Berlin losing its appeal for many Germans, survey finds

Berlin has lost much of its appeal among Germans, according to a new survey.

The Allensbach Institute poll, published by the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper on Friday, found that only 31% of respondents see the city as a "fascinating metropolis," while 36% believe the capital lacks charisma.

The survey was based on interviews with 1,039 people conducted between August 1 and 13.

The picture was very different two decades ago. In a 2007 Allensbach survey cited by the newspaper, 66% described Berlin as a fascinating metropolis, while just 14% said the city lacked appeal.

The figures suggest that former Berlin mayor Klaus Wowereit's famous description of the city as "poor but sexy" was once reflected not only in economic data but also in public perception.

In the years that followed, tens of thousands of workers moved to Berlin, rents soared and the city's club scene increasingly feared for its survival. The old slogan was eventually adapted by some to "poor, sexy and rich."

Berlin also trails Hamburg and Munich when Germans are asked which cities have a special appeal. Hamburg came first with 48%, followed by Munich on 47% and Berlin on 34%.

Berlin fares even worse when respondents are asked where they would definitely not want to live. Some 46% named the capital, making it as unpopular on that measure as Frankfurt.

However, Berlin still ranked third when respondents were asked where they would most like to live, on 13%, behind Munich on 24% and Hamburg on 23%.