Here is our first Schöneberg 'Berlin Locals' interview with a mother who lives in the Akazien- / Winterfeldtkiez...
Which Kiez or neighbourhood of Berlin do you & your family live in?
Schöneberg (Akazienkiez/Winterfeldtkiez)
How long have you been living there?
3 years
What do you like most about your neighbourhood?
I feel 100 % at home here. We became parents here. Some of my best friends live here. I like that the area is so calm and laid back. No tourists (except some at the market on Winterfeldtplatz). It feels like home.
Are there any aspects you don’t like about your neighbourhood?
Well, the traffic at times,..I'm not going to get into that....because I could rant forever about how bad the traffic can be in general here in Berlin...
Where do you most like to go in your neighbourhood during the Spring / Summer months with the kids?
Kleistpark, since I live just opposite the park. Just being outdoors.
Where do you most like to go in your neighbourhood during the Autumn / Winter months with the kids?
Once again Kleistpark, the changing colours of the trees, chestnuts, snow in the winter.
Are you aware of many other international families living in your neighbourhood?
Yes, I see and hear them everyday on the street and at the playgrounds.
Do you think your neighbourhood is suitable for families who can’t yet speak German?
I guess so...I wouldn't know really, since I tried to speak german from the start with at least the germans. But since there are so many international families who live here, I guess you can get by without speaking german.
Is it easy to get around your neighbourhood with public transport or is having a car more vital where you live?
A car is by no means vital. Just the opposite. Public transport is great here, many U-Bahn lines and tons of busses.
What is the quality of playgrounds in your neighbourhood and do you have a favourite?
There are many playgrounds here, they are all quite small and would be mostly suitable for smaller kids. However the playground next to Winterfeldtplatz has a huge area for big kids where they can climb around. The relatively new playground in Kleistpark is also cool.
Did you find it easy to attain a suitable childcare spot in your neighbourhood?
It was super easy for us. We had appointments at three Kitas, applied at one and they called us 45 minutes after we left and offered us a spot.
Are there any bilingual schools / kitas in your vicinity?
For sure. No Danish ones locally as far as I know. But we decided on a german one for our daughter, so she can learn the german language, since we only speak Danish at home.
Do you have a favourite child-friendly restaurant or cafe nearby?
We used to go to Emma & Paul in Gleditschstrasse a lot, when our daughter was a baby. I find that most of the cafees and restaurants are accomodating to kids, as long as you are considerate and clean up after your child/children.
The coffee shop Mi Onda on Goltzstrasse has super nice coffee and the owner is super sweet towards kids and grown-ups ;-)
Can you describe your neighbourhood in five words / adjectives?
Laid back, great coffee, feels like home, children, lots of great food.
Do you have any tips for a family considering a move to your neighbourhood?
Check out the Kiezoase. They have lots of community activities, in different languages too. They can recommend babysitters and have fleamarkets etc.
Schöneberg (Akazienkiez/Winterfeldtkiez)
How long have you been living there?
3 years
What do you like most about your neighbourhood?
I feel 100 % at home here. We became parents here. Some of my best friends live here. I like that the area is so calm and laid back. No tourists (except some at the market on Winterfeldtplatz). It feels like home.
Are there any aspects you don’t like about your neighbourhood?
Well, the traffic at times,..I'm not going to get into that....because I could rant forever about how bad the traffic can be in general here in Berlin...
Where do you most like to go in your neighbourhood during the Spring / Summer months with the kids?
Kleistpark, since I live just opposite the park. Just being outdoors.
Where do you most like to go in your neighbourhood during the Autumn / Winter months with the kids?
Once again Kleistpark, the changing colours of the trees, chestnuts, snow in the winter.
Are you aware of many other international families living in your neighbourhood?
Yes, I see and hear them everyday on the street and at the playgrounds.
Do you think your neighbourhood is suitable for families who can’t yet speak German?
I guess so...I wouldn't know really, since I tried to speak german from the start with at least the germans. But since there are so many international families who live here, I guess you can get by without speaking german.
Is it easy to get around your neighbourhood with public transport or is having a car more vital where you live?
A car is by no means vital. Just the opposite. Public transport is great here, many U-Bahn lines and tons of busses.
What is the quality of playgrounds in your neighbourhood and do you have a favourite?
There are many playgrounds here, they are all quite small and would be mostly suitable for smaller kids. However the playground next to Winterfeldtplatz has a huge area for big kids where they can climb around. The relatively new playground in Kleistpark is also cool.
Did you find it easy to attain a suitable childcare spot in your neighbourhood?
It was super easy for us. We had appointments at three Kitas, applied at one and they called us 45 minutes after we left and offered us a spot.
Are there any bilingual schools / kitas in your vicinity?
For sure. No Danish ones locally as far as I know. But we decided on a german one for our daughter, so she can learn the german language, since we only speak Danish at home.
Do you have a favourite child-friendly restaurant or cafe nearby?
We used to go to Emma & Paul in Gleditschstrasse a lot, when our daughter was a baby. I find that most of the cafees and restaurants are accomodating to kids, as long as you are considerate and clean up after your child/children.
The coffee shop Mi Onda on Goltzstrasse has super nice coffee and the owner is super sweet towards kids and grown-ups ;-)
Can you describe your neighbourhood in five words / adjectives?
Laid back, great coffee, feels like home, children, lots of great food.
Do you have any tips for a family considering a move to your neighbourhood?
Check out the Kiezoase. They have lots of community activities, in different languages too. They can recommend babysitters and have fleamarkets etc.
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the Berlin Locals Series, get in touch
Regular tips and information is also shared on the Berlin for all the Family Facebook page
Sign up to the BFATF email newsletter to receive the latest posts
direct in your inbox here.
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