The first 'Berlin Locals Series' interview with a mother of one, living in the Wedding district of Berlin.
Which Kiez or neighbourhood of Berlin do you & your family live in?
Wedding
How long have you been living there?
8 months
What do you like most about your neighbourhood?
It’s incredibly culturally diverse, which I think is very important for our daughter to experience, but also great because on our block alone we have Russian, African, Turkish, Asian, Mexican and Indian restaurants and shops.
Are there any aspects you don’t like about your neighbourhood?
Wikipedia says our neighborhood is the poorest in Berlin. Whether or not that’s true, I think it creates unnecessary fear and incorrect assumptions about the neighborhood.
Where do you most like to go in your neighbourhood during the Spring / Summer months with your child?
We are just starting to get out in the spring, but were out during the winter on long walks, as well. The park at the corner of Genter and Utrechter Str has just been redone, so we’re excited to get in there, but we also have Schiller Park and Rehberge within easy walking distance.
Where do you most like to go in your neighbourhood during the Autumn / Winter months with your child?
We still really like both parks even in the winter, and when it’s snow-covered, Schiller Park is especially beautiful (I have pictures of this if you’d like them). We also like to go to TassenKuchen on Malplaquetstr is a great indoor place for cakes and coffee when it’s too cold out. It’s not a Kindercafe, but there are puzzles and toys for kids.
Are you aware of many other international families living in your neighbourhood?
Yes, because of our Kita search, we’ve found out about quite a few other international families. We also go to the Familien Zentrum for Eltern-Kinder German lessons, so we’ve met quite a few international moms and their kids there.
Do you think your neighbourhood is suitable for families who can’t yet speak German?
If you take the time to search out what you need, then I think you can get by with limited German as much as anywhere else in Berlin. There are a lot of Turkish speakers in the neighborhood, as well, so it seems as though many people in stores speak German, Turkish and English.
Is it easy to get around your neighbourhood with public transport or is having a car more vital where you live?
Public transpiration in our neighborhood is the best! Between the trams and train lines, it’s so easy to get anywhere.
What is the quality of playgrounds in your neighbourhood and do you have a favourite?
The playgrounds are a little more sparse than I’ve seen elsewhere. There may just be a few pieces of equipment, or you have to walk quite a bit further to get to a bigger playground.
Did you find it easy to attain a suitable childcare spot in your neighbourhood? We visited three Tagesmutters before we signed with the last one, and we got on waiting lists for 3 Kitas, so there are definitely plenty of options.
Are there any bilingual schools / kitas in your vicinity?
I don’t know about schools yet, but two of the Tagesmutters did not speak a word of English. Everyone else was able to communicate in English, without being classified as bilingual.
Do you have a favourite child-friendly restaurant or cafe nearby?
TassenKuchen is great for brunch, coffee and cakes. Valle dei Templi is our favorite for dinner with our daughter.
Please describe your neighbourhood in five words / adjectives
International, relaxed, artistic, up-and-coming, convenient
Do you have any tips for a family considering a move to your neighbourhood? Talk to English speakers already living in the area. It can be a bit of culture shock at first, but once you have your bearings and can pick out the things you like, the neighborhood can you provide you with everything you need.
Wedding
How long have you been living there?
8 months
What do you like most about your neighbourhood?
It’s incredibly culturally diverse, which I think is very important for our daughter to experience, but also great because on our block alone we have Russian, African, Turkish, Asian, Mexican and Indian restaurants and shops.
Are there any aspects you don’t like about your neighbourhood?
Wikipedia says our neighborhood is the poorest in Berlin. Whether or not that’s true, I think it creates unnecessary fear and incorrect assumptions about the neighborhood.
Where do you most like to go in your neighbourhood during the Spring / Summer months with your child?
We are just starting to get out in the spring, but were out during the winter on long walks, as well. The park at the corner of Genter and Utrechter Str has just been redone, so we’re excited to get in there, but we also have Schiller Park and Rehberge within easy walking distance.
Where do you most like to go in your neighbourhood during the Autumn / Winter months with your child?
We still really like both parks even in the winter, and when it’s snow-covered, Schiller Park is especially beautiful (I have pictures of this if you’d like them). We also like to go to TassenKuchen on Malplaquetstr is a great indoor place for cakes and coffee when it’s too cold out. It’s not a Kindercafe, but there are puzzles and toys for kids.
Are you aware of many other international families living in your neighbourhood?
Yes, because of our Kita search, we’ve found out about quite a few other international families. We also go to the Familien Zentrum for Eltern-Kinder German lessons, so we’ve met quite a few international moms and their kids there.
Do you think your neighbourhood is suitable for families who can’t yet speak German?
If you take the time to search out what you need, then I think you can get by with limited German as much as anywhere else in Berlin. There are a lot of Turkish speakers in the neighborhood, as well, so it seems as though many people in stores speak German, Turkish and English.
Is it easy to get around your neighbourhood with public transport or is having a car more vital where you live?
Public transpiration in our neighborhood is the best! Between the trams and train lines, it’s so easy to get anywhere.
What is the quality of playgrounds in your neighbourhood and do you have a favourite?
The playgrounds are a little more sparse than I’ve seen elsewhere. There may just be a few pieces of equipment, or you have to walk quite a bit further to get to a bigger playground.
Did you find it easy to attain a suitable childcare spot in your neighbourhood? We visited three Tagesmutters before we signed with the last one, and we got on waiting lists for 3 Kitas, so there are definitely plenty of options.
Are there any bilingual schools / kitas in your vicinity?
I don’t know about schools yet, but two of the Tagesmutters did not speak a word of English. Everyone else was able to communicate in English, without being classified as bilingual.
Do you have a favourite child-friendly restaurant or cafe nearby?
TassenKuchen is great for brunch, coffee and cakes. Valle dei Templi is our favorite for dinner with our daughter.
Please describe your neighbourhood in five words / adjectives
International, relaxed, artistic, up-and-coming, convenient
Do you have any tips for a family considering a move to your neighbourhood? Talk to English speakers already living in the area. It can be a bit of culture shock at first, but once you have your bearings and can pick out the things you like, the neighborhood can you provide you with everything you need.
Thanks for reading. If you would like to participate in
the Berlin Locals Series, get in touch
the Berlin Locals Series, get in touch
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