In this episode, Kim and Suzanne want to help you, as a foreigner living in Germany, to settle in and feel at home as soon as possible. We’re doing this today by explaining the best ways to make friends in Germany quickly. Because if you’re lonely, you won’t get the most out of your experience here, will you? Your hosts, both hailing from the UK, have been living and thriving in Germany for many years.

We share our insights and experiences to assist fellow foreigners in finding their tribe in Germany. Sit back, relax and enjoy this episode, which is, as always, full of personal stories and anecdotes. We hope you find it entertaining and informative.

We talk about:

• Where you would normally find friends back home - it’s often different abroad
• The sense of loss of identity that you can feel
• The pitfalls of relying too much on your partner
• “Vereine” (clubs) again!
• Meeting friends at language school
• Talking to people while walking your own dog or one from the animal rescue centre (Tierheim)
• Meet Up groups
• Loneliness and lack of fulfilment that stay-at-home spouses often feel
• You don’t necessarily get on with every English-speaking person you meet!
• Facebook groups for your city/area
• Language cafés
• Work
• Family days and “Feste” at work
• Stepping outside your comfort zone
• Be gentle with yourself
• When you fail, brush yourself off and start again
• Gyms, sports clubs, hobbies
• Toastmasters
• Volunteering
• It takes time!
• Keep in touch with friends back home too
• But be aware that some friends back home may drift away
• Once you’ve got a German friend, they’re mostly for life.

Our next episode comes out on 28th September, so remember to press “follow” on the platform of your choice for the Thriving In Germany Podcast, and hit the bell 🔔 to be notified when the next episode is released.

Want to get to know us better? Connect with us here:

Kim

Website: https://thriveingermany.net

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kim.lummis

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-lummis-209b0120/

For the Thrive in Germany online course https://www.thriveingermany.net/booking-1 and use coupon code "podcast" for 10% off

Suzanne

Website: https://suzannedinter.com

Facebook: https://facebook.com/suzanne.dinter

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/suzannedinter

To book a breakthrough session with Suzanne: https://appointment-suzanne-dinter-hypnosis-coaching.as.me/breakthrough
Free hypnotic download: https://suzannedinter.com/calm-and-confident/