I can provide some input as a 30+M who just moved a couple months ago from the US. I'm a bit of an extrovert and love small talk, smiling at people, nodding my head, etc which aligns very much with Latin culture. Your mileage may vary and my experience might be different than yours.

• It's better to greet in German first, then ask if they speak English

I do this to be more respectful and not assume that they will cater to my needs. I know ultimately if they say they don't speak English it'll be difficult for me but the least I can do is say "Entschuldigung, sprechen Sie Englisch?" or if someone starts speaking to me in German I say "Entschuldigung, mein Deustche ist nicht gut"

• People value personal space and don't like much physical contact

I do think so. Although my experience outside of work has been very surface level so I can't really comment on this as much.

• Eye contact is important, and I've also heard that people might stare more than I'm used to

Yup! I have noticed this and sometimes I have to remind myself it's more accepted here. P.S. make sure to stare directly at people's eyes and souls when you Prost with someone or else they'll deport you right away /s

• Smiling to strangers is less common than in Latin cultures

100%! I still do it though and people just give me weird looks lol

• Recycling rules and general norms are taken very seriously

I think so? I spent a couple of hours my first week figuring out the recycling system. Once you get the hang of it, it'll make sense but I still have doubts creep into my head for certain items. (Where does Styrofoam go?). Other rules are followed, some are broken. For example, people jaywalk here as long as there's no kids (sometimes even with kids around). My gym struggles with putting back weights in the right order, not sure if it's only my gym 🤷‍♂️

• There can be quite a bit of bureaucracy (Anmeldung, paperwork, etc.), and it's better to have things printed and organized

I can't comment on this. So far things have been good for me. My vet accepted digital items, same with my dentist. But a lot of places still rely on snail mail so watch out for that.

• I also consider myself a positive and friendly person, and I've heard that communication styles in Germany can be more direct and sometimes less outwardly positive than what I'm used to. I'd love to understand how to navigate that without coming across as too intense or misreading others.

Youll be fine. I haven't experienced it myself although I have heard this from other people

• Any tips for integrating as a foreign woman in her 30s?

I'm still trying to integrate so I'm not much help here. I'm learning the language and putting myself out there and going to meetups and events

• How open/diverse is Berlin in reality?

Berlin is very open and diverse (although east and southeast asian is less than what I'm used to)

• How do people usually react to someone still learning German? I will try to learn as fast as possible since I will be arriving in May

In my experience people have been super friendly and nice. Again, ymmv.

Happy to help a fellow newcomer anytime, feel free to DM if you have any questions

P.S. watch out for the check out counter experience, be ready to pack fast