Listening

In Berlin, a new type of worker is emerging — independent “digital nomads” who turn cafés into their offices. Carrying laptops and smartphones, they pay for their workspace with cappuccinos and sandwiches. Anna, 28, runs her design startup from several coffee shops. “I don’t need a big office,” she says. “I just need Wi-Fi and good coffee.” These freelancers see large companies downsizing while technology makes it easy to start small businesses. “Berlin cafés are the new co-working spaces,” says Jonas, a software developer. “We create our own rules.” The trend reminds author Lisa Becker of her book Independent Nation, where she noted that modern tools allow people to work anytime, anywhere. Cafés like Kaffeekultur in Kreuzberg are full of people building apps, writing content, and meeting clients. Even established tech teams from companies like Spotify and Zalando occasionally gather there. “It feels free,” says Markus, who recently left his job. “No bosses, no cubicles — just work and creativity over a latte.”