Posts in category: New to Germany

If you’re interested in dating in Germany, it can be helpful to understand the country’s unique dating customs and traditions. When you are in a foreign country and trying to negotiate strange norms and traditions, dating may be a stressful and perplexing process.

The dating scene in Germany is briefly discussed in this blog, along with cultural norms and expectations, suggestions for meeting and attracting potential partners, and guidance on handling relationships and dating etiquette. This guide will assist you in understanding the local dating environment and navigating your way to a happy and rewarding relationship, whether you are a newbie to Germany or a seasoned expat looking for love.

Cultural Norms and Expectations

If you’re from another country, you might not be accustomed to German dating customs. Keep in mind the following important cultural norms and expectations:

• It is typical for people to take some time to warm up to one another in Germany because both men and women tend to be more quiet and formal in their relationships.
• It is typical for people to have their own personal space and to be more autonomous in their relationships in Germany because of the culture’s priority placed on independence and self-sufficiency.
• People in Germany frequently express their sentiments and intentions honestly and directly because they have a tendency to be more straightforward and direct in their communication.
• In general, German society is more conventional, and traditional gender norms are frequently observed in interpersonal interactions. Men, for instance, might be anticipated
• It’s vital to be on time for dates and avoid last-minute cancellations because Germans have a tendency to be on time and value others’ punctuality.
• In public shows of affection, Germans tend to be more restrained, and it is normal for people to act more formal and reservedly.

Are you interested in finding out what Germans think about dating? Check out our free “Ask The Locals” ebook where they replied to questions regarding dating.

Tips for Meeting and Attracting Partners

If you are interested in dating in Germany, here are some tips for meeting and attracting potential partners:

• Join social groups or clubs: Getting involved in social groups or clubs that share your interests and hobbies is one of the finest methods to meet possible companions in Germany. Through online resources, community centers, or local meetings, you can locate groups and clubs.
• Use dating apps and websites: Online dating is common in Germany, and there are lots of options available for the domestic market. You can set up a profile and begin texting or swiping through potential companions in your neighborhood.
• Being open to new experiences may help you attract possible partners because Germans are often adventurous and open to new things. To meet new people, you can think about attempting new things to do or travelling somewhere new.
• Germans take tremendous pride in their culture and customs, so demonstrating an interest in them can be a fantastic approach to draw in potential partners. You can think about getting to know the regional customs and traditions or going to cultural events and holidays with your companion.
• Be assertive and self-assured. When dating in Germany, it’s crucial to be self-assured and clear about your objectives. Germans are drawn to people who are outspoken and confident.

Navigating Relationships and Dating Etiquette

Once you have found a possible partner in Germany, it is critical to behave respectfully and considerately throughout the relationship. Here are some pointers for handling German dating customs and relationships:

• Be on time: As was already noted, Germans place a high emphasis on punctuality and expect guests to arrive on time for dates and meetings. Being on time is crucial, as is not changing plans at the last minute.
• Be honest and up front: Due to the straightforward and direct communication style of Germans, it is crucial to be upfront about your intentions and feelings in a relationship.
• Respect personal space: Respect your partner’s boundaries and offer them space when they need it. As was already noted, Germans have a tendency to appreciate independence and privacy.
• Be open to compromise: In order to strike a balance that benefits both partners, it is crucial to be open to negotiation and compromise. Relationships call for compromise.
• Communication is essential. Any relationship that wants to succeed needs to have open lines of communication. You should also be honest and courteous when speaking with your partner.

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Dating in Germany may be a wonderful and enriching experience, but in order to successfully navigate the dating environment, it is essential to grasp the local culture and customs. You can discover love and establish a solid, satisfying relationship in Germany by heeding the advice in this article and being open to new experiences. So, these are some considerations you should make when dating in Germany.

It can be rewarding and pleasant to have a friendship with your German colleagues, but it can also be difficult, particularly if you are not familiar with the local way of life. Here are some ideas about how to become friends with your German colleagues:

Be punctual

Germans value punctuality and count on their colleagues to show up for meetings and work on time. Being dependable and on schedule will help you gain the respect and trust of your coworkers.

Get to know your colleagues

You can develop connections and feel more a part of your team by making an effort to get to know your colleagues. Consider asking them about their hobbies and interests or going out to lunch or coffee with them.

Participate in team-building activities

Participating in team-building activities or social gatherings offered by numerous German businesses might help you get to know your coworkers and foster relationships. You might also think about recommending some of your own interests, like hiking or participating in a team sport.

