Berlin advice

cheers espresso head

if anyone knows of C++/programming jobs going in Berlin

In Germany, most of the larger software development projects are realized in the southern part of the country. At least the more interesting projects. C/C++ projects are a problematic field in the last years. Java has become quite popular, although many of those Java-based projects never come to an end. But the customers believe the hype around that Java world and persistently ignore the problems. There is a trend to "over-specification", building absurdly complex object models and adding too many nonsense features, resulting in exploding implementation costs, malfunctioning software and frustration.

At the moment, it's almost impossible to find C/C++ projects without having additional qualifications in some application fields (e. g. finance sector, aviation technology, automotive, train control systems). Nobody seems to have needs for "generic", system-near development. Short-running projects are frequently realized together with students who are cheap for their contractors, cutting the prices for professional development services.

If you want to work in Germany as an English-speaking C++ developer, you might want to try to find a project in the Frankfurt/Main area. There are quite a few international companies doing software development in the Rhein-Main area. Probably a better place for you than Berlin.

I just got back from a weekend in Berlin. one of the best trips away I've had. The city has so many interesting things to see.
If you're into modern history there are about 10 war memorials/cemeteries. We saw the Soviet memorial (just follow the big road away from Brandenburg Gate and it's on the left), and also the Commonwealth cemetery (a bit harder to find, train to Heerstrasse, out of station and go left along Heerstrasse) It's actually closer to another station that I can't remember the name of, one stop after the Olympic Staduim.
The Olympic Staduim is worth seeing, easy to get to on the train and 4 euros to get in and have a wander around. I wasn't expecting much but was pleasantly suprised.
We found a Jewish cemetery whilst getting lost, but didn't go in as we didnt have anything to cover our heads with. There were also small plaques set into the pavement listing Jews that had been deported to concentration camps, on the same road.
There are loads of reminders of the war dotted around. Buildings still bearing bullet holes, memorials etc.

We also did the standard tourist stuff (Reichstag, Checkpoint Charlie), most of it is worth seeing but as with any tourist area, there is a lot of crap souvenir shops etc. to steer clear of.

I wasn't with "bike people" so didn't cycle around at all but there are loads of people who do. The roads are all nice and wide, many with cycle lanes on pavements and road. Also saw plenty of places to hire bikes, and a couple of bike tours. Only saw about 5 fixed gear bikes though. Most people seemed to have old single speed/hub gear shopper bikes.
One thing that I thought was really odd. People just stick a lock through the frame and a wheel and lean the bike against a tree/wall/whatever. I saw loads locked like this, bike theft is obviously not a big problem in Berlin.

We were turned away from Berghain which is probably a good thing having now read some descriptions of it. Not slating it, but the people I was with wouldn't have felt comfortable in that sort of place. Ended up in Watergate, and had a really good night.

i'm guessing you missed this soviet memorial, in treptower park. one of my favourite places in berlin. it's pretty stunning.

Yeah we only saw the one on Strasse des 17 Juni. That looks very impressive, teddy.

I've only been back one day and I have had a couple of people saying "did you see..." to things I didn't see. We packed a lot into the 3 days we were there, so don't feel too bad about missing some of it but would definately go back.

I forgot to mention previously that the trains (over- and under-ground) are very easy to use, are never late, and connect seamlessly. 20 Euros for a 72 hour pass, great value. Additionally, you can take bikes on both types of train. Lots of steps though...

Field Station Teufelsberg is well worth a look

Like Teddy says, that memorial in Treptower park is stunning. Went there late afternoon one day, one of the most peaceful (but also somehow relaxed) places I've ever been.

shittt.

Moving out on Jan 11th indefinitely. Have sorted a flat in K'berg for first 2 months.

Ehren is on my hit list- Ehren, i'm bringing Beni with me for the first month, he got those wheels off you like 9 months ago...

-who else is living there? At the moment am bringing my beater, and a geared bike for training rides- but if anyone is into XC - maybe i'll bring the Klein instead..

Do i need to put a brake on my beater? are the cops still confiscating bikes?

long shot - yes, anyone been rock climbing in Berlin?

look forward to it.

berlin's surrounded by good mountain biking. bring your klein.

Do i need to put a brake on my beater? are the cops still confiscating bikes?

You should have two independently working brakes. The fixed gear is still not a really "legal" brake, but fixed gear riders with an additional front brake usually don't get in trouble.

It seems that with "brakeless" fixed gear bikes the actual policy is that they are not confiscated at the first time, but they are registered. If you're stopped for a second time and still don't have an additional brake, the bike is confiscated.

long shot - yes, anyone been rock climbing in Berlin?

Which rocks? Berlin is flat...

berlin's surrounded by good mountain biking. bring your klein.

Shit. I can only bring two bikes. clearly, the fixed beater for town. and i was going to take my road/touring bike for weekend rides etc. Now i can't decide... Teddy - are you in Berlin do you ride XC?

You should have two independently working brakes. The fixed gear is still not a really "legal" brake, but fixed gear riders with an additional front brake usually don't get in trouble.

