Opportunities in China

Property financing in Germany is powerful, but it’s *not* straightforward, especially for foreigners navigating banks, paperwork, equity requirements, and long-term refinancing. So we’re hosting a **small, relaxed in-person meetup in Berlin** (lounge/café vibe) to share **how property financing really works**, how to build a strategy **from any starting point**, and what to do if you already own a home and want to plan your next refinancing phase. **📅 Date:** Friday, **13 February** (Berlin) **🎟️ Cost:** Free **👥 Seats:** Max. 25 (registration required) **⏳ RSVP deadline:** **Monday, 9 February** (so we can confirm reservations) **📍 Venue:** Berlin — shared after RSVP confirmation ## What we’ll cover (simple, practical, Q&A-friendly) ### For people planning to buy * What German banks really check: **income stability, equity (Eigenkapital), SCHUFA/credit profile** * The real cost of buying: **Nebenkosten** (notary, land registry, property transfer tax, broker if applicable) * Financing structures explained clearly (without jargon) * How to build a plan even if you’re “not ready yet” today ### For existing owners * **Refinancing (Anschlussfinanzierung):** why planning early matters * How to protect yourself from **rate shock** * Tools that can support strategy (e.g., forward planning, repayment structure, Bauspar as rate-security) * ## Why property is worth thinking about in Germany (especially long-term) * Germany has clear legal structures for ownership and long-term financing. * For **rental properties**, there are well-known tax mechanisms that can improve the overall picture, such as: * **Deducting financing costs (like loan interest) and running costs** as income-related expenses for rental income (“Werbungskosten”). * **Depreciation (AfA)** on the building portion (rules depend on the year the building was completed). * In certain new-build rental cases, there can be **special depreciation** under §7b EStG (with conditions). * There are also public programs tied to **energy-efficient building/renovation** (KfW), which can matter for some buyers/owners depending on the project. ## Who should attend * Foreigners living in Germany who want to **buy their first property** * Owners who already have a mortgage and want to **optimize or plan refinancing** * Anyone who simply wants a **clear strategy** and a realistic roadmap ## How to register ✅ **Registration is compulsory.** Please sign up using the form **[here](https://forms.office.com/e/v3G0f8mDQn).** If you **can’t attend on the 13th**, still sign up and write **“Can’t attend, interested”** in the message box—so we can invite you to the next session or offer a 1:1 check-in. If you know someone who needs this, **please forward** this invite to them. Seats are limited and confirmation will be sent after RSVP.

**If you're member of our (free) forum.digitalideas.io the ticket is only €3. Find the discount code [here](https://forum.digitalideas.io/d/101-digital-marketing-over-breakfast-in-berlin-96).** **Join our WhatsApp-Group "Marketing Community Berlin" to stay connected with the local marketing community: [digitalideas.io/berlin-whatsapp](https://digitalideas.io/berlin-whatsapp "https://digitalideas.io/berlin-whatsapp")** ​"Digital Marketing over Breakfast" is Berlin’s longest-running roundtable for growth-minded marketers (since 2018!)! ​ Hungry for fresh ideas—and honest feedback—on your current marketing challenge(s)? Join fellow marketers over coffee & croissants to trade solutions for real-world growth problems. ​No slide decks, no sales pitches—just open conversation and actionable take-aways. Pull up a chair, bring your toughest issue, and help others tackle theirs. ​See you at the breakfast table! ​P.S. We speak German and English, usually the conversion will be in English ​About us: * ​Matteo Savio (Digital Ideas): passionate growth hacker with more than 10 years of experience in the implementation of data-driven marketing processes * ​Tobias Braam (Swell Growth Marketing): marrying product & marketing for over 15 years as growth strategist. Ex Amazon & eBay ​(DE) ​„Digital Marketing over Breakfast“ ist Berlins ältester Roundtable für growth-minded Marketer (seit 2018!)! ​Hungrig nach frischen Ideen - und ehrlichem Feedback zu deinen aktuellen Marketing-Challenges? Tausch dich mit anderen Marketern bei Kaffee & Croissants über Lösungen für reale Growth-Challenges aus. ​ Keine Präsentationsfolien, keine Sales Pitches - nur offene Gespräche und actionable take-aways. Hol dir einen Stuhl, bring die größten Probleme mit und hilf anderen bei der Lösung Ihrer. ​ Wir sehen uns beim Frühstück! ​P.S. Wir sprechen Deutsch und Englisch, in der Regel kommunizieren wir in Englisch

