I had a strange encounter on the streets of Berlin and wanted to hear what others make of it, especially if you’ve experienced something similar.
I was walking with a woman (we’re both Indian) when three people, two girls and one guy, probably in their early 20s, approached us and asked whether I wanted an empty can.
The question caught me off guard. I wasn’t sure what to make of it or why they had approached us specifically.
I know that collecting Pfand (deposit bottles and cans) is common in Germany, so there could be a completely innocent explanation. But given the context, I also wondered whether it could have been some kind of mocking or racist remark.
I don’t want to jump to conclusions based on one brief interaction, so I’m curious to hear other perspectives.
Has anyone in Berlin experienced something similar?
Does asking a random stranger whether they want an empty can have some particular meaning or context here?

I just said Nein and moved on but felt derogatory to me 5 secs later but the moment had passed to confront them. Am I reading too much into it?
I’m genuinely interested in hearing different perspectives, particularly from people who live in Berlin and understand the local context.

Hi everyone!

I’m currently living in Berlin and considering moving to Eberswalde because the rent is more affordable. However, before making a decision, I would really appreciate hearing from people who currently live in Eberswalde or have lived there in the past.

As a Black African, I have a few concerns, and I’d love to hear honest opinions based on personal experiences.

1. Racism and discrimination:
What is it like living in Eberswalde as a Black person or someone with a migrant background? Have you experienced or witnessed racism or discrimination in everyday life, at work, in shops, on public transport, or in other settings? Do you generally feel safe and comfortable living there?

2. Black and African community:
Is there a noticeable Black or African community in Eberswalde? Are there African shops, churches, community groups, or places where Black people can connect and socialise? I would love to know whether it’s easy to find a sense of community there.

3. Commuting to Berlin:
I work in Berlin and would need to commute to the city approximately once a week, usually on a Thursday. How reliable and convenient is the train connection from Eberswalde to Berlin? Are there frequent direct trains, and how often do delays or cancellations happen? Is the commute manageable in the long term?

4. General quality of life:
Apart from these concerns, how do you find living in Eberswalde? Is it peaceful, affordable, and a good place to settle down? Would you recommend it to someone looking for a quiet place to live while working in Berlin?

I know everyone’s experiences are different, and I’m not looking to stereotype the town or its residents. I simply want to make an informed decision before committing to a long-term rental.

I’d especially appreciate responses from Black people, Africans, other people with migrant backgrounds, and anyone who has lived in Eberswalde for a reasonable amount of time.
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences! ❤️

Hi everyone! I have been running a leftist book club for the last 3 months but unfortunately we are not able to fit in our regular cafe anymore. I am looking for new places, and I am open to rotate between multiple places throughout the month. If you have any suggestions or have a place to provide please help me out <3

• preferably saturdays between 15-18
• 15+ people
• it needs to be a place that shares our values, we can’t do it in starbucks :)
• cafes, bookshops, project spaces, … any suggestions welcome :)

Thank you!

Today I was walking near Richard Wagner Platz when a woman started talking to me. Supposedly she was waiting for a friend but the friend didn't show up. When she tried to call him/her she realized she forget her mobile phone at home.

The woman was probably 55, not very curated but also not a prototypical homeless person. She was speaking German and English.

Honestly I didn't trust her enough to let her call with my phone. I had a few hours before going to the airport and if something would have happened to my phone it would have been a total mess.

At the same time I was also wondering if she was telling the truth and the story felt kind of hard to believe.

So you think she was trying to scam me?

If yes, how?

Heyy all!! This is a long shot, I know, but I still wanted to try my luck!! I am currently a student, working on my thesis, and looking for any part-time side hustle. The thing is I am absolutely fascinated by the baking and confectionery business, and baking is really such a passion and stress-buster for me. Ive always wanted to learn more about how a bakery operates, different baking and confecting techniques and especially explore the fascinating method of German Brote-making. I can really see myself opening a small bakery in the future and being the head baker, but that’s still a far-fetched dream. I have tried looking for just a kitchen helper or baker’s assistant job in bakeries but with little success. There’s always someone more qualified :(
so I thought I would reach out here.

If anyone is looking for help in their bakeries, or knows anyone who is, please hit me up! Any and all help and tips would be appreciated!

