2️⃣5️⃣ 1 in 3 Renters Can't Afford Their Rent, How Much Does Your German Colleague Make, India Transit Visa Scrapped + Weekly Events, IWB Highlights
Summer in Berlin is finally doing what it promised, that specific energy that makes you want to cancel your plans and just sit outside with a Berliner Weisse. And speaking of long days: June 21st is the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. More daylight = more excuses to stay out longer. You’re welcome.
This week we’re bringing you the usual mix of news you actually need to know, a packed events calendar for June 15–21, and the best of what’s been happening in our IWB community.
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Quick reminder that this newsletter is made by a small group of immigrant women doing this voluntarily, between jobs, Behörden appointments and trying to enjoy this Berlin summer just like you. We do it because this community is genuinely something special, we want to keep it alive and thriving. Your support, even starting at 1€, means the world to us. 💜
Enjoy this week’s read!
With love, Sabrina & your IWB team 💖
As immigrants, it’s important to stay informed about what’s happening in Germany. Here are the most important news updates you should be aware of:
🌐 Germany finally has to enforce EU pay transparency rules: salary ranges must be disclosed in job postings. Welcome to a fairer hiring process
🏠 1 in 3 tenants in Germany “overburdened” by rent: the average tenant spends more than 30% of income on housing. You’re not imagining the squeeze
✈️ No more 90-euro transit visa for Indian nationals: big win for one of Berlin’s biggest immigrant communities
🚆 Berlin-Hamburg railway is back, but the ICE will take even longer: track works finished. Now the commute is just… different
🏆 Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner wins “Closed Oyster” prize for hostile press relations: the annual award honors politicians who block journalists from doing their job. Wegner is now in that club
🛒 New “cancel subscription” button required by law from June 19: German online retailers must add an easy-to-find cancel button. About time
🥦 Mary Jane Berlin 2026: why doesn’t the biggest cannabis fair sell cannabis?: the irony of German bureaucracy in one article
📋 Germany to partially reinstate voluntary integration courses in June: after months of suspension, certain groups can join again for free. Worth checking if you qualify
🎓 Germany breaks naturalisation record for fifth year in a row: good news if you’re on the path to a German passport
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👉 Week from June, the 15th to June, 21st — Berlin is a city full of events to suit all tastes. Here are some highlights we think you and your friends would enjoy:
🌞 Summer solstice and Fetê de La Musique on Saturday June 21! The longest day of the year. Sunset is around 9:30pm. Stay out late, the city will be glowing and full with free events 🌅
💡 The Creative x Tech Exchange Day: June 16 | Where creativity meets technology and good conversation
👩💻 Berlin Tech Job Fair 2026 (Tech-Jobmesse): June 17 | One of the biggest tech career events of the year
🛠️ PROMPT x PURCHASE: turn ideas into reality in one day: June 17 | A maker-style day for builders and dreamers
😂 Jimmy Carr: Laughs Funny: June 18 | The British comedian brings his sharp humor to Berlin
🎲 Rethinking Relationships Game Night: June 18 | A different way to spend a Wednesday
🎉 Bingo Night: June 18 | Berlin’s quirkiest social event. Always packed
🎤 Zolani Mahola in Berlin: exclusive album listening + live performance: June 19 | The South African singer’s intimate Berlin show
✊🏾 Black to Basics: JUNETEENTH: June 19 | A celebration of Black history and culture in Berlin
🇧🇷 Discos da Jajá plays at migas: June 19 | Brazilian beats with one of Berlin’s most loved selectors
🍑 Peachy Cosmos Vol.18: June 19
🍓 Creative Fruits Mornings @ The Hoxton: June 20 | A creative morning with fellow makers
🖼️ Philosophy Salon at SEE OUR VISION: June 20 | Deep questions of life through direct encounter with art
🌅 Brazilian Sunset Party at the river: June 21 | Marking the longest day with Brazilian beats
🚲 CRY SESSION: Ride to the Lake (all genders): June 21 | A bike ride to the lake. The most Berlin way to celebrate the solstice
IWB, with +40k members, is a very active community. Given that you might not have time to catch up on everything and some good posts may get overlooked, here are a few highlights from our group, from the last week:
🎗️ “I just found out today that my best friend has been diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer”: the most heartbreaking post of the week. Go show her some love 💜
🚨 “My apartment was broken into a few days ago”: practical advice and emotional support in the comments
💔 “Daytime loneliness / community”: the post that hit everyone working from home. Go read the comments
☹️ “I can’t survive heartbreak and I don’t know why”: vulnerable and full of unexpected wisdom in the replies
🌙 “Going out alone”: the conversation about doing things solo, and what holds us back
😩 “I’m really overstimulated and overwhelmed with having someone always around me”: real and so resonant for many of us
🌀 “Why does everything in life seem so difficult?”: the question we’ve all asked. Go read the supportive replies
😢 “I don’t feel very included in my team, and I’m not sure what to do about it”: workplace belonging is a real thing. Important thread
🍣 “What’s your favourite Japanese restaurant in Berlin?”: the list you’ve been waiting for
🐶 “Does anyone have a pet sitter that they would really recommend?”: great recs in the comments
🔎 “I’m pretty sure some women here work in cleaning, where do you find clients?”: practical and important. Help her out if you can
We’re a small team of immigrant women (mostly women of color) doing this voluntarily, every week, to support this amazing community. As we grow, so do our invisible tasks to keep IWB running. As a community member, your help means everything. 💖 We aim to keep IWB free, independent, helpful and inclusive, while paying immigrant women fairly for their work. Help us in this mission, starting with ✨ONLY✨ 1€:
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You’ll also get access to cool perks like anonymous posting, Telegram groups, discounts, and even free entry to IWB events (depending on your tier)!
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Wishing you a fantastic week ahead! 💖