Based on Their Kiez (Berlin Edition)

Neighborhood Stereotypes 101: Because you can tell a lot about a person by how close they live to a Späti and how much they hate the Ringbahn.

So, you’re looking for a roommate. Sure, you could ask about their job, whether they’re tidy, or if they actually clean the shower when it’s their turn. But let’s be honest: in Berlin, the fastest way to understand someone is to ask one question–

“What Kiez do you live in?”

Because every Berlin neighborhood has a vibe. A lifestyle. A deeply held aesthetic identity. It’s less about geography and more about personality.

Here’s your ultimate (slightly judgmental) guide to choosing a roommate based on where they live: or want to live.

1. Kreuzberg: The Politically Aware Pasta Enthusiast

If they live in Kreuzberg, expect: tote bags, vintage scarves, and a five-minute TED Talk about gentrification any time someone mentions real estate. They make their own pasta and probably learned the word solidarity before Spotify.

Roommate vibes: They’ll host communal dinners where everyone drinks red wine from jars. They recycle properly, but will “forget” to do their part of the cleaning plan for philosophical reasons.

Bonus clue: They will 100% have a strong opinion about Görli – either “it’s alive!” or “it’s a disaster.”

2. Neukölln: The Chaotic Creative Who Kind of Has It Together

Your future roommate has at least two creative side hustles and a day job they never talk about. Their flat is filled with thrifted chairs and questionable art made from recycled wine corks.

Roommate vibes: You’ll rarely see them on Sunday mornings, because they haven’t come home yet. They are somehow broke and going on a spontaneous trip to Porto.

Bonus clue: They know every open mic night and underground techno party within a 3 km radius: and once DJ’d at one “just for fun.”

3. Friedrichshain: The Eternal Raver with a Soft Side

They swear they’ve matured, but there’s still glitter in their bedsheets from New Year’s 2018. Their closet is 70% black. They say  they’re done with Berghain, but they keep “accidentally ending up there.”

Roommate vibes: They sleep late, cook elaborate meals at midnight, and have very loud phone calls on speaker. But they’re chill. Really chill. Until you finish the oat milk.

Bonus clue: Will suggest a group trip to Sisyphos. In November.

4. Prenzlauer Berg: The Grown-Up Who Still Uses Oat Milk

They might be younger than you, but they own matching cutlery, a yoga mat, and a ceramic soap dispenser. Their room has plants that are thriving. They own real curtains.

Roommate vibes: Quiet. Polite. Slightly alarmed when you eat cereal from a mug. They will start a group cleaning schedule on Google Docs before you even move in.

Bonus clue: Their idea of chaos is someone leaving breadcrumbs on the counter.

5. Mitte: The Low-Key Capitalist With Excellent Taste

This person has a standing desk, real wine glasses, and health insurance that includes dental. They pretend to be laid back, but they once ordered a linen duvet cover from a design shop in Copenhagen.

Roommate vibes: They’ll be gone all day “at the office,” but you’ll never be allowed to use the nice olive oil. They’ll suggest “we split bills on an app” five minutes into moving in.

Bonus clue: Their room is minimalist, perfectly styled, and smells like eucalyptus. You’re scared to enter.

6. Wedding: The Underrated Gem with Zero Drama

If your potential roommate lives in Wedding, congrats – you’ve found someone who is humble, cool, and knows where to get the best Turkish food at 2 a.m. They don’t care about trends, and that’s exactly why they’re great.

Roommate vibes: Super chill. Might ghost for three days, then return with falafel and a fun story. They won’t clean the bathroom regularly, but they’ll always offer you a bite of whatever they’re cooking.

Bonus clue: They’ve lived in the same place for six years and still pay €340 a month. Legends.

7. Moabit: The Berlin Local Nobody Talks About

Moabit folks have main character energy: just… off screen. They’re mysterious. They might work in something low-key impressive, like architecture or sound design. You won’t hear them brag about it.

Roommate vibes: Quiet, punctual, and always somehow reading. They don’t party much, but they’re not judging you either. Their room is filled with stacks of books and low lighting.

Bonus clue: They know every single tram route and have strong public transport opinions.

8. Charlottenburg: The Old Soul in a Young Body

This person listens to vinyl, wears slippers at home, and probably owns a robe. Their kitchen has a French press, a moka pot, and a water filter. They once tried to get you to watch a film “with subtitles because the dubbed version is a disaster.”

Roommate vibes: Domestic. Calm. Slightly passive-aggressive when you don’t close the balcony door properly.

Bonus clue: They’ve said “this used to be the real Berlin” at least once.

9. Tempelhof: The Practical One Who’s Secretly Cool

Tempelhof people don’t care about the hype. They wanted space, sunlight, and peace. And they got it. They’re the kind of person who shows up to a rave fully rested and with snacks.

Roommate vibes: Reliable. Surprisingly fun. Good at fixing things. They’ll notice when the bathroom light is out and replace it without making it a Thing.

Bonus clue: They have a bike. It has gears. And it works.

Bottom line

In Berlin, your Kiez is basically your personality. And if you’re looking for a new roommate, don’t just ask about their cleaning habits or favorite cereal: ask where they live. It’ll tell you everything you need to know.

And hey: if you’re over weird interviews, vague listings, and “room is 7m², no Anmeldung”, we got you.

At heyroom, we match you with roommates who actually fit your vibe: whether you’re a Friedrichshain techno wizard or a Prenzlberg smoothie-blender-in-chief.