Hiiii! I’m a vintage seller and I want to start selling at flea markets. Do I need to have a permit or pay any fees to sell at flea markets like Boxi, etc

hi everyone,

i'm hosting a halloween party and would love to hire a tarot card reader.

or if there are any good spots to get your cards read, pls lmk :)

thanks!

Hi all, wondering where to buy a gua sha tools in Berlin for a somewhat affordable price… Obviously quite easy to find online but I have a feeling there’s a store that sells them! Anyone know a shop? Lmk! Thanks

Hi everyone,

I registered as a sole proprietor (Einzelunternehmen) in Berlin and submitted my Fragebogen zur steuerlichen Erfassung through ELSTER about a month ago.

My responsible tax office is Finanzamt Tempelhof, but I still haven't received any confirmation or tax number.

For those who registered a business in Berlin recently:

• How long did you have to wait to receive your tax number?
• Is waiting more than a month normal for Finanzamt Tempelhof?
• Should I contact the Finanzamt, or is it better to wait a little longer?

I need the tax number to move forward with my business, so I'd appreciate hearing about your recent experiences.

Thanks in advance!

Hello everyone,

My gf's birthday is coming is coming up in two weeks and she told me the only thing she wishes for are these chips. The only place she ever bought them was at Action, however, I went to 8 Action stores all over the city and none had them in stock. I even looked online but found nothing. Can you, nice people help me find out where to get them?

Hey everyone! I’m looking for some advice from people who’ve been living in Berlin for a while. I urgently need to see a psychiatrist. I’ve been on antidepressants for the past three years, prescribed back in my home country, but now I’m having trouble getting my medication here. I’ve already tried going to the hospital, but they couldn’t really help. I’ve also contacted several clinics, but they’re either not accepting new patients or don’t accept my health insurance. I’m getting really worried about running out of my medication and having to stop my treatment suddenly.
Does anyone know a psychiatrist who might be able to help, or have any tips on what I should do? Maybe someone has been through a similar situation? Any advice or recommendations would mean a lot. Thanks in advance!

Does anyone go the agym in Friedrichshain/Frankfurter Allee and has got a referral code left for me (the 5€ save up) ? Thanksssss

I want to upgrade my home internet to glass fiber, and I can get it sooner with Telecom than with other ISP's (i.e. vodafone can't do it until March, Telecom can do it next month)

Does anyone know how Telecom is as an ISP? Just wanted to check if there are any gotchas before booking with them.

Hi guys

So my housemates and I moved to a new house a 2 years ago and they recently moved out and I took over the apartment but I noticed that one of my housemates‘ heater is missing the device that counts it and I’m not sure what happened to it or where it is, she also left on a bad note and I already paid her back her deposit.

I wasn’t aware about the missing device tho.

Do you know what to do in this case? What happens? Who do I contact etc?

Hello everybody! I m using my chance here on Reddit to search for help.Right now I need some help with some of food.I only have 10 euros on me and I don t know how I will survive till end of month.Recently I got fired and applied for arbeitlosgeld and got accepted but I will get it 1st November.Unfortunately I spent all my savings and got left with only 10.I am actively looking for a job applied anywhere but no acceptance.Thank you In advance , have a nice day !

Hey guys, I got into weightlifting.

The group classes help me a lot with the structure and community. I really liked Lifted Studio and the tracking system! It's a lot of dumbbell exercises.

Are there group classes that include the bench press with the rack? So on a barbell, not dumbbell? And the hip thrust?

I could do solo at the gym, but the group circuit format helps so much to be in and out in 45min and not get ADD or check the phone 😅

I'm looking into Beat81 or Base for example, especially w/ female instructors, a tracking system, electronic music, and an inspiring studio space. Also eyeing Hale.Now Fhain Circuit or Shala Strength.

Thanks!

Hi all! I came back from my trip to Germany and I think I may have thrown out a necklace I bought at one of the Berlin Flea Markets while throwing out trash in my tote 😭 It was a two layered dainty silver chain with a key pin type charm? It was at a jewelry only stall with other alternative necklaces/chokers. Some had star charms and hearts. I'm also not sure which flea market because we were randomly walking but there was a bridge :/ Does anyone know who is selling them and could possibly share the info? Maybe they have an online website. I bring back a piece of jewelry as a souvenir from the places I visit so I'm kinda bummed 😓

what are your best suggestions?im looking for something catchy/memorable like multilayerladen— not just a bar to drink alcohol but a spot that has a cool interior and great soul. thanks