About Berlin
Founded around 1200, Berlin bears the scars of a frequently disrupted past, particularly during the last hundred years. Since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the city has built itself a new image. It has become incontrovertible for its cultural scene, but is still characterised by its dynamism and modernity. The districts have been completely redesigned and offer both inhabitants and visitors a wide range of activities and entertainment: original museums, theatre and musical performances without equal and stunning galleries, but fashionable shops, bars and discos also form an integral part of the décor. Going to Berlin to learn German is therefore opting for a vibrant, modern atmosphere. And after partying, you can relax… in the numerous parks of the city-centre.
Berlin is the capital of Germany and is sometimes referred to as the Heart of Europe. It is located in the centre of the European Community and it is the largest city in Germany with approximately 3.4 million inhabitants. Berlin has had different experiences over the years as a result of its complex history. It was founded in the thirteenth century and has had an eventful history ever since. It has experienced numerous radical transformations that have changed the city’s appearance over the years. Even though Berlin has experienced bright and dark periods, it constantly reinvented itself and now the once divided city, is doing well and is one of the liveliest cities in the world.
Berlin has looked upon itself as a city of culture and knowledge since the eighteenth century. Developments in culture and politics during the nineteenth and twentieth century are evident in the cityscape of Berlin. Berlin over the years has developed into a competitive business site. The city’s strong and qualified workforce, excellent infrastructure, admirable universities, colleges and research institutions are some of the major reasons that encourage companies to establish themselves in Berlin. The high quality of life and availability of properties, recreation areas, natural environment and cultural diversity make Berlin an important location. In recent years, Berlin has become one of the most visited cities in Europe with the number of tourists rising higher every year. Berlin’s liberal lifestyle, assortment of restaurants, clubs and shopping centres, and rich culture attract more and more people to the city.
Berlin with its colourful history has a lot of sights and sounds to offer to its residents and tourists. Museums showcase pieces of ancient civilization and the city’s own culture. Berlin’s Museum Island is a UNESCO Heritage Site and is the location of internationally renowned museums such as the Old Museum, the New Museum, the Old National Gallery, the Pergamon Museum and the Bode Museum. Exhibits of archaeological artefacts from Egypt, Greece, Rome and the Byzantine Empire, Prussian antiques, the Ishtar gate of Babylon, sculptures and paintings are some of the precious items found in these museums. Landmarks and monuments found all over the city also reveal the past and present culture of Berlin.
Even though Berlin has a vast urban cityscape, it also has natural areas which include gardens and parks. The Tiergarten is Berlin’s largest park and is the popular choice among the Berliners. It is a favourite spot for joggers and walkers and it houses not only flowers and trees but also the Berlin Zoo with about thirteen thousand animals; the Victory Column with the golden Goddess of Victory on top of a granite column; the Bellevue Palace which is the official Berlin residence of the German President; and the House of World Cultures which is the home of multi-cultural events and exhibitions. The Tiergarten is also known as the venue of the Berlin Love Parade, the world-renowned event that promotes music, free love and tolerance. Learn German and try to understand the good music that is played on the Love Parade.
Berlin might have had a disrupted past but time and again it reinvented itself proving that it is indeed a city of culture, resilience, tolerance and progress. Visit Berlin and feel the beat of the heart of Europe!
