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German culture is deep into fitness and wellness of all kinds, so finding options for workouts in Berlin won’t be a problem. (A good thing, considering all the options there are for food in Berlin!) With everything from hula-hooping to spin classes to personal training programs, there’s something for everyone in this diverse city.

Popular Ways to Work Out in Berlin

Gyms

Gyms are a great way to work out in Berlin. They offer different types of workouts, including strength training, cardio, and group fitness classes. Whether you want top-of-the-line facilities or something more budget-friendly, there are plenty of options. If you’re thinking of joining a gym, many offer a free trial period, so you can see how you like the facilities.

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- McFIT

- FitX

- Fitness First

- Holmes Place

- Urban Sports Club

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What is a challenge are contracts. Typical gym contracts run for 24-months, and they can be a huge pain to break if you wind up moving to a different part of the city, or want to cancel because you don’t use it enough. Luckily, there are some great alternatives!

Fitness classes

Classpass

For those familiar with it, YES, it’s here! For those not familiar with, Classpass is a platform that lets you use a number of class and training providers for a flat fee every month. Classpass uses a credit system to make it super easy to work out in Berlin. Your flat fee covers a set number of credits, and classes vary in credit “cost” pending how popular the activity is. A spin class is typically 9-11 credits, yoga varies from 3-9. I highly recommend it, especially if you also want to meet some new people.

Urban Sports Club

Prior to Classpass, Berlin used Urban Sports Club. Urban Sports Club, or USC, is basically a competitor to Classpass, offering many of the same benefits. Their approach, however, is based on tiers, and priced accordingly. And unlike Classpass, USC also includes actual gyms, in case classes aren’t really your thing. It offers great flexibility, and, even though it was created in Germany, everything you need to know is in English.

Outdoor workouts

The capital is known for its green spaces, so you’ll find plenty of options to work out in Berlin outdoors. Beautiful running trails (paved and unpaved), calisthetic set-ups, and even full-on outdoor gyms offer everyone the chance to get fit in the sun (or snow!). Some popular outdoor workout spots in Berlin are:

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- Tiergarten Park

- Mauerpark

- Volkspark Friedrichshain

- Treptower Park

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And of course, don’t forget Tempelhoferfeld, the abandoned airport-turned-city-park. Here you can amp up your outdoor work out to include kite surfing, roller skating, rollerblading, cycling, and everything in between. Many long-distance runners use the former runways as an ideal track to practice their tempos—also for the Berlin marathon!

Yoga and Pilates studios

Berlin has a thriving yoga and Pilates scene, with many studios offering different styles of yoga and Pilates classes. Some popular studios include:

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- Jivamukti Yoga Berlin

- Spirit Yoga

- Yoga Sky Berlin

- Pilates Berlin

- Yoga School Berlin

Dance classes

Berlin is also known for its vibrant dance scene, with many dance studios offering classes in various styles, including hip hop, salsa, and tango. Some popular dance studios in Berlin include:

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- Flying Steps Academy

- Tanzschule Traumtänzer

- Salsa Company

- Danza y Movimiento

- Tanzschule Friedrichshain

Biking

An easy option for workouts in Berlin is biking. Berlin is an extremely bike-able city, with designated bike lanes through most of the city. The most challenging part is the cobblestones in the older part of the city—otherwise, cycling is a breeze. Purchase your own bicycle, or take advantage of one Berlin’s bike sharing programs.

Swimming

Berlin has numerous indoor and outdoor swimming pools, which are a popular way to work out and relax. Here are some of the most popular swimming pools in Berlin:

• Stadtbad Mitte
• Prinzenbad
• Schwimmhalle Fischerinsel
• Sommerbad Neukölln
• Olympiastadion Schwimmstadion
• Stadtbad Lichtenberg

Other ways to work out in Berlin

La La Sports

Into sports that are a little more unconventional? La La Sports was created by expats here in Berlin who wanted to stay fit but weren’t into the big trends. They’ve curated organizations that provide sweet alternatives to staying fit: activities like fencing, (high)diving, archery, canoeing, hula-hooping, or paddle board yoga. Many of the classes are free or low-cost, and it’s a great way to experiment with something new in your new city.

Adidas Runbase

Adidas is the king fitness brand in Germany, and they’ve put their mark on Berlin with a gorgeous run and training hub—Adidas Runbase—right on the Spree. It offers run clubs, trainers, physiotherapy, and different types of classes. When you’re done with your workout, grab a healthy meal or shake from their in-house restaurant.

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Overall, there are a ton of ways to work out in Berlin, catering to different interests and fitness levels. We hope you enjoy the exploration—and if you have your own recommendations, let us know in the comments!  🔵

Living abroad isn’t always easy—especially in a historically homogenous country like Germany. But it can be hard to find some real talk amongst all the dreamy imagery. Introducing What It’s Like, a new content series. Diverse perspectives sharing candid conversations about what it’s like to be ________ in Germany. 

