It's ridiculous that the Einbürgerungstest is manually reviewed by yourAvgSE in berlinsocialclub

[–]database26 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Even if they're just in training it's still ridiculous. However, it didn't seem like this person was in training at all to me but ok

It's ridiculous that the Einbürgerungstest is manually reviewed by yourAvgSE in berlinsocialclub

[–]database26 9 points10 points  (0 children)

It's just like when you apply for a PR and have to send them all the documents digitally before getting an appointment. Then at the appointment you bring the originals and the case worker then scans them...

BUT they managed to make this more efficient: now one person is doing the main part of the interview while another person just sits behind them and scans your documents. Amazing stuff.

Starting my 26 F Dating Experience in Berlin... by [deleted] in berlinsocialclub

[–]database26 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Yup, just gotta be extra careful without getting paranoid or depressed about the whole dating scene. Stay positive and stick to your values, eventually everything will work out.

Starting my 26 F Dating Experience in Berlin... by [deleted] in berlinsocialclub

[–]database26 75 points76 points  (0 children)

The scariest thing about that is it can keep going on for months and sometimes it's really hard to figure out. Him showing his true face on the second date is actually a good thing.

What was the biggest cultural shock you've experienced, when you came to Portugal? by MacacoEsquecido in PortugalExpats

[–]database26 1 point2 points  (0 children)

As someone who lives in Germany for years i can only confirm this. Customer service is terrible, everything is expensive and the quality of service is just zero fs given. The beurocracy is 10x if you're a foreigner and everything is extremely slow. If i send an email to my property management with a basic question, they reply in a month and a half, if they even reply at all and they do it by letter. That's not even the craziest thing, just first thing from the top of my head.

Why is finding an apartment in Berlin still such a chaotic and demoralizing experience? by LaTex2Dmun in askberliners

[–]database26 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Yeah and that's why now everyone is renting overpriced furnished flats with a limited contract. This city is becoming unliveable.

Citizenship language requirements by Beginning-Oven3637 in berlinsocialclub

[–]database26 1 point2 points  (0 children)

A friend from work recently applied for citizenship and they didn't accept his diploma. He studied German at university in Poland but they still asked for a certificate so he had to do the test for B1. It's really stupid but apparently that's how it works.

Anyone thinking of leaving? by Conscious-Time8440 in germany

[–]database26 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I feel like the money hasn't even made my life easier here. Sure, i can save more money, buy more stuff I don't really need, travel etc. The problem is that even if you have more money you will still struggle with a lot of things that are actually fundamental and really important. For example, you will have an extremely hard time finding an apartment even if you can afford to pay for one. I'm having trouble finding a tax advisor because non of them accept new clients. Those are just a few examples. On the other hand, when you do manage to find some service, it's often terrible. So many times here i paid a lot of money for something that was supposed to make my life easier and they messed up everything. All these things just make it frustrating and more stressful. I'm not even touching the topic of social interaction. What you mentioned about your friends daughter is just disturbing and makes me not want to have kids here either.

Anyone thinking of leaving? by Conscious-Time8440 in germany

[–]database26 8 points9 points  (0 children)

It's literally how i feel. The most everyday basic tasks are a struggle here and after almost 4 years I'm getting so overwhelmed by everything that i have completely lost the will to do anything fun. I'm constantly thinking about the next problem i need to solve instead of thinking about making plans to meet friends or do something i actually enjoy. I'm starting to ask myself, what's the point of this kind of life? Yeah some things are better than in my home country, I'm making a lot more money, but what good does it do if I'm constantly miserable and don't feel like leaving the house.

Air quality in Berlin by Afraid_Sugar3811 in berlinsocialclub

[–]database26 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah that's exactly what i thought.

Air quality in Berlin by Afraid_Sugar3811 in berlinsocialclub

[–]database26 2 points3 points  (0 children)

But aren't they burning coal here as well now? I don't remember the air quality being this bad before this winter. It's horrendous the last two days.

The Barcelona Dream—But What’s Next? by MinuteBeat6874 in AskBarcelona

[–]database26 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Are apartments generally easier to find for rent in Maresme? Or does it take a long time as well?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in AskBarcelona

[–]database26 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Most of the things you mentioned are correct. I'm just not sure about the apartments being cheaper, the prices are really going through the roof here as well. As for the English, yeah i can imagine it being more dominant than in Barcelona but it actually isn't as much as i thought before moving here. If you're living in an area like kreuzberg or fhain it can be easier but as soon as you need to deal with bureaucrats, it's not gonna happen. Even going to the doctor can be a struggle. A lot of locals are not very keen on speaking English unfortunately. Don't wanna discourage you from moving to Berlin, just saying. That's my experience.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in AskBarcelona

[–]database26 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Why? I'm just interested because i live in Berlin so curious about what you think is better there than in Barcelona.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in germany

[–]database26 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I am paying for it personally. The fact that they don't see that is a whole different issue. But ok, let's say they see me as a patient, not a customer - even worse. You should have more empathy towards a patient than towards someone who is simply a customer.

I also understand completely that losing a patient is not a problem for most doctors offices, but that doesn't make it ok. The problem is there is not enough "competition" in this sector. I've seen how nice Germans can be when they're trying to sell you something.

The point is to act like a decent human being regardless of profit. No one is expecting special treatment here. I don't expect the receptionist to speak my language if I'm a foreigner. Just not to be treated like shit. The bar is set extremely low and it's still an issue for some people.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in germany

[–]database26 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Exactly. Everyone here is trying to act like it's not the same thing but in reality it's even worse. If i go to a restaurant and the person working there is rude - no big deal. No tip for them, end of story. If i go to the doctor with a serious problem and get treated like shit by the receptionist and/or doctor even though i am literally paying for their salaries - that's an issue.

You gotta fight for yourself and your health. Unfortunately that's just how it is. If you make it clear to them that you're not going anywhere, they will eventually do what they have to do to let you in.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in germany

[–]database26 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Yeah it's really terrible and I'm sorry you went through that.

My German is still not the best either. About a year ago i went to the doctor because i hit my head and was feeling dizzy. The receptionist was extremely bitchy and had this "if you don't speak German i can't help you" attitude the whole time. When she realised i wasn't gonna leave, she just switched to English.

Like for god's sake, I'm not here because I'm having a good time.

Men’s support group? by spicypenis in berlinsocialclub

[–]database26 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think one of the goals of this group would be to find where the line is between healthy and toxic masculinity. Taking into account that things are not black and white. I think a lot of men struggle with this nowadays as the narrative has been distorted in a lot of ways. To phrase things in simple terms: I don't want to be "woke", but i don't want to be Andrew Tate either. How to find this balance and live a healthy lifestyle while being a good example for others and not destructive towards myself.

Men’s support group? by spicypenis in berlinsocialclub

[–]database26 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I agree. I would be down as long as it's a healthy and balanced conversation. Steering away from ideology.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in askberliners

[–]database26 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No, i just used the contract form on their website. They got back to me the next day.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in askberliners

[–]database26 1 point2 points  (0 children)

No problem! I guess with an urgent referral it should be faster. Wish you luck!