Originally released by Berthold in 1913 in a single light weight as part of the Block series. Magere Block by Louis Oppenheim [Wetzig 1926–40] is essentially a wide version of Berliner Grotesk, and Halbfette Block a bold cut. Some sources credit Oppenheim with the design of Berliner Grotesk, too [Reichardt/Hoefer]. Others list it as in-house design [Wetzig 1926–40].

Revived by Erik Spiekermann in 1979 in three weights, incorporating Block halbfett as Berliner Grotesk Medium [Spiekermann] and adding a Bold. Copied as Collner Grotesk (FontSite).