Rukavytsya was released from his contract with Dutch club FC Twente, who had sent him out on loan to Belgian outfit KSV Roeselare for the final six months of last season.

The 23-year-old's performances in Belgium earned him a surprise spot in Pim Verbeek's squad for the World Cup and he featured in two games off the bench in South Africa.

Berlin, surprisingly relegated from the Bundesliga last season, is looking to rebuild and sees the Ukrainian-born attacker as a good fit for the club.

"Nikita is very quick and very adaptable up front," said Hertha's sporting director Michael Preetz.

Rukavytsya told the club website he was delighted to be playing in Germany.

He added: "I'm very happy with my transfer to Hertha BSC and I'm really looking forward to living in Berlin. The club is full of ambition and I want to be part of Hertha's future."