Free Walking Tour Berlin

When: Every day 10am & 12pm every day
Where: The meeting point is in front of the ehemaliges Kaiserliches Postfuhramt Berlin, Oranienburger Straße, 10117 Berlin, Germany, next to the entrance.
Price: Free

The Mauerfall: Understanding the Berlin Wall in German

by | Oct 30, 2024 | Original Berlin

Introduction

In German called ‘die Berliner Mauer,’ the Berlin Wall divided East from West Germany physically as well as symbolically, during the Cold War. The wall first was built on August 13, 1961, and for more than three decades kept friends, families, and a nation from each other.

Aware of the Terminology

Analysing the lexicon related to this historical landmark enables one to probe German language phrasing of “Berlin Wall”.

1. Berlin Wall

Berlin Wall is translocated from German as “Berliner Mauer.” Berlin is the city known as “Berliner”; “Mauer” means “wall”. Therefore, while referring to or arguing about the Berlin Wall in German, you may simply call “Berliner Mauer.”

2. Mowerfall

Regarding the history of the Berlin Wall, “Mauerfall” is a fundamental term to understand. Actually, this is “fall of the wall.” It relates to the historic event on November 9, 1989, when the border between East and West Germany was opened, therefore bringing the country at last back together. Considered as a historic turning point, the Mauerfall signals the end of the Cold War and a first step towards German reunification.

Power and Significance

Still felt today, the Berlin Wall shapes much of German history. One must first comprehend Germany’s relevance if one is to appreciate its political, social, and cultural environment.

1. divides and isolates:

The Berlin Wall split apart families, cut people off from loved ones, symbolically splitting the greater divide between the communist and capitalist blocs during the Cold War and physically cut the German Democratic Republic, or East Germany, off from West Germany.

2. Oppression Symbolic Sign

However, it was a strong reminder of the limitations of liberty of movement and of expression, while reminding us all of the difference between democracy and dictatorship.

3. Organic Revolution for peace

Apart from the actual reconciliation of a divided city and country, the fall of the Berlin Wall represented a peaceful protest against dictatorship and the yearning for freedom. People all over were stunned by the events around the Mauerfall, which also motivated transformation in other authoritarian countries.

Recalling the past: acquired wisdom

The Berlin Wall is a poignant reminder of the outcomes of division and the need of unification. It imparts to following generations the values of democracy, human rights, and the search of peace.

1. Acknowledge the Past

Knowing the background of the Berlin Wall encourages us to value the efforts, sacrifices, and struggle of everyone touched by its construction and ultimate removal. It is imperative to know the circumstances under which it emerged and take into account how it affected world geopolitics as well as domestic life.

2. Promote balance.

Remembering the Berlin Wall inspires us to use division overcoming to forward society’s and the world’s oneness. It urges us to value communication, cooperation, and the defence of human rights and liberties.

Finally.

The Berlin Wall and its collapse anchor German history and psyche rather strongly. Knowing the language related with this historic event, like the German equivalent for “Berlin Wall,” “Berliner Mauer,” or the term “Mauerfall,” which indicates the fall of the wall, helps one to present a full picture of this turning point. Analysing the impact and significance of the Berlin Wall helps us to remember the lessons learnt and pursue for a society in which unity, freedom, and peace dominate.

Thank you for reading. If you're inspired by the stories of Berlin and want to delve deeper, why not join us on our Free Berlin Walking Tour? It's a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the city's rich history and vibrant culture. We look forward to welcoming you soon.

WHAT TO EXPECT

  • 3.5 hours walking tour
  • Berlin’s major highlights
  • Brandenburg Gate
  • Reichstag and Berlin Wall
  • Historical sites

Free Walking Tour Berlin

When: Every day 10am & 12pm every day
Where: The meeting point is in front of the ehemaliges Kaiserliches Postfuhramt Berlin, Oranienburger Straße, 10117 Berlin, Germany, next to the entrance.
Price: Free