Gather authentic verse from the heart of Berlin!
Artisanal Wit: Berlin's Enduring Slogans
By Oliver Ohmann
In a nod to the artistic spirit and entrepreneurial verve of Berlin's craftsmen, this piece seeks to highlight the poetic slogans that adorn the city's businesses, reminiscent of a time-honored tradition. These slogans, often punctuating vans and advertising signs, are far from the medieval Minnesang of Nuremberg's Hans Sachs. Instead, they resemble the witty, clever branding of modern-day artisans.
A recent encounter in Marienfelde left me impressed with the slogan, "Where Ubrig paints, the sun shines." Such slogans resonate with many of us, who retain memories of similar humorous phrases from the past.
For example, consider the intriguing, "Furniture Art, the one who lives, I know, Blücherstraße 32" or the more enigmatic, "The Orje asks the Kulle, haven't you got a Paech-Brot-Stulle?" These slogans were common in the 1930s and remain etched in the memory of Berliners.
An iconic slogan from the past, "Ich bin ein Berliner," became emblematic of solidarity with the city during U.S. President John F. Kennedy's visit to West Berlin in 1963[1]. Another popular slogan, "Make Love Not War," appeared on the Berlin Wall, symbolizing resistance against the physical and ideological barriers dividing the city[5]. "Doubt is the Substance of Nothing" was another slogan that could be found on the Berlin Wall, expressing the desire for freedom and questioning the status quo[5].
Berlin continues to thrive as a city of creativity and political expression, with contemporary slogans celebrating themes of freedom, sustainability, and diversity. Berlin's vibrant street art scene often reflects these values, with graffiti and murals frequently used to express contemporary social and political issues.
If you recall current verses or remember old rhyming gems, please share them with me at [email protected]. The city's poetic slogans provide a unique insight into Berlin's history and identity, making it essential to preserve these snippets of the city's character.
[1] "Ich bin ein Berliner" speech by John F. Kennedy, 1963.[5] "A History of the Berlin Wall" by Ben McPartland, BBC, 2021.
- In the realm of Berlin's vibrant street art, contemporary slogans echo themes of fashion-and-beauty, lifestyle, and home-and-garden, reflecting the city's diversity and artistic spirit.
- A witty slogan showcasing the city's love for sports could be found on a storefront in Prenzlauer Berg: "Tennis - Spiel und Leidenschaft," translating to "Tennis - Play and Passion."
- As relationships continue to play a significant role in shaping the city's identity, one can often encounter thought-provoking slogans related to the topic, such as "Love Finds a Way" etched on a cafe window in Schöneberg.