What it’s like to be Brazilian in Germany

Meet Marcela, originally from Porto Alegre, Brazil. 🇧🇷 Currently living in Berlin, previously in Hamburg.

Tell us a bit about you.

I moved from Brazil to Germany in 2016. Back in Brazil, I lived in Porto Alegre, capital of the State of Rio Grande do Sul. I moved with my husband, who was, back then, a boyfriend.

In Porto Alegre I worked with digital media; for many years I worked in an advertising agency, but the last job I had before moving was in a music start up called Superplayer and I worked in the company’s commercial department. I have a degree in advertising.

Here in Berlin, I worked as a barista / shift leader in a coffee shop, totally different from what I did in Brazil. But now I am looking to change back to advertising and marketing, and using the resources from the government to help me make this career move.

Why Germany?

I never thought of living in Germany. It was not a choice—my husband and I like to say that Germany chose us, and not vice versa. I always had the dream of living outside my country. I was eligible for Italian citizenship, so that was one of the things that made us choose to live in Europe.

In the first year, we left Brazil and went to live in Hamburg, Germany. In those first months, I started the process of Italian citizenship, and by the time we completed 6 months in Germany, I already had my European passport. That made things a lot easier for us, because the bureaucracy here is really scary and a little complex. But with the passport things become simpler. I lived in both Hamburg and Berlin, over the course of almost 7 years in Germany.

Tell us about life in Germany.

The first year in Germany was very difficult and at the same time incredible. I remember everything being new to me, I had never set foot in Germany before, and I just came to live one day. I got here without speaking English or German, which made things difficult for me to understand and create bonds of friendship with foreign people.

Luckily, I'm good with people, and making friends has always been my forte, so, even though I didn’t speak the local language, I was able to communicate and have friends. But it was not easy back then, staying at home, not working, learning a new language (actually two!) that were totally different from mine, being away from family and friends, adapting to the new culture, the climate, the cold, the darkness... I think the first and second years were the heaviest for me.

After that, it got better, and I started to feel more belonging, like I was creating roots. And when I started my first job at the coffee shop, I felt that I really liked living abroad, having my space, and being part of the country. That was a year and a half ago. Before that, I worked as a babysitter, did some freelance work for Brazilian companies, but didn't have any serious jobs. This step of having my own “real” job was very important in my journey as an expat (or immigrant!), to feel like I am capable and can work doing whatever I want.

“I think the first and second years were the heaviest for me. After that, it got better, and I started to feel more belonging, like I was creating roots. ”

What has been hard for you, living in Germany?

I believe that the most difficult thing for me was not speaking the language, trying to communicate in English, and often not being replied to.

But second-most was all the bureaucracy! Lots of things I found to be so difficult and old, a lot of paper that could have been solved with an email. It’s a “first world” issue, but something that disappointed me... I feel that they live in the 80s sending faxes, letters, and papers for absolutely everything, it drives me crazy! 

What do you love about Germany—what makes you stay?

Germany for me is divided into two parts, Berlin, and the rest of Germany. Don't get me wrong, I really love this country. I have eternal respect and admiration, and I am very grateful for everything that I could grow so much here.

But Berlin is a world apart from the rest of Germany, and I love this city so much. This mixture of cultures, languages, people, this mess, street art, free people, music—Berlin is a city of the world, and it makes me want to stay more and more in this country. Ich liebe dich, Berlin. Danke!

How has it been, being so far away from home?

Germany and Brazil are the opposites! I can't see anything in common, but a good thing here in Berlin is the large Brazilian community that exists. Unlike Hamburg, here I created great Brazilian friends for the rest of my life, and there are many groups that help Brazilians who have just arrived in the city and in the country.

One of the places that helped me a lot, in the beginning, was a group of Brazilian Women in Berlin, where we got together to exchange experiences on everything from bureaucracy to marriage, children, etc. It was very useful, and I think it helped me a lot.

Another place I found myself was the New Moon Women's Group, more on the healing side. This group made me discover many incredible things and also brought me many friends.

I miss absolutely everything in Brazil, the food, the people, the beach, the sea, the joy, the smiles, the heat, the sun ... Everything! But the security of living and living in a country where I can be free, go out at night and not worry about going back home alive just because I am a woman, is worth all this nostalgia. With Germany, I definitely chose a good place to live and feel safe.

What's a piece of advice you'd give to other Brazilians thinking of moving here?

Não desista! É aquele bom e velho ditado: “sou brasileira e não desisto nunca”. O começo é difícil, dói, da vontade de voltar pra nossa pátria amada e muito loca chamada Brasil, mas dê uma chance pra Alemanha, tem tanta coisa boa nesse país e tem espaço pra todo mundo. Se joga!!!! Fique firme e força na peruca! Tamo junto!!!!  🔵

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Read more of the series here. 🌎 If you’d like to contribute your story and experiences in Germany, we’d love to feature you! Write to us at hello@getworldify.com.

