) = 0.03 liter Length 1 mile = 1.61 kilometer (km)

1 liter = 1.06 quart (US) 1 liter = 0.88 quart (UK) 1 liter = 0.22 gallon (UK)

1 liter = 0.26 gallon (US, liquid) 1 liter = 35.2 ounce (UK, liquid) 1 liter = 33.8 ounce (US, liquid)

1 km = 0.62 mile 1 meter = 1.1 yard 1 cm = 0.4 inch 1 cm = 0.03 feet

1 yard = 0.9 meter

1 inch = 2.54 centimeter (cm)

1 foot = 30.48 cm

Temperature -10 degree Celsius (°C) = 14 degree Fahrenheit (°F) -10 °F = -23.33 °C 0 °C = 32 °F 20 °F = -6.67 °C 10 °C = 50 °F 50 °F = 10 °C 20 °C = 68 °F 80 °F = 26.67 °C 30 °C = 86 °F 100 °F = 37.78 °C For a direct converter please visit: www.onlineconversion.com (English version).

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