best German bikes for the money are VSF Fahrradmanufaktur (a few places near London sell them) ... personally, I wouldn't waste time with an English bike:

http://www.fahrradmanufaktur.de/

their trekking bikes are great for everyday commuting use and start at €499 (£400). For €999 (£800), you'll get a bike that will destroy just about anything else in it's price range. this is a belt-driven 8-speed IGH ...

http://www.fahrradmanufaktur.de/bike...xus-8-gang-fl/

they also make "pretty city" bikes, which are very high quality.

http://www.fahrradmanufaktur.de/bikes/city/

finally, you get all bikes in with different frames ("mens", "womens" or a "mixtie/XXL type") in all colors.

you should look at the catalog here, German only, which shouldn't be a problem if you're moving to Hamburg

http://www.fahrradmanufaktur.de/wp-c...og_2013_LR.pdf