Overcoming Expat Isolation in Germany: Practical Tips
Germany, what’s not to love? Great beer, efficient public transport, and an obsession with punctuality that’s almost intimidating.
But if you’re an expat or thinking of becoming one, you’ll soon discover that while it’s easy to admire the clockwork-like culture, cracking into German social circles is another story.
I’ve spent plenty of time visiting the country over the years, and while I haven’t lived there myself, I’ve known my fair share of expats who have called Germany home.
I’ve even had a German girlfriend from my past, whom I was in a serious relationship with for three years.
I also had the good fortune of being taken in by her grandparents, whose guesthouse I had rented.
The conversations, the warmth and goodwill I had the good fortune of experiencing firsthand from “Oma and Opa” has been unmatched ever since.
Needless to say, I have a close affinity to the German people and culture that go way back….
But if you’re an Expat trying to find your way, here’s the unspoken truth: it’s not easy to feel at home in Deutschland or to get close to Germans themselves.
So, let’s get right into why Germany can feel a little chilly socially, and, more importantly, what you can do to thaw the ice.
Here are some practical tips for building connections in this reserved culture.
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