[*Registration form required below*] **Interested in Japanese sword fighting or Japanese culture? Come join a trial and experience the traditional Samurai art at Katori Shintō-ryū in Schöneberg.** **Trial Fee**: **25€**/ session (2hr). Classes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 19:00 to 21:00. **!!SIGN UP HERE**: [Katori Shinto-ryū Berlin Sign-up (google.com)](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeBt4A13VgnEcgQQ2PDaruthmYMRWineG4KtUCKsuC9KBsCUQ/viewform) Registration is required before your participation so that we can prepare enough training equipment. **Address**: Belziger Str. 25, 10823 Berlin. **No previous experience required!** The classes are in English and German. **Our website**: [Kenjutsu Berlin - Official school of Katori Shinto-ryu in Berlin (katoriberlin.org)](https://katoriberlin.org/) **Katori Shintō-ryū** is one of the oldest Japanese sword fighting traditions (koryū) still practised today and is recognized by the Japanese government as a cultural intangeable asset. The school was founded in the middle of the 15th century by Iizasa Chōisai Ienao at the Katori Shrine (Katori jingū) and has become the origin of numerous other martial arts schools over the course of its almost 600-year history. The training consists of the continuous repetition of fixed sequences of movements (kata) and includes the use of classic Japanese weapons such as the sword (iai-jutsu, battō-jutsu, ken-jutsu, ryōtō-jutsu, kodachi-jutsu), the long staff (bō-jutsu), the lance (naginata-jutsu) and the spear (sō-jutsu), as well as unarmed disciplines, tactics and spiritual aspects. **The Katori Berlin dojo** is the only official shibu of Otake Nobutoshi-shihan’s dojo Shinbukan in Germany and fully dedicated to the transmission and study of one martial tradition: Tenshinshō-den Katori Shintō-ryū. Through these efforts we aim to contribute to the cultural preservation of this martial tradition. The dojo has one officially appointed shidosha. **Our sensei**: Sebastian Graetz has been active in martial arts since 1997. After almost 15 years of taekwondo in Berlin, he started with Katori Shintō-ryū in Asia in 2014. Since then, he has studied in Japan with Ōtake Risuke-shihan and Ōtake Nobutoshi-shihan, and in Vietnam with Malte Stokhof-shihandai. In 2023, he received his Menkyo license and permission to set up a training group in Berlin the following year.

Being a founder can sometimes feel like you’re navigating uncharted waters alone, but you don’t have to. Solo Founder Assist is a unique space where founders come together to support, guide, and assist each other in real-time. **Think of it as founders helping founders:** whether you’re brainstorming solutions, sharing resources, or simply exchanging insights, this event is all about collaboration, growth, and practical support. No matter the stage of your startup, you’ll leave with fresh ideas, actionable advice, and connections that matter. **Why attend?** * Connect with like-minded founders who understand the journey. * Receive guidance and support tailored to your startup challenges. * Share your knowledge and help others grow. * Build meaningful relationships that extend beyond the event. **Join the GrowFirma community:** At GrowFirma, our mission is to build a thriving ecosystem for founders. Don’t miss out—join our community for ongoing support, events, workshops, and resources that help turn ideas into businesses. [Link](https://linktr.ee/Growfirma?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAb21jcAPxdIdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA81NjcwNjczNDMzNTI0MjcAAaeoh1-aUMUVat-9H__91zKy_DVR4Bi9vDGr6BbManzROY3_cHkVlLkDuSciVQ_aem_8b59eQqDGkpHqx2jXbT-oQ)

