September 22, 1903 at the Kaiserliche Marine Dockyard in Danzig, Germany the Bremen class cruiser Berlin was launched. The "launch" was preformed by dragging the hull into off the ways into the water, an operation that took a little more than two hours. Berlin was christened by the Herr Kirschner, Chief Burgomaster of the namesake city and the ceremony was attended by the Secretary of State of the Imperial German Navy, Alfred von Tirpitz. Because of the length of time involved the attendees did not stay for the entire launching.

Herr Kirschner, who had been commanded by the Kaiser to attend the event, duly reported back to him via telegraph. The Kaiser's response was;

"I thank you for informing me of the launch of the cruiser Berlin. I rejoice that a ship of my fleet now bears this name, and I hope that this will constitute a fresh bond between the capital of the Empire and my navy. Berlin may be proud that a vessel of the Imperial navy bears its name."