Living in Berlin: Lessons from Susan's Four Years
After reading about Susan's transformative journey from Hungary to Berlin in her Spotlight, here's how she actually figured out building a meaningful life in Germany's capital—complete with the cultural learning curves, community discoveries, and hard-won wisdom that can help smooth your own path.
The Community Connection Breakthrough
Susan spent her first months in Berlin doing what most newcomers do: scrolling through endless Facebook groups and trying to decode which events were worth attending. The turning point came through an unexpected source.
What started as physical exercise became her gateway to genuine community. "Boulderklub holds a special place in my heart because it's where I met great friends and challenged myself, both physically and mentally. It represents growth, resilience, and community for me."
The lesson: Berlin's community landscape rewards authenticity over networking. Rather than joining every expat group, focus on activities that genuinely interest you—the connections that form around shared passions tend to be more meaningful and lasting.
Your action step: Research one activity-based group that aligns with your interests before you arrive, or within your first month in Berlin.
The Cultural Navigation Reality Check
Susan quickly discovered that German directness isn't rudeness—it's efficiency in action. But learning this took several awkward encounters first.
"One of my top skills became getting by and understanding a situation even when I understand only every third word," she explains. "If one wants to build a life abroad, make friends, and meet people, you have to be open to putting yourself out there—starting conversations, asking questions, and embracing the unknown."
This cultural adaptation went beyond language. She learned that Berlin's social currency revolves around knowing interesting places and having recommendations ready. "Somehow knowing cool spots and having recommendations has become a kind of social currency among people who live abroad. It's often a go-to conversation starter when meeting new people."
The lesson: Embrace imperfect communication with confidence. Berliners value authenticity over linguistic perfection, and showing genuine curiosity about their city opens doors that perfect German grammar alone cannot.
Your action step: Create a simple system for collecting and remembering local recommendations. Whether it's a notes app or asking new connections about their favourite spots.
The Professional Integration Discovery
Susan's journey from employee to coach happened gradually, but Berlin's diverse creative economy provided the perfect laboratory for professional reinvention.
"Supporting people from diverse backgrounds, helping them navigate challenges, and empowering them to find clarity became a true passion," she shares. The city's openness to alternative career paths allowed her to build a coaching practice that draws on her international experiences.
Her professional integration was supported by specific Berlin resources: "As a PCC-accredited coach through ICF, I've connected with both the German and Hungarian chapters. I've attended several workshops and lectures through them."
The lesson: Berlin rewards professional authenticity over traditional credentials. The city's entrepreneurial spirit makes it easier to build careers around your unique experiences rather than fitting into conventional roles.
Your action step: Identify one professional association or networking group in your field that has both local and international connections.
The Administrative Navigation Strategy
German bureaucracy became manageable once Susan developed the right support system. "I was also lucky to have a wonderful flatmate who helped me feel at home and frequently assisted with paperwork," she recalls. Having a Relocation Consultant through her employer initially helped speed up the registration process.
For ongoing questions, she turned to digital communities: "Reddit has helpful local forums like r/askberliners and r/germany where you can ask very specific questions."
The lesson: Administrative success in Berlin comes through personal connections and knowing where to ask specific questions. Generic advice doesn't help with your unique bureaucratic situation.
Your action step: Cultivate relationships with locals or established expats who can help decode specific administrative requirements for your situation.
The Sustainability Integration Evolution
One unexpected aspect of Susan's Berlin experience was how the city's environmental consciousness gradually influenced her lifestyle choices.
"One of the aspects of German culture that has deeply influenced me is the emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly living," she explains. "Coming from other places where this wasn't as ingrained, I've learned to be more mindful of my environmental impact, whether through recycling, reducing waste, or embracing a minimalist approach to consumption."
This shift connected to a broader change in values: "I appreciate the simplicity of being outdoors, the sense of freedom that comes with it, and the gratitude for 'less'—for moments rather than material things."
The lesson: Berlin's cultural values around sustainability and outdoor life can reshape your relationship with consumption and nature, often leading to a more intentional lifestyle.
Your action step: Explore one aspect of sustainable living that interests you, whether it's local markets, hiking groups, or zero-waste shops.
The Reality Check: What Susan Learned About Expectations
Susan expected to feel settled within a few months but found the adaptation process more nuanced than anticipated. "Berlin is transformative—it has the power to shape people's lives, for better or worse," she reflects.
Her perspective evolved from seeing the city as a playground to understanding it as "a base, a place where, once you learn the rules, life becomes easier and full of possibilities."
The integration timeline wasn't linear. "Over time, I started seeing the city from a different perspective. The initial excitement gave way to a deeper understanding of both its beauty and its challenges."
Her insight: Cultural adaptation isn't about reaching a finish line—it's about developing the confidence to navigate an evolving relationship with your new environment. Each phase brings different discoveries and challenges.
Remember: Each person's adaptation journey is unique. Some thrive on Berlin's intensity immediately, while others need time to find their rhythm. Trust your own pace and process.
The Wisdom Susan Shares Now
After four years in Berlin, Susan's advice reflects both optimism and realism: "Trust yourself and own your story. Moving abroad can be both exhilarating and challenging, but every step of the journey shapes you in ways you might not even realise yet."
Her most profound realisation: "There is no single definition of success, happiness, or even 'normal.' Living in multiple countries has shown me how deeply our upbringing shapes our perspectives, and how stepping outside of those familiar frameworks allows for growth."
Susan's promise to future Berlin residents: The city will challenge your assumptions about community, work, and lifestyle—and these challenges often lead to the most meaningful transformations.
Susan is an ICF-certified PCC coach who has transformed her cross-cultural experiences in Prague and Berlin into a passion for helping others navigate life's transitions. Connect with her on LinkedIn: Susan Kremer and follow her on LinkedIn:WMHA Coaching and Instagram: @wmha.coaching.
Read Susan's complete transformation story in her Woven Spotlight!
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