Unexpected cancellation of hundreds of expat accommodation bookings in Berlin with no signs of a refund: we outline the suspected rental scam and what victims should do next.
Christmas Markets in Berlin: the main reason you moved to Germany
Christmas markets in Berlin officially open in late November: here are the most popular locations, the unexpected delights, their opening hours and – most importantly – what to eat and drink.
What can we expect from German bureaucracy in 2023?
We expect German bureaucracy to keep us on our toes in 2023. Can we expect the long-awaited citizenship reform to become a reality? Will medical matters finally go digital? Is cheap train travel really here to stay? Here’s what we anticipate from German red tape next year.
2023 Berlin public holidays (“Feiertagen”) and school vacations
What are the 2023 Berlin public holidays? If you work for a company in Berlin, you’re probably already planning your vacation for 2023… particularly if you have children in Berlin schools or Kitas, coordinating with colleagues can be a nightmare. This should help.
Six ways to win over German bureaucrats
It’s taken me years, but I’ve finally unlocked the secrets to winning over German bureaucrats, and I’m here to share six of them with you.
What it’s like to sign a German notary contract: tales from the interpreting booth
When I first found myself in a notary’s office, it was a shock. He was in full garb – robes, a gold and scarlet waistcoat, a traditional baroque wig with a ponytail. We were ushered silently into an enormous conference room with a chandelier – I felt a bit like I had landed on stage at the opera house and I’d forgotten my costume.
Down Under Berlin: Australian & New Zealand film festival is coming up!
Down Under Berlin has risen like a phoenix after a couple of years of setbacks thanks to the virus-that-shall-not-be-named. I personally am hanging out to see Nude Tuesday and some spectacular Aussie short films. I need an urgent hit of antipodean culture and humour.
The Complete Guide to Relocating to Germany as a Singer
For the second year in a row, I’ll be presenting a series of digital workshops as part of THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO RELOCATING TO GERMANY AS A SINGER, hosted by Opera Programs Berlin. This year, we’re diving in even deeper to topics like business and taxes.
What’s the KSK? Kathleen explains: all about the Künstlersozialkasse in Berlin
I was asked to speak at a Monthly Meet Up event on Tuesday evening hosted by Touring Artists e.V. as an expert on the Künstlersozialkasse (artists’ social security). With a bit of humour and a whole bunch of crazy anecdotes, we dived into the application process in delightful detail.
Opening a blocked account (Sperrkonto) for the student visa
More bureaucracy for your student visa application? Sperr me! Katie Kruse from Red Tape Translation tells you how to make your rations last when you’re studying in Germany.
ANOHA Berlin – a wonderful children’s world (the year-long wait for tickets was worth it!)
When I first heard about ANOHA Berlin – the Jewish Museum’s brand new kids’ museum in Berlin – I jumped at the chance to take my daughters. A year later, I finally managed to snag us some tickets.
Energy-saving tips for families in Germany – from the experts at EnviroSustain
Winter is coming. And while we all hope that the Berlin winter doesn’t resemble an icy episode of Game of Thrones, we’d like to be prepared for anything. So we chatted to some experts to get their best energy saving tips for you to use…