Berlin by Sofía Bertomeu
From the Polabian stem berl- / birl- (“swamp”) + suffix -in. The place is first mentioned by this name in the late 12th century (as Middle Low German Berlyn). From PIE *ber- "marshy place", in reference to the old city's location on low, marshy ground along the River Spree.
According to (incorrect) folk etymology, the name is derived from the Bär (“bear”) that is the symbol of the city.
1. Berlin, the capital of Germany
2. Fine worsted for fancy-work; zephyr worsted.