Lust auf kreative Inspiration und neue Kontakte? Wir schnappen uns die Kameras (oder das Smartphone!) und erkunden gemeinsam den Bergmannkiez. Gerade jetzt Anfang Februar ist das Licht am Nachmittag oft besonders stimmungsvoll. *** Wir spazieren ganz entspannt vom Platz der Luftbrücke durch die Seitenstraßen, fangen die Architektur der Gründerzeithäuser ein und genießen den Berliner Kiez-Vibe. Es geht nicht um technische Perfektion, sondern um den Spaß am Fotografieren und den Austausch untereinander. *** ### Die Details: * **Wann:** Freitag, 13. Februar 2026 * **Uhrzeit:** 16:00 Uhr – ca. 18:00 Uhr * **Treffpunkt:** U-Bahnhof Platz der Luftbrücke *** ### Wer kann mitmachen? Egal ob du Profi-Fotografin bist oder einfach nur gerne schöne Handyfotos machst – jede Frau ist willkommen! Die Teilnahme ist **komplett kostenlos**. Bring gerne eine Freundin mit. Hinweis: Das Treffen findet auf Deutsch statt. 🇩🇪

Berlin Rebels Alternative Pub Crawl: Dive Bars, Back Alley Beats & Insider Stories. Experience Berlin’s underground nightlife like a true rebel. Experience Berlin’s underground nightlife like a true rebel. This alternative pub crawl takes you beyond the typical tourist circuit and into the beating heart of the city’s subcultures — punk, goth, squatters, techno heads, and creative misfits. In intimate groups, we explore lesser-known venues across Prenzlauer Berg, Neukölln, Kreuzberg, and more. Leave behind the commercial party strip and join the alternative crawl. On this 5-hour nighttime adventure, you’ll discover Berlin’s rebellious spirit through its grungiest, weirdest, and most unforgettable nightlife spots. Our route changes nightly but could include: • Ping pong matches with locals in hidden bars • A secret rock or metal bar with horror-movie décor • Absinthe lounges, beach bars, techno bunkers, or surreal basements • Squatter spaces turned legal venues and hidden alley speakeasies Your guide — a true Berlin nightlife insider — will take you to places most tourists never hear about. You’ll also uncover the stories behind these venues: how post-wall Berlin became a global nightlife capital, how music scenes shaped entire neighborhoods, and how many of these bars still operate just under the radar. Whether you’re into indie rock, dark-wave, hip hop, punk, or Berlin-style techno, this crawl adapts to the vibe of the night. Nothing cookie-cutter. No two nights are the same. Please bring valid ID and a public transport ticket (Zone AB).

!!! Note the corrected meeting spot, which for some reason keeps getting changed in the event: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/L8SuKJxoLLa8hXCdA](https://maps.app.goo.gl/L8SuKJxoLLa8hXCdA) \-\-\- **Mandarin Learner Meetup in Berlin! *(Free resources below)*** **Learning Mandarin is like trying to tame a** 🐲**.** It can feel frustrating, but you’re not alone. **[WeHanzi](wehanzi.com)** is here to support! **[WeHanzi](wehanzi.com)** is an independently built iOS app created by Ben and Gina. We've turned the entire learning experience into ***Comprehensible Input* through both simplified and traditional manga** with support for **Zhuyin**, **Pinyin**, **flashcards**, **audio**, **direct translation**, an integrated dictionary. We also specifically design region-specific language to reflect real-life usage in both **mainland Chinese Mandarin** and **Taiwanese Mandarin**, allowing you to naturally compare and explore the differences between the two, so you don’t end up saying something that makes perfect sense in Beijing, but gets you funny looks in Taipei 😏. Now, together with our good friend Matthias from **[Gemeinsam Chinesisch & Deutsch lernen](https://www.meetup.com/gemeinsam-mandarin-chinesisch-und-deutsch-lernen/events/308204343/?eventOrigin=group_upcoming_events),** we’re inviting you to our very first **in-person Mandarin Learner Meetup in Berlin** together! All levels are welcome, from beginners to advanced learners. Just come hang out, share your stories, laugh at our tone mistakes! As a community, we can learn from each other and turn Mandarin into a piece of cake! 🍰 **Come and join us!** 📱 App: [Wehanzi.com](https://wehanzi.com/) 📸 Free bite-sized resources: [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/wehanzi/) 📚 More free tools: [wehanzi.app/menu](https://wehanzi.app/menu) **📍ABOUT THE MEETING SPOT** Please note that we will meet HERE, on the 3 wooden tree benches slightly left of the main entrance gate of Tempelhofer Feld: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/L8SuKJxoLLa8hXCdA](https://maps.app.goo.gl/L8SuKJxoLLa8hXCdA) We'll meet at the meeting spot first and then - depending on the weather - decide as a group to either walk around Tempelhofer Feld or go to a closeby restaurant to warm up and chat. So please be on time. Or if you are running late or can't find us, just give Matthias a call on 0176-21984345. See you all soon, Gina & Matthias

