In 1909, Karl Siebrecht, who has just become an orphan, arrives in Berlin. The 16-year-old is eager to conquer the city for himself in just a few weeks. On the train ride there, he meets Rieke Busch, a girl from the working-class district of Wedding. She accompanies Karl from then on. But he soon realizes that he will have to start at the bottom. His path is characterized by small successes and setbacks. Only later does he make his breakthrough by founding a luggage transportation company. But once again, his success was short-lived as his business partner booted him out. Karl Siebrecht is faced with the ruins of his company. But he does not give up, finds new ways and seems to have achieved another breakthrough. But then the First World War breaks out...