Show interest in their culture

Germans take great pride in their culture and customs, thus expressing an interest in them can promote connections and understanding. You can think about inquiring about regional customs and traditions or going to cultural events or holidays with your coworkers. Check out our free “Ask The Locals” ebook for some tips!

Be respectful and polite

It is important to treat coworkers with respect and consideration because politeness and respect are values in Germany. Be conscious of local customs and standards and refrain from saying or making inappropriate jokes.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Ask for assistance if necessary if you are having trouble with a task or if you have concerns about your employment. Your coworkers will probably be pleased to help you and offer advice, and this can be an excellent chance to develop trust and relationships.

Be open to trying new things

Being open to these chances can help you make friends and broaden your horizons because Germans are frequently willing to try new things and experience different cultures. You might think about suggesting activities or events that are outside your comfort zone or going on cultural outings with your employees.

Show appreciation

Germans place a high emphasis on appreciation and acknowledgment, thus expressing your gratitude for the accomplishments of your coworkers can strengthen your bonds with them. You can think about sending them a small gift or note of appreciation in appreciation for their assistance.

Be a good listener

Building trust and respect with your coworkers while actively listening to them and demonstrating an interest in what they have to say can also help you understand more about their backgrounds and experiences.

Have a sense of humor

A dry, subtle sense of humor is common among Germans, and being able to laugh and appreciate a joke can help you make friends and foster a healthy work atmosphere. However, it’s crucial to be aware of cultural variations and to refrain from cracking insensitive or offensive jokes.

In general, building friendship with your German colleagues takes time, effort, and cultural sensitivity. You can create solid, lasting relationships and enhance your experience in Germany by using these suggestions and remaining open to fresh experiences and viewpoints.

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Do you want to know more about the German culture to help you integrate? Check out our FREE “Ask The Locals” ebook!

Leaving your home country and your family behind to travel to Germany must have been really hard for all expats. Most of us must have experienced depression, anxiety, sadness and what not during our first months in Germany. And why not? Germany was a new place with a completely new culture, new people and not forgetting new language for almost all of us. And the depressive winters, TRAUMATIZING!

Well, if you think you are the only one experiencing these feelings, then trust me, you’re not alone!

Expat blues also known as expat depression is when people who move overseas feel what psychologists call the depression of new culture shock. When someone is going through an expat blues, one of the worst feelings that can happen is apathy. This is typically expressed as a lack of engagement and joy. Some common physical symptoms of expat blues are, among others, fatigue, insomnia, crying, loss of appetite or overeating. 

But do not worry! Expats usually get over it with time! 

Here are some ways to control your expat blues to make your stay in Germany more pleasant:

Gather information about Germany

One of the best ways to prevent a culture shock is to gather as much information about Germany as possible. Search about the culture, the people, the places. it is highly recommended you to also join Germany expats’ forums, communities and Facebook groups to see what the expats already here are talking about. You will get a clearer idea of the topics they talk about and also important information about life in Germany.

You can also check InterNations and MeetUp, two very popular expats forums in Germany!

Booka Local also has its own meetup forum for expats where we often have online meetups to chat about different topics! We also hope to plan meetups offline as summer approaches…so, make sure you check out this link of our forum to stay updated with our meetups!

Exploring Germany

Think about it! You are now in GERMANY!!! It is one of the most historical places in Europe. So, why waste such an opportunity? Go explore the country, organise weekend getaways to the castles, visit the spatis with your new friends and attend events which are always happening throughout Germany. These will help you to get more familiar with the country and also keep your mind away from homesickness thoughts…

Exploring Germany also means getting to know the locals! Yes, it is not always easy to befriend Germans, we’ve all been there! Oh, btw speaking of getting to know the Germans, Booka Local has recently launched its ebook “Ask the Locals” where we asked the locals questions that we expats have most certainly have had in our minds! You can now get your own FREE copy!

Create a home

You are now living on your own! Yay privacy!!! Think about it in this way – you can now decorate your new place as YOU want it. You can create your own comfortable little bubble that makes you feel safe and relaxed. Trust me, this makes a huge difference! Try it, buy frames, flowers, plants, lights, and whatever you like and create your personalized home! You will love it.

Keep up with old habits

Once you are in Germany, you do not have to change yourself or your habits. Keep up with your old habits! That is, if you used to exercise in your home country, continue in Germany too! Germany has splendid running and hiking tracks! Make sure you explore them! They’re so worth it! If you were always a person who loves connecting with nature, then Germany has a lot of it’s natural places to offer…You can also find friends online or offline who have the same hobbies as you and plan something together! 