📅 **Save the Date** **When:** 15 February 2025, 7:00 PM **Where:** Mercure Hotel Berlin Wittenbergplatz Are you a **filmmaker, producer, director, screenwriter, or actor**? Whether you’re an emerging talent or a seasoned professional, **Berlinare** is designed to ignite your network and fuel your creative ambitions. *** ## 🌟 What’s in Store 🎤 **Exclusive Live Interview** Experience a special spotlight session featuring industry voices sharing their creative journeys, insights, and real-world experience. 👉 *Apply for the interview slot — DM to apply.* *** 🎬 **Tell Your Story / Pitch Your Project** Step into the spotlight and present your story, concept, or next big idea. 🕒 **Up to 18 minutes per pitch** — applications now open! A powerful opportunity to make your vision heard and connect with potential collaborators. *** 🤝 **3 Dynamic Networking Rounds** Connect with like-minded creatives from the film, TV, and media industries. Exchange ideas, discover partnerships, and spark exciting new opportunities. *** 💫 **Special Announcement** Be among the first to hear about the **Beyond Visionary Mastermind** — a transformational experience for filmmakers and creatives ready to go beyond limits. *** ## 🎥 This is your opportunity to: ✨ Share your story ✨ Gain valuable insights into independent filmmaking ✨ Build authentic connections and ignite new collaborations *** 📩 **Questions or Applications:** DM me or email **info@suzan-yumerova.com** 🚀 Don’t miss this chance to turn dreams into action. Let’s make magic happen — see you in Berlin! *** 📸 **Disclaimer** By attending this event, you agree to the recording of video and audio for promotional and documentation purposes. The event will be livestreamed. #Berlinare #NetworkingEvent #FilmIndustry #Director #Producer #Screenwriter #Actor #FilmCommunity #MediaCreators #BerlinEvents #IndependentFilm

Chitta Walks is for people whose days move fast, while the mind never fully lands. Thoughts keep looping even when nothing is urgent. The body moves, but attention is elsewhere. Over time, this disconnect drains clarity and ease. This walk is a simple reset. We meet in Berlin’s Tiergarten and walk at a gentle pace. Parts of the walk are in silence, with light guidance and a few short prompts. The walk itself is the practice, bringing body and mind back into the same moment. No apps. No performance. Just a clear space to slow down and notice what is happening. If you want to slow down without withdrawing from life, join a Chitta Walk. ✨ **What to expect (approx. 90 minutes):** * A short arrival and orientation * A guided silent walk (phones off, no conversation) * One concise science-based impulse on attention or stress * Optional reflection in pairs or small groups * A simple takeaway or experiment for daily life 🚶**Who this is for:** * Professionals, creatives, and people in transition. * People who feel mentally busy and want more clarity and balance. * Those curious about mindfulness, but grounded and practical. * Anyone comfortable with silence and gentle self observation. 🔔 **Practical notes:** * Duration: 60-90 minutes * Wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing * No prior experience needed * Group size is limited to keep the space quiet and focused 🧭 **Facilitator:** My name is Partha Sarathi, you can call me PS. I have lived in Berlin for over 12 years. With a background in physics and materials science, my interest in mindfulness grew through personal experience with stress and health challenges. I facilitate the space and structure of the walk, inviting shared exploration rather than instruction. 🤔 **Why Chitta Walks?** Chitta is a Sanskrit word referring to the mind or field of awareness, used here in a practical, non-religious sense. Chitta Walks is about noticing how the mind works by slowing down and walking together. Mindful walking makes thought patterns visible in real time, while moving and sensing in the world. The name points to a simple capacity: noticing what is happening in the mind without immediately trying to fix, judge, or optimize it. 🌿 **Possible effects:** A calmer nervous system. Clearer attention. A felt sense of being more present in your body. Subtle insights into how your mind reacts under everyday conditions. A quieter, more grounded way of moving through the city. **Come as you are. Walk. Notice. Leave with a little more space inside.**

