Berlin is a city.
Berlin ( [ bəɹˈlɪn ] , [ bɛɐ̯ˈliːn ] ) is the capital and the largest city of Germany as well as one of its 16 constituent states . A capital city ( or simply capital ) is the municipality exercising primary status in a country , state , province , or other region , usually as its seat of government . A capital is typically a city that physically encompasses the offices and meeting places of its respective government ; the status as capital is often designated by its law or constitution .