...the fact that the name of this antik/trödelmarkt is a punny jab at the massive KaDeWe (Kaufhaus…read moredes Westens) should tip you off to that this place has a sense of humor...
*this* kdw, however, is polar opposite to the cushy mega-shopping bonanza at Wittenbergplatz - you could argue this spot is an UNcomfortable shopping experience since it's not heated in the winter, dusty, crammed-full (although without feeling cluttered) and not really near any other destination (...it's actually easy to reach on the 200 bus from Alex). this is to me, believe it or not, all part of its charm - the owners have a fantastic eye for 'finds', which means that you can really be rewarded for taking your time and just wandering around the big one-roomed shop. they have a coffee-counter of sorts (where the selection of munchies offered seems to be at the daily whim of the staff) that encourages just this type of aimlessness - grab a drink and poke around. to my eye, kdw really shines on 60s+70s furniture+housewares and former GDR items. among others, i picked up a wonderfully warm authentic wool military jacket, a multi-headed 60s floor lamp, and a mosaic coffeetable, that still has its original obligatory Warenbezeichnung affixed underneath.
like all second-hand markts, you won't always find what you want, but if you pop in every once in awhile, you are bound to find something really unique AND well-priced. take the time to get to know the owners, who are affable and always looking for good conversation, and they'll be happy to cut you a deal, especially if you buy a few things or drop in regularly. i discovered kdw when i first arrived and was moving out of a home-stay nearby and into my new (and *completely* empty) apartment. since i bought a bunch of things all at once, not only did they give me a killer discount, but they offered to drive all the purchased items AND all my belongings to my new apartment. that's the kind of place i'm happy to trek back to buy from.