!!! ABOUT THE MEETING SPOT !!! For some reason, the map pin keeps jumping back to the wrong meeting spot and [meetup.com](http://meetup.com/) won't let me change it! Please note that we will meet HERE: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/L8SuKJxoLLa8hXCdA](https://maps.app.goo.gl/L8SuKJxoLLa8hXCdA) \-\-\-\-\- 大家好！ Thanks to everyone joining in our past events - 很高兴认识你们! Now let's meet again to learn German and Mandarin Chinese together, because as they say in German: "Wer rastet, der rostet!" :) Feel free to bring a friend as well! We'll meet here, on the 3 wooden tree benches slightly left of the main entrance gate of Tempelhofer Feld: https://maps.app.goo.gl/L8SuKJxoLLa8hXCdA We'll meet at the meeting spot first and then - depending on the weather - decide as a group to either walk around Tempelhofer Feld or go to a closeby restaurant to warm up and chat. So please be on time. Or if you are running late or can't find us, just give me a call on 0176-21984345. See you all soon, 昊兴 (Matthias)

The next **Pitch and Planning Session** will be on **Feb 15th at 19:00.** We are super looking forward to hearing your pitches and watching you meet people ready to help you make your films a reality in the really real world! 📍The event is located at **House of Music** in RAW Gelande, Revalerstr 99, 10245 Berlin . A very large and amazing space that we are now calling home. For those who are new, our Pitch and Planning Session is a monthly English language event held here in Berlin for people who have an idea for a film and would like to pitch it, as well as those people who are eager to work on films. It's all about getting films made. If you have a film idea that is burning a hole in your brain, tell the people in the audience your story idea and hopefully you will meet people who can help you make your idea into a reality! This event is also for people who want to help out in all aspects of filmmaking to help make these pitches happen. So if your passion is camera, sound, hair and makeup, writing, lighting, fighting, or anything that could help, you are always welcome. Whether you're new to filmmaking or experienced and want to work on something cool and creative, no matter what your area of expertise/interest is, this is for you! Be sure to show up to either pitch your idea or be ready to listen to some interesting pitches from excited people and potentially help someone make their film. Let's make some cool shit! If you still want more information you can head on over to our website: *https://berlinfilmcommunity.com/pitch_and_planning/* I have been a part of making some of these pitched projects into real world movies and I have always had a blast.

Hey everyone! I’m organising a co-working + socialising session for all of us who like to work on something (e.g. our own project, freelance or remote work) but don't feel like sitting alone at home. 🙂 To ensure that we have both **socialising** AND **working**, we will be using the so called “Pomodoro” technique: **50min of deep work** (silent), followed by **10min of break** to socialise. Then repeat! If you get into flow, you're also welcome to skip the breaks. It’s an effective way to stay focused - you can read more about it [here](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomodoro_Technique). Anyone from any background is welcome, whatever project you are working on or whatever is your personal background. I (the host) speak English and German, so either is fine :-) ——————————————————- AGENDA: * **15min Intro** * Get to know everyone, talk about what you will work on today * **Pomodoro Session** (3x) - *Each Pomodoro session consists* *of...* * ...**50min** of uninterrupted “deep work” (no talking, no interruptions, no phones) * ...**10min** of break: share your progress with others, talk about what you are stuck on etc. * Repeat * Conclude and celebrate your progress Share your progress, socialise and get to know others 😊 ———— We'll be at the Social Hub Berlin (they have a food menu in case you get hungry). The structured part will end at 2:30pm, but you're welcome to stay longer, go for lunch together, or leave earlier. See you there 🩵 **\*\*We'll reserve the long table. Please update your RSVP in advance if you can't attend!\*\***

