My First Month in Berlin: Talking About Healthy Routines (and Nearly Eating Only Currywurst)

Okay, so here I am. One month in Berlin, and let me tell you, it’s amazing. The architecture is incredible, the people are (mostly!) friendly, and I’ve managed to avoid getting completely lost in the U-Bahn system – most of the time. But it’s also been…challenging. Particularly when it comes to building a healthy routine. Before I moved, I thought “Oh, I’ll just naturally eat well and exercise!” Famous last words, right?

The Initial Shock – and the Currywurst

The first few days were a blur of sightseeing and overwhelming excitement. Food was…well, food. I found a Bratwurststand near my apartment and, let’s be honest, devoured three within the first 24 hours. Then I discovered Currywurst. Seriously, it’s a national obsession, and I’m not complaining. I tried to be good, I really did. I told myself, “Okay, just one portion. Tomorrow, I’ll have a salad.” The next day, it was another portion of Currywurst, followed by a Berliner (a jelly-filled doughnut – don’t judge!). It’s a beautiful cycle, and I quickly realized I needed to learn some phrases to actually influence my eating habits.

Essential German Phrases for Healthy Conversations

The biggest hurdle wasn’t the food itself; it was talking about it. I quickly realized “Ich esse viel” (I eat a lot) wasn’t exactly motivating me to change. Here’s what I’ve been learning to say:

• “Ich möchte gesünder essen.” (I want to eat healthier.) – This is a good starting point.
• “Kann ich vielleicht einen Salat bestellen?” (Can I maybe order a salad?) – Crucial for restaurants.
• “Ich esse normalerweise nicht so viel Zucker.” (I normally don’t eat so much sugar.) – Useful for explaining my intentions.
• “Wie viel Kalorien hat das?” (How many calories does that have?) – I’ve been using this constantly at the supermarket! (It’s a bit intense, but it helps.)
• “Ich brauche etwas Bewegung.” (I need some exercise.) – Perfect for explaining why I want to go for a run.

My First Attempt at a Morning Routine – A Disaster

I decided to tackle the morning. I envisioned myself, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, doing yoga. The reality was…less inspiring. I woke up, bleary-eyed, and desperately needed coffee. I went to Café Einstein (a Berlin institution) and ordered a Kaffee mit Milch (coffee with milk).

The barista, a friendly guy named Steven, asked, “Guten Morgen! Wie ist Ihr Morgen?” (Good morning! How is your morning?)

I mumbled something about feeling tired and wanting to be healthier. I tried to say, “Ich möchte mich heute Morgen gesund beginnen.” (I want to start my morning healthily today.) but he just smiled and said, “Na, dann wollen wir mal sehen!” (Well, then let’s see!) – which, translated, meant “Let’s see if you actually do it!”

I ended up having a croissant. It was delicious. I learned a valuable lesson: start small.

Talking About My Workout – With a Laugh

Later that week, I joined a small fitness studio near my flat. I told my trainer, a woman named Alice, “Ich wollte anfangen, regelmäßig Sport zu treiben.” (I wanted to start exercising regularly). She showed me some basic exercises and I immediately messed up, nearly taking out a small child with my jumping jacks. She just laughed and said, “Keine Sorge! Das passiert jedem.” (Don’t worry! Everyone does that).

I then blurted out, “Ich muss wirklich mehr Sport machen!” (I really have to do more sport!). Alice explained that it’s better to say, “Ich möchte meinen Körper besser in Form bringen.” (I want to get my body into better shape.) It just sounded… less frantic.

Small Victories (and a Lot of Learning)

It hasn’t been easy. There are still days when I succumb to the temptation of a Döner (a delicious Turkish wrap) and a huge glass of Apfelschorle (apple juice mixed with sparkling water). But I’m trying. I’m learning. And honestly, just being able to ask about healthy options, to express my intentions in German, makes a huge difference.

My goal now is to build sustainable habits, one Kaffee mit Milch (and maybe one healthy salad) at a time. And hopefully, I’ll be able to consistently say, “Ich fühle mich gut!” (I feel good!) – not just after I’ve eaten something incredibly unhealthy.

Any tips are welcome!