When you’re looking to find a job in Germany, the first step is learning the country-specific aspects of the German job application process. We already know the goal—get a job in Germany (if the public holidays aren't enough to convince you, we don't know what is!). But the process can be a bit tricky, especially when you're moving from abroad. We've summed up the most important points to help you through your German job application journey. 

Your Guide to the German Job Application

First things first — be aware of cultural differences

The first thing to know is that German job applications require documents and desire formats that can be very different from what you are used to in your home country.

Case in point: a friend from the US applied three different times to a company, and was hired on his third try. After going out for beers with one of the recruiters, he learned that he didn’t get the position he wanted on the strategy team because his American-style business case submission was “too flashy” and “not professional enough.” (Specifically, his use of humor and pictures earned him the nickname “Crazy PowerPoint Guy”... yikes!) Thankfully, another team was able to overlook the non-traditional format. 

A successful German job application will expect these cultural differences—from the beginning of the job application to when you get hired.

Preparing Your German Job Application

The application process in Germany generally involves more documents and is more extensive compared to that in the States. While some smaller companies or recruiters may only ask for your resume or LinkedIn profile, larger companies in Germany tend to have a more complicated procedure that involves all the documents below.

The cover letter - Anschreiben

The cover letter, called Anschreiben in German, should be formatted as a letter—complete with addresses and everything. The Anschreiben describes why you are a good fit for the position, company, and industry. It is recommended to not repeat your CV, but find specific examples from your work history that illustrate why you are the perfect candidate. Use stories that highlight how you match the desired qualifications from the job requirements—and pull language from the posting where you can! 

💡 Worldify Tip - Anscreiben:

Take your time on this, especially if your work experience isn’t a 100% match for the industry or role. Germans have a tendency to look at things quite literally: so even if your experience is a good lateral fit, they might be quick to dismiss you. The Anschreiben is your chance to draw the parallels they might be missing—and convince them to consider you more seriously as a candidate. 

The resume - Lebenslauf

The next page in your German job application will be your resume. Traditional German companies (which I recommend you avoid unless you speak impeccable German and are a fan of hierarchy) expect resumes to be written in chronological order, so that the recruiter can follow your steps of development. Your first experience (e.g. university degree) should come first, then each job until your last experience at the bottom of the page. However, due to the growing influence of Business English, many German companies have switched to the American order of starting with your most recent (and likely most relevant) experience and working backwards.

💡 Worldify Tip - Lebenslauf:

A good picture is a must. In the US, pictures on a resume are unusual and often not accepted to avoid legal issues with discrimination based on a candidate’s appearance. Germany differs from this, and it is expected (not required, but definitely expected) that you include a picture directly on your resume. The image should be high resolution and taken by a professional photographer, with clothing that fits the position and company’s dress code. (For example, if you plan on applying to a bank, you should wear a suit.) This is not a chance to show personality—but rather, professionalism. 

Certificate from your former employers - Arbeitszeugnis

In Germany, it’s a legal requirement for companies to write a letter of reference (called a “certificate”) for an employee that leaves. The letter of reference contains information regarding the company, the position of the employee, and also a section where the company describes the persons’ tasks and performance. The company is also legally obligated to write the letter in a positive way that does not hinder the persons’ ability to gain new employment.

Although the Arbeitzeugnis is an uncommon practice in many countries, your German job application should include at least one formal letter of reference from a former employer.

💡 Worldify Tip - Arbeitzeugnis:

When you’re collecting your Arbeitzeugnis from a previous German employer, pay attention to the details. Because of this requirement to be positive, unhappy bosses have developed a coded language to tell your potential future employers their truth about you. While they cannot be negative, employers can be vague and leave room for interpretation regarding your skills or performance.

Watch out for sentences that contain “tried” or “endeavored”, as these can imply that you attempted the tasks but failed to complete them. The last paragraph usually rates your behavior at the company (“was a pleasure to work with” for example) and wishes you all the best in the future. Leaving out this sentence is considered a red flag to recruiters, who may read that as a hint that the former company did not regret this person leaving. If you’re having a non-German employer write your reference letter, clue them to these cues, so they don’t accidentally send the wrong message.

There are several agencies in Germany that check your letter of reference and can tell you your “grade” based on your letter of reference. 

University certificate - Hochschulzeugnis

Unless you have many years of work experience, your German job application might also need to include a copy of your university degree(s). You may also need it for your visa application. If your degree certificate is in English, many German institutions will accept it. However, if your degree is in any other language, you will want to translate it from an officially certified agency.

With these four things in mind, applying for jobs in Germany should be as simple as can be. Best of luck with your German job application! For even more detailed information about the German job application process, check out the Jobseeker module in your Worldify dashboard!   🔵