🦷 Labubu in Berlin: Why Everyone’s Lining Up for a Mischievous Plush Monster (And What You Need to Know!)
🦷 Labubu in Berlin: Why Everyone’s Lining Up for a Mischievous Plush Monster (And What You Need to Know!)
July 26, 2025
Berlin is no stranger to wild trends, but this one? It’s next-level. Imagine: hundreds of people, camping chairs, umbrellas, and a line that wraps around the Alexa shopping center—all for a plush toy with big eyes, pointy teeth, and a grin that says “I know your secrets.” Welcome to the Labubu Hype.
🧸 What is Labubu (and Why Is Berlin Obsessed)?
Labubu is not your average teddy bear. Born from the imagination of Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and brought to life by Pop Mart, Labubu is a “Fellmonster” (furry monster) that’s cute, a little creepy, and totally irresistible. Think of it as the love child of a Gremlin and a Monchhichi, but with a TikTok following.
In China, Labubu is already a superstar. Now, with the first official Pop Mart store in Germany opening at Alexa (Alexanderplatz), Berliners and collectors from all over the country are catching Labubu fever.
🚶♂️ The Line: Berliners, Rain, and 21 Hours of Waiting
Yes, you read that right. Some fans waited 21 hours—overnight, in the rain, with camping gear—just to be among the first inside. People came from as far as Bayern and Sachsen-Anhalt. Why? Because the first German Labubu store is a big deal. And because, let’s be honest, FOMO is real.
“Mein Sohn hat sich an die Tür geklammert und gesagt: Ich verlasse den Platz hier nicht mehr.”
— Markus, who waited 21 hours with his 10-year-old son Etienne
The vibe? A mix of festival, Black Friday, and Pokémon Go community day. There were arrival lists, wristbands, and even offers of cash for a better spot in line (which were politely refused—this is Berlin, after all).
🎲 The Blind Box Craze: It’s Like a Casino, But Cuter
Here’s the twist: When you buy a Labubu, you don’t know which one you’ll get. It’s called the Blindbox-Prinzip. You might get the one you want… or you might not. That’s part of the thrill (and why some people compare it to gambling).
“Es ist wie eine Casino-Sucht. Man kann damit nur schwer aufhören.”
— Özgun, Labubu fan and TikTok unboxer
Some fans spent €500+ in one go. Others just wanted a single plush for their kid’s good report card. But everyone agreed: the excitement is half the fun.
📱 TikTok, Instagram & The Global Labubu Hype
Why is Labubu everywhere? Social media. Influencers film themselves unboxing, trading, and showing off their collections. The hashtag #labubu has millions of views. In Berlin, you’ll spot Labubu keychains on backpacks, plushies in Spätis, and even Labubu-themed meetups.
💸 What Does a Labubu Cost?
- In-store: Starting at €19.20 for a Blindbox (prices can go way up for rare editions)
- Online: Some rare Labubus are resold for hundreds of euros
- Pro-Tip: The store limits how many you can buy at once (to keep things fair)
🤔 Is It Worth the Hype? (And What Do Berliners Think?)
Not everyone is convinced. Some call it “überteuerter Kitsch” (overpriced kitsch), others worry about the environmental impact of all that plastic and plush. But for most fans, it’s about joy, community, and a little bit of childhood magic.
“Es ist schon krass, wieviele Leute sich für so einen Schlüsselanhänger anstellen. Aber gut – wir stellen uns ja auch an. Wir wollen dabei sein.”
— Maria, who waited with her daughters for a Labubu
🗣️ Mini German Learning Sessions: Labubu Edition
📝 Session 1: Essential Labubu Shopping Vocabulary
| German | English |
|---|---|
| das Plüschtier | plush toy |
| die Warteschlange | waiting line |
| die Überraschungsbox | blind box |
| ausverkauft | sold out |
| der Sammler / die Sammlerin | collector |
| der Hype | hype |
| das Bändchen | wristband |
Practice:
"Ich möchte ein Plüschtier kaufen." (I want to buy a plush toy.)
"Ist das schon ausverkauft?" (Is that already sold out?)
📝 Session 2: Talking About Waiting in Line
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Ich stehe in der Schlange. | I’m standing in line. |
| Wie lange dauert es noch? | How much longer will it take? |
| Ich warte seit drei Stunden. | I’ve been waiting for three hours. |
Practice:
"Ich stehe seit gestern Abend in der Schlange." (I’ve been in line since
last night.)
"Bekomme ich ein Bändchen?" (Do I get a wristband?)
📝 Session 3: Expressing Excitement (or Disappointment)
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Ich bin so aufgeregt! | I’m so excited! |
| Das ist unglaublich! | That’s unbelievable! |
| Schade, ich habe meinen Lieblings-Labubu nicht bekommen. | Too bad, I didn’t get my favorite Labubu. |
Practice:
"Ich bin so aufgeregt, endlich meinen Labubu zu bekommen!" (I’m so excited
to finally get my Labubu!)
"Schade, alles ausverkauft." (Too bad, everything’s sold out.)
📝 Session 4: Bonus – Small Talk with Other Fans
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Sammelst du auch Labubus? | Do you also collect Labubus? |
| Welche Figur willst du haben? | Which figure do you want? |
| Viel Glück! | Good luck! |
Practice:
"Sammelst du auch Labubus?" (Do you also collect Labubus?)
"Viel Glück beim Auspacken!" (Good luck unboxing!)
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🏆 Final Thoughts: Labubu = Berlin’s Newest Obsession
Whether you’re a hardcore collector, a curious tourist, or just here for the memes, Labubu is now officially part of Berlin’s pop culture. Will the hype last? Who knows. But for now, the city is grinning right back at those mischievous little monsters.
Were you at the Labubu opening? Did you get the one you wanted? Share your story in the comments!
🗣️ Because knowing what “ausverkauft” means might save you from a 14-hour wait for nothing but rain and FOMO.
Want more Berlin tips, German vocab, and real-life stories? Subscribe to konnektoren.help and never miss a trend (or a grammar hack)!
Sources & Further Reading:
This article is based on reports and eyewitness stories from Tagesspiegel, rbb24, t-online, Berliner Zeitung (July 2025), and original research by the konnektoren.help team. For more details, check out the linked articles and local news coverage.
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