I swear it's a sport! Let's meet and play! **VERY IMPORTANT :** * Please keep reading comments and/or direct messages as long as you are on main OR waiting lists. * Sign-out as soon as you know you won't participate (even from waiting list). * Non-replied direct message ==> declined participation on Friday. **HOW TO JOIN** 1. Sign up to the event 2. Paypal on signup, 12€/person to https://paypal.me/berlinhorizon (use Friend&Family option !) 3. Join on Sunday * Guaranteed refund until cancellation deadline : -48h (=> Friday 1PM). * If **waiting list**, please **don't pay until** you get contacted and **moved to main list**. Contact if needed : berlin.horizon22@gmail.com **__________________________________________________________________________________** **Alternative no paypal (Cash, EXACT AMOUNT please)** 1. Reply 'Y' to RSVP question 2. Join on Sunday * Cancellation deadline (Friday 1PM) remains. * Late cancellation will be asked to pay. **__________________________________________________________________________________** **Timing :** * **13.00** : Meeting outside of main hall (or inside if rain) -> Introduction -> Desk registration (shoes check, rental...) * **13.15** : START PLAY * **14.45** : END PLAY !! Every 10th session you attend is for free !! (in form of a later refund. Still have to pay on the actual participation) **Facility :** TiB 1848 e.V, Columbiadamm 111 (close to Templehofer Feld) **Equipment :** * RACKET : Bring your own or rent one there (2€). * SHOES : checked at desk. Rental for 2€ -> Non-marking -> Light sole -> Not worn outside * Shower, locker available. * Sauna open at TiB discretion. Last but not least : no worries about level, we play for fun before all. The keyword of the event is sweet & sweat ! Looking forward to see you on the court :)

Evolve exists to connect women entrepreneurs connect with one another, serve one another, and help one another overcome challenges in marketing, sales, networking, and professional development. [Add to Calendar](evolvecolumbus.eventcalendarapp.com) What to Expect: \~ Welcome team to greet you, introduce you to others, and make sure you feel a part of the group from your very first meeting \~ Welcome & Introductions: 15 second introductions \~ 15 Minute Speaker Spotlight: Member speaker who shares a bit of her story, how she got to doing what she does, and a tangible tip she uses to gain success in her business. No hard selling...no expectations. Simply giving the group an opportunity to get to know her and her journey. \~ 20 Minute Break Out Sessions: Small groups is where we connect best. Extroverted and Introverted alike get the opportunity to share on a deeper level and learn from one another. \~ Take Aways: Hear what the other groups talked about and share resources to grow yourself and your business \~ Grow Time!: Do you need a specific connection to a person, company, or industry? Share it with us! We love to open our networks to one another and grow together! Guests are always welcome. Please contact Mentor Director Donna Schomer at Donna@EvolveWomensNetwork.com for more information. We'd love to meet you!

Join us at Losing Weight in Columbus at Bloc Garten on a Saturday afternoon. This will be an active and engaging day, in lieu of our weekly check in. Why climbing you may ask? Because that's what I know best, and also since its and indoor sport, its great for a winter time hobby! Join us and find out what it's all about! We'll also do a brief check in to see how everyone is doing. 🚨🚨 Day passes cost 23$ + 7$ shoe rental fee for a total of 30$ 🚨🚨 [https://5.life/bg/](https://5.life/bg/)

Bring your business cards and network in person with other business professionals! Gold Star Referral Clubs is one of the most established professional networking organizations in the country, with multiple groups in central Ohio. Join us!