Germany is a wonderful country to live in but it can sometimes be hard to make new friends. Here are some tips on how you can get started and find new people who share your interests:
- Learn the German Language
The Germans are one of the most well known groups in Europe and many foreigners find themselves attracted to their culture. However, you might be surprised by how some German people can be reluctant when it comes to communicating with other internationals who don’t speak fluent German yet. This is because they say that no matter what language we’re speaking, communication requires a certain level of understanding on both sides which isn’t possible if only one person speaks fluently.
So make sure before coming over here you learn at least enough basics for your stay or join a language class after arriving as this will undoubtedly increase your chances of meeting locals while also meeting other internationals who are learning the German language as well.
2. Join a local sports club
Joining a local sports club is a great way to make friends with locals and other internationals in Germany. Sports clubs are the perfect opportunity to share an interest, which will help you expand your circle of social connections while fostering new friendships as well! These sports teams generally have annual membership fees available for roughly €50, making it affordable for almost anyone who wants some friendly company on the field or court.
This could be just what you need if you are looking for more ways to meet like-minded people from your area; join one now before they fill up their roster! You can also join your university’s sports clubs which are normally cheaper and also free sometimes. This will help you meet other fellow students from your university.
3. Attend events in your area
As COVID-19 restrictions are slowly being removed from Germany, there will hopefully soon be a resurgence in cultural activities as seen pre-pandemic when they would attract large groups of curious foreigners wanting an inside look into authentic German life. If you haven’t already joined one or two campus organizations we recommend doing so because it provides a great opportunity to meet new friends while also gaining exposure about what goes on outside your school.
You can find the Germany’s most popular cultural festivals here.
Having an international experience in a new city can be hard, but luckily many platforms exist for you to meet and connect with other people. MeetUp is app-based while InterNations has more of a website feel and both offer various events that members organize themselves. The popular activities include drinking, cooking classes or hikes depending on the season (or year!). If meeting up isn’t your thing then creating your own event will let others know about it too!
4. Volunteer
If you want to meet new people and explore your interests, there are plenty of volunteering opportunities in Germany. For example, Sports clubs, charities or animal rescue organizations can all be great ways to make friends with similar hobbies. It is always recommended that if you’re interested in joining these groups it would help a lot if you speak German as most volunteers will also be fluent.
If you want to volunteer for a company and don’t speak German yet, try Booka Local’s Student Ambassador Program. We provide translation services (such as attending appointments, phone calls in German, etc) to those who have difficulties with the German language. This program allows you to be flexible, build your resume and expand your network which is what you want to do. We plan to organize as well as sponsor more events soon as Germany removes it’s COVID-19 restrictions. You will be able to meet more internationals as well as our local helpers. This program can help you make new friends in Germany and increase your skills at the same time.
5. Join Facebook Groups and online forums
Last but not the least, there are hundreds of groups for internationals on Facebook with thousands of members. You often find members posting about events or plans to meet new people. There are normally major groups for each city and town. For example, if you’re new in Berlin, you can join ‘berlin EXPATS’ and ‘International Friends in Berlin’ with members from more than 50 countries. You can post something yourself, asking to meet new people and maybe go for a drink. You can even just connect through group chat features such as WhatsApp messenger.
You can also join online forums like Booka Local’s Quick Question Community, if ever you have questions and want advice on various things.
