Moving to Germany can be exciting—but also lonely at times, especially when it comes to making new friends. Many people find it hard at first to connect with locals. Germans may seem distant or formal, but don’t worry: friendships in Germany usually take time to develop, and once they do, they are often very strong and loyal.
Overview:
- From someone you know to becoming Friends: Building Friendships take time.
- Honesty over Politeness: Germans speak directly, but personal sharing happens slowly.
- Where to Meet People: Places to meet Germans.
- Building Trust Takes Time: Small, regular contact matters more than big gestures.
- Respect for Boundaries: Privacy and personal space are important – don’t take distance personally.
- Making Friends at Work: Workplace relationships can grow – but you often have to take the first step.
- Networking in Germany: Social circles are smaller but deeper – networking happens with intentions.
1. From someone you know to becoming Friends
In Germany, people often make a clear difference between „somebody they know“ and „friends.“ Being called a friend usually means someone truly trusts you and enjoys your company on a deeper level.
Be patient and take small steps. Accept invitations, even if they seem casual, like going for a coffee or walk. These moments are how many friendships begin in Germany.
2. Honesty Over Politeness
In some cultures, being polite means avoiding disagreement. In Germany, being honest—even if it sounds direct—is often considered a sign of respect and trust. Don’t be afraid to express your opinion. You don’t have to agree with everyone. Open communication is valued and can help build stronger connections.
3. Where to Meet People
Friendships often start through shared activities. Unfortunately you may not find information in Englisch, so may use your browser’s translation tool. Good places to meet new people in Germany include:
- Community Clubs or hobby groups (sports, music, art etc.):
- Look at the Volkshochschule (VHS) for creative classes, sports, or languages. These courses are affordable and often attended by locals of all ages.
- Germany has thousands of clubs for football, hiking, photography, dance, or chess. Ask at your city hall („Bürgeramt“) or search your city name + „Verein“ online.
- University settings:
- Online platforms (Click the Title to get to the website)
- Meetup: Search for events in your city. (website interface available in korean, japanese and thai language)
- Language and integration courses (there may will be more international People, when you choose german as a course): Search your preferred language in your city.
- Example keywords: Sprachtandem (language partner), Sprachzentrum (language center), Sprachaustausch (language exchange)
Tip: Take the initiative. Saying something like “Would you like to grab a coffee some day?” is completely normal in Germany. Try to find a date and time together.
4. Building Trust Takes Time
Friendships in Germany grow slowly. People often get closer by doing things together regularly and being reliable. German directness can sometimes make people seem very open, but when it comes to private or emotional topics, many prefer to wait until they know someone well.
Focus on consistency—small, regular interactions build trust over time. Don’t be discouraged if things don’t move quickly. It’s often more like peeling an onion—layer by layer, until you reach the core. Even if the outer layers seem large and expressive, what really matters is hidden deeper inside.
5. Respect for Boundaries
Personal space and privacy are important in Germany. Some people need alone time or take longer to open up. If someone turns down an invitation or replies late, don’t take it personally. Many Germans are simply more reserved at first, as I said, they need time to get along to show emotions.
6. Making Friends at Work
In Germany, work is often seen as a professional space, not necessarily a social one. It’s possible to form friendships with colleagues or even your boss, but it usually doesn’t happen automatically or regularly.
If you’d like to get to know someone from work outside of work as well, it’s good—and even expected—that you take the first step.
Tip: Try saying something like “I’m planning to check out that café nearby. Want to join me after work some day?”
Even if someone says no, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try again another time or with someone else. The Person maybe don’t have time today or isn’t in the mood for coffee.
7. Networking in Germany
People in Germany usually focus on maintaining a smaller number of close relationships, rather than keeping in touch with a wide social circle. This doesn’t mean people aren’t open—it just means that relationships often go deeper instead of broader.
Networking exists, but it tends to happen in specific settings like:
- Professional events
- Community Clubs or sport groups
- Volunteering activities
- Online platforms like LinkedIn
Feel free to reach out to someone if you share a common interest or need advice. Just be clear, polite, and respectful—people are often happy to help, even if contact is less frequent than you might be used to.
Friendships Take Time, but They’re Worth It
Making friends in Germany may feel slow at first—but it is absolutely possible. Once you build trust, you’ll often find a loyal and honest connection. Take small steps, stay open, and give it time.
You’re not alone—and your new friends might be closer than you think.
First Steps in Germany 