How to Get Into Berghain

Berghain is an exclusive nightclub in Berlin and one of the most popular hotspots for electronic music in the world. If you’ve never attended Berghain before, you may have heard that their bouncers are selective in who they let in. Luckily, researching the venue first, waiting in line at the right time, and communicating effectively with the bouncer can help you blend in with the Berghain culture. Whether you’re a tourist or a German native, you can improve your odds of getting inside Berghain.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:Familiarizing Yourself with Berghain Culture Download Article

Study popular Berghain music before you go. The bouncer may quiz you on which artist is playing in the club and, if you answer correctly, let you inside. Because Berghain is a techno nightclub, researching electronic or dance music from around the world (particularly Germany) could improve your chances of getting in.

• Popular German techno artists that you may hear include Chris Liebling, Monika Kruse, Paul Van Dyk, Ricardo Villalobos, and Ellen Allien.

Dress stylishly in dark colors. Dark clothing is the traditional style for Berghain club-goers, especially black. Wear an outfit that is comfortable to wear in these colors that exemplifies your own personal style.

• If you love denim jackets, for example, you could pair a denim jacket with a black t-shirt and your favorite dark-colored shirt or pants.
• Don’t be afraid to stand out! If you have a unique style, the bouncer may be impressed by your look and let you in.

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Do not dress outside of your comfort zone. Although many people believe that getting into Berghain requires outlandish clothes, the most important factor is reflecting your personal flair. Avoid styles that make you feel uncomfortable and instead, dress in the outfit that makes you feel most confident and happy.

• Getting into Berghain is not just about being attractive. Berghain bouncers let a variety of people in based on their personal style and whether they’ll bring a unique, diverse atmosphere to the nightclub.

Drink alcohol sparingly before going to Berghain. Although alcohol is allowed inside Berghain, the bouncers tend to bar noticeably drunk people from entering. Don’t drink excessively in the hours leading up to waiting in line and, if possible, avoid alcohol entirely.

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Part 2 Part 2 of 3:Waiting in Line Download Article

Visit Berghain on a late Saturday night or early Sunday morning. Berghain is a busy nightclub, and going during its least crowded times will improve your odds of getting in. The least busy times for the Berghain are late Saturday night (at least 3 or 4 hours past midnight) or early Sunday morning.

• Berghain is open Thursdays (10 p.m.-5 a.m.) and Fridays (12-9 a.m.) as well as Saturdays at midnight through Sundays at 11:59 p.m.
• The busiest time to visit Berghain is 1 a.m. on Saturday nights.

Attend Berghain with older people, preferably around mid-thirties. Unlike most nightclubs, the average age of admitted club-goers is a little older at 35. If you’re younger than 30, go to Berghain with people in their late twenties or early thirties to improve your chance of admission.

• If you don’t have many older friends, go with friends who you know won’t act immaturely or draw attention to themselves while in line.

Wait in line before Berghain opens to improve your chances of getting in. Berghain’s peak attendance is usually around 1 a.m., and it often stays crowded until the morning. Wait in line several hours before the nightclub opens at midnight to beat the crowd and longer lines.

• If you wait in line before the night club gets crowded, the bouncers may judge you less harshly in comparison to later at night.

Do not take selfies while waiting in line at Berghain. Berghain has a strict no photography or recordings policy. Keep your cell phone in your pocket and leave any cameras at home to avoid any issues with bouncers or other patrons while in line.

• If the bouncers notice you taking selfies while in line, you may be asked to leave and forfeit your spot.
• Although photography is banned, you can bring your cell phone with you to Berghain.

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Part 3 Part 3 of 3:Talking to the Bouncer Download Article

Speak German with the bouncer, if possible. Because Berghain is popular with tourists, some of whom act disrespectfully, people in line are more likely to get in if they can communicate in German. If you know German, talk to the bouncer as clearly as you can—or, if you don’t, learn basic German phrases before you go to make a good impression.

• If you can’t speak German, you can also show the bouncer respect by saying, “Es tut mir leid, ich spreche kein Deutsch.” (I am sorry, I do not speak German.)
• You could also memorize other common phrases like:
  • “Ich heisse ___.” (My name is ___.)
  • “Vielen dank!” (Thank you very much!)
  • Basic German numbers, in case the bouncer asks how many are in your party. If you have 3 in your party, for example, you would memorize “drei.”

Stay calm while speaking with the bouncer. One of the most common reasons tourists get rejected from the line is because they seem uncomfortable or out-of-place. If you feel nervous, take a deep breath and try to maintain a calm expression and tone of voice.

• If you still feel nervous, try a quick breathing exercise or focusing on the music to calm yourself.
• Remember: the bouncer may seem intimidating, but they are just doing their job. As long as you treat them with respect, they’ll likely do the same for you.

Be polite to the bouncer. Because some people in line may be drunk or impolite, the bouncers look for patrons who are respectful. No matter what the bouncer decides, thank them for their help and avoid arguing or insulting them.

• If you run into any rude or out-of-line patrons while in line, avoid arguing or associating with them. The bouncers may think that you’re attending with them and remove you from the line.

Come back later if you don’t come in the first time. If you don’t get in the first time, try again. You may be able to get in after more people leave the club later in the night.

• You might, for example, come back in the morning after most of the crowd has died down or early the next night.

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Warnings

• Although open to everyone, Berghain began as and is still a gay nightclub. Treat its origins with respect and do not make homophobic remarks at the club or while waiting in line. Thanks! Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• As one of the most exclusive techno clubs in the world, Berghain is known for its large crowds, loud noises, and flashing lights. If you have claustrophobia, epilepsy, or other conditions that this environment would trigger, you may want to choose another club. Thanks! Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

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