It seems that with "brakeless" fixed gear bikes the actual policy is that they are not confiscated at the first time, but they are registered. If you're stopped for a second time and still don't have an additional brake, the bike is confiscated.

Which rocks? Berlin is flat...

Hmm . i think i'll fit some form of front brake... thanks. I had a run in with Berlin police once before, casually rolled through a red light on my phone at 11am after Panorama... they didn't like it. or my face.

and... Rock climbing, indoor rock climbing...

JeanMi, gimme a shout when you're there.

Dunno, I have a feeling this confiscating was a bit of a publicity stunt and by the time I moved there (September) it seemed to have calmed down. On the other hand I had a front brake so who knows.

My bike (fixed with front brake) got a look over from the Police but they let me go but then I did tell them I was just visiting and my German was poor enough for them to believe me...

Thanks Ehren, Thanks Gustav... probably won't bother... can't see me riding hard and fast in Berlin...

Crikey. more questions, more concerns... not very Bike related...

Do i, should i, register as Freelance in Germany??
Do you think i need to carry on paying british car tax? do i need to pay a german car tax?
Is it easy to switch over to German insurance after my 90 Days european runs out?
Which phone provider should i go for?
Is there anything i need to do if i plan to stay for quite some time? thinking 9 months to a year... unless i love or loath it...

Is there somewhere i can go to get unoffical advise on the above? because sure, by the book, i should do all of the above, but i don't mind falling off the radar for a bit...

Thanks for your helps all, and Ehren, i'll hit you up when i arrive.

Is there somewhere i can go to get unoffical advise on the above? because sure, by the book, i should do all of the above, but i don't mind falling off the radar for a bit...

http://ukingermany.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/

Nice.

Do i, should i, register as Freelance in Germany??

Depends on the address you'll be using on your invoices.

If your primary address is still in the UK, and you write your invocies with that address, there is no need for a registration in Germany. At least not for the first time.

If you give up your UK address and your primary address is in Germany, you'll have to get a German tax number. Additionally, you'll probably have to register your business at the "Gewerbeamt". "Probably" means that German law differenciates between "gewerblich" and "freiberuflich". In most professions, you act "gewerblich", which means you need to register your business. However, for some professions, especially software development, lawyers etc., there is a special status of "freiberuflicher Tätigkeit". Somebody working "freiberuflich" has the advantage that one type of tax ("Gerwerbesteuer") won't have to be paid.

To determine whether you need to register your profession as "gewerblich" depends on your exact kind of business. Doing "only" software development is "freiberuflich", but working as a web designer, assembling and selling computers etc. is "gewerblich"...

"Gewerbeanmeldung" (registration of a self-employed business) costs a one-time fee of 26 Euro.

Do you think i need to carry on paying british car tax? do i need to pay a german car tax?

You bring your car here to Germany?

Which phone provider should i go for?

Simple advice: look for a cheap one. For a stationary, line based phone, there are combined offers for telephony and DSL in the price range of 25-30 Euro per month. Including a flat rate for telephony to other stationary phones, but not to the mobile numbers. For a mobile telephone, you may chose between the "prepaid" and the "contract" model. A mobile phone user with an average activity and a "good" tariffing model normally pays 20-25 Euro per month for mobile telephony. Just check the offers and calculate.

Is there anything i need to do if i plan to stay for quite some time? thinking 9 months to a year... unless i love or loath it...

You'll have to register at the "Einwohnermeldeamt" within one week. Ask your homelord here where you have to go to, they'll know. No costs.

Also, if you're leaving, you'll have to "unregister". Again no costs.

Is there somewhere i can go to get unoffical advise on the above?

Well, try to get in contact with other people who also moved to Germany. They'll probably know better what to consider than a native German. For me, all that bureocratic stuff is just "normal". However, if you have questions, just send mail.

Berghain club

Can anyone recommend a cheap & cheerful hotel within a sensible distance of the centre? I'd like to visit Berlin for 2 or 3 days in March, but will be going on my own, so would rather not do the shared room hostel thing. Circus (mentioned earlier in the thread) don't have any availability...

edit - probably not taking a bike, unless the train is much cheaper than flying.

I stayed at this one: http://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-5058-etap-hotel-etap-hotel-berlin-potsdamer-plat/index.shtml

Not a bad location, close to the underground, so easy to get everywhere. We did have 3 people sharing a room, which bought the price per person down a fair bit.

anyone in berlin know where i might hire/borrow a fixed wheel bike for a week in Feb?

I doubt, that there are places that hire fixed gear bikes.

How tall are you and when do you need it? If you can provide a character reference (ie. someone from the forum I know says that you're cool) you can have mine.

i normally ride a 57 top tube... i'd be happy to pay you for your trouble.

i expect Murtle or BDW, BRM or RPM wouldn't mind admitting that I'm relatively honest & responsible.
basically anyone with a 3 letter username.

( braces self for inevitable )

Go to the Zoo. Berlin Zoo (well the Hippo enclosure)
Rocks!