Plan something with family and friends

Invite your friends or family from back home to Germany. Planning a trip with familiar people will give you something to look forward to and the opportunity to see more Germany. 

Many expats make Europe tour plans with their friends and families back home and create great memories. Get yourself motivated for these kinds of trips too. These will help you get more used to Europe as a whole and make you feel more a part of this new continent. 

Share your thoughts

A very important thing to do when you’re having the expat blues is to talk it out. As mentioned earlier, you are not the only one who has been experiencing such feelings, most of the expats have too! Talk to other expats, share your thoughts and feelings! It will make you feel much lighter and will help you to get through those hard days! 

If you are having communication problems due to the language barriers, it is recommended to search for other people from your home country in Germany. This can give you a sense of belonging and therefore make you feel like home. 

Talking to your friends and families back home can also help a lot. Video calling them or chatting with them can help ease your pain and sadness from being away from them. 

Finally, living far from your family and your home country can be really difficult. But remember, among millions of people who dreamt of travelling to Germany, you were in the lucky group who actually made it here! And it’s worth celebrating…expat blues is very natural and goes away with each day you spend in Germany! We hope you can find these few tips helpful to make your days better here!

I have a German neighbor who lives next door. He has been living here for over two years now. He always seems a bit grumpy to me. I am not sure what to say when I see him. Should I greet him or just ignore him?

As a parent, you want to raise your children in a multicultural environment. How can you do this without creating too much stress? In this blog post we talk about how to raise kids in a multilingual family!

The global population is growing rapidly. As a result, there has been a rise in the number of families who speak multiple languages at home. According to the United Nations, over half of the world’s population now lives in countries where two or more languages are spoken.

Multiculturalism is becoming the norm today. Parents from around the globe are bringing their children up speaking multiple languages. This means that they should also learn to communicate with each other. If you’re thinking of having children, then you should consider learning a language before they arrive.

Why do you want to raise your kids to be multilingual?

First of all, many believe that multilingual children are better prepared for school and work. They also learn how to communicate with people from different cultures.
However, in today’s world, a lot of parents do not raise their kids to be multilingual out of a choice – they could be immigrants in a new country themselves. It means that, the parents speak another language (or several different languages) at home which is not the native language in the country they live in. Their kids have no choice but to be exposed to different languages at the same time.

Don’t children get confused when they hear two languages spoken around them?

Children are extremely sensitive to the different ways adults speak. Even when they understand only one language, they learn quickly about the differences between how men and women talk, and other differences. Bilingual situations aren’t always a disadvantage. Sometimes it’s an advantage!
Bilingual children may take a bit longer to learn how to speak two languages. Their brains have to work harder to understand both languages. However, bilingual children do develop faster than those who speak only one language.

Raising a multilingual family is hard – what makes it work?

Many books and articles aimed at parents who want their kids to learn languages claim that the best way for them to learn a new language is through OPOL, which stands for “one person, one language.” In this case, both parents speak two languages. One parent speaks English and Spanish; the other parent speaks French and German. In fact, for several reasons, this method isn’t ideal. It is actually found that most children who speak two languages end up using one language exclusively for communication purposes. The success rate was especially high when both parents spoke the home language while the children learned the other language at school. Furthermore, even if the parents were able to speak several different languages, their children would only learn the one they actually use at home. It makes perfect sense because there’s a direct relationship between the amount of time children spend interacting with their parents and the rate at which they learn new words. However, the exact amount of time needed is not known. There is no scientific evidence to back up claims that children need to be exposed to a language for at least thirty percent of their waking hours before they begin to learn it easily (aeon.co).

‘The earlier the better’? Children learn languages best after the age of 12. The current trend in Europe for teaching children English earlier than usual isn’t working well. A child can lose the motivation to learn if starting a language too early – especially if the child is already learning a language at home from one of his or her parents (aeon.co).

How to raise kids in a multilingual family comes with many challenges. If you are a parent living in a foreign land and have to bring up your children with a mixture of languages, make sure you do not put pressure on them to learn different languages or stress yourself about not speaking the foreign language, because they eventually catch up with them by being exposed to them.

Do you have to visit your children’s Kindergarten but do not speak German? We‘ve got your back. Simply book a local now!

Why do Germans stare a lot? Is it not rude here in Germany to give strangers an intense look? What can I do about it?