Berlin, Germany, Zip Code: 10365
If you’d told me a few years ago that I’d be living and working in Berlin, I would’ve laughed. Not because I didn’t want to — it just wasn’t on the radar. Like most people in India’s tech scene, I had my sights set on the usual suspects: the US, maybe the UK. But then this opportunity came up with a startup in Berlin, and something about it just felt right. So I packed my bags, said goodbye to Gurgaon, and landed in Germany without really knowing what to expect.
And let me tell you — nothing prepares you for Berlin. It’s not your typical European city. It has its share of history and charm, but it’s also gritty, creative, chaotic, and incredibly free-spirited. In a weird way, it reminded me of parts of India — unexpected and full of surprises.
First Impressions
The first few weeks were a mix of awe and awkwardness. I wasn’t used to the silence in public transport, or how everyone waited patiently at red lights even if there were no cars in sight. At work, things were super organized — emails were to the point, meetings rarely ran over time, and people actually took lunch breaks. No one was hustling just for the sake of it, and it felt refreshing.
But the best part? The diversity. Berlin is full of people from everywhere — Turkey, Italy, Ukraine, Brazil, and India too. I met more international folks in my first month here than I had in years back home. Everyone has a story, and everyone’s figuring it out, just like me. It made settling in a little less scary.
Exploring the City, One Currywurst at a Time
One of my favourite things to do here is just wander. Kreuzberg, with its edgy art and Turkish markets, has become my go-to spot on weekends. Then there’s the charm of Prenzlauer Berg — think cobblestone streets, indie bookstores, and brunch places that take their coffee very seriously. I’ve developed a soft spot for German comfort food too. Currywurst is a Berlin staple, but I’ve grown to love schnitzel and käsespätzle (think German mac and cheese). Also the bread — there are over 300 types, and I’m slowly making my way through them.
Currywurst
What’s cool is how deeply culture is woven into everyday life. People here love their traditions. Christmas markets are magical — twinkling lights, mulled wine, handmade crafts — and Oktoberfest, even outside Munich, is an experience. Sundays are still for rest, most shops shut, and everyone heads outdoors — to the lakes, forests, or just the park with a picnic blanket and some beer. It’s a slower, more intentional way of living that I’ve come to appreciate.
Why Everyone’s Coming to Germany
Germany’s been opening up quite a bit. With its strong economy and a real need for skilled workers, it’s becoming the go-to place for professionals from around the world. The Blue Card makes things easier, and cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg are seeing a steady stream of people — techies, creatives, students, even entire families looking to start fresh.
Berlin City Centre
Among Indians, Berlin is slowly becoming a favourite. It’s got that blend of opportunity and openness. You can build a career here without losing your identity, which, isn’t always the case in other countries.
Finding My Place
It hasn’t all been smooth. I miss the little things — my mom’s cooking, noisy street vendors, speaking Hindi without thinking. But I’ve found my own ways to stay connected. There’s a South Asian store nearby where I buy spices, and once in a while, I cook biryani for friends.
Berlin’s also taught me to slow down. On weekends, I cycle through the parks, hang by the river, or just sit at a café doing nothing. The city has this laid-back energy that rubs off on you. And when I feel like exploring, I hop on a train—Germany’s countryside is stunning. Lakes, castles, forests — it’s like stepping into a postcard.
Learning and Unlearning
Living here has changed me in ways I didn’t expect. I’ve become more independent, more curious. I’ve started appreciating things I used to take for granted — like personal space and quiet. And I’ve had to unlearn a lot too, especially around communication. Germans are direct. There’s no beating around the bush, no sugarcoating. At first, it felt blunt, but now I kind of love it. You always know where you stand.
Home Away from Home
Someone once told me, “Berlin doesn’t charm you instantly — it grows on you.” That couldn’t be more true. It’s a city that makes you work a little to fit in, but once you do, it embraces you in its own messy, beautiful way.
I came here for a job. What I found was something more—a new version of myself, a wider world, and a city that feels like home even on the coldest winter days. And that, I think, is the magic of Berlin.
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