Studying in Germany opens the door to world-class education, global career prospects, and rich cultural experiences. But beyond academics, one of the most important and often overlooked aspects of studying abroad is making meaningful connections — especially with locals.
So, many international students ask:
“Is it easy to make German friends?”
The honest answer is: It’s possible, but not always easy. Germans can initially seem distant or reserved, especially compared to cultures that are more socially expressive. But once the barriers are crossed, you can form deep, loyal, and lasting friendships.
Let’s dive into why making German friends may feel challenging at first, how cultural differences play a role, and most importantly — how you can successfully connect with German students and locals.
🧊 Why It Might Feel Difficult at First
Here are some common reasons international students find it a bit hard to make friends with Germans in the beginning:
1. Germans Value Privacy and Personal Space
Unlike some cultures where socializing with strangers is easy and instant, Germans tend to be more private and less emotionally expressive in public. Small talk is rare, and conversations often stay formal in the beginning.
📌 Reality check:
A German student may sit next to you in class every week and still not say “hi” — not because they dislike you, but because it’s not culturally expected.
2. Social Circles Are Tight
Most Germans form close-knit circles of friends early in life, often in high school or childhood, and tend to maintain those long-term. They don’t always feel the need to expand their social network unless there’s a clear context — like work, university projects, or shared hobbies.
3. Language Barrier
Even though many Germans speak English fluently, they naturally socialize in German — especially in casual settings. If you don’t speak German, you might feel left out or hesitant to join conversations.
📌 Pro tip: Learning even basic German phrases can go a long way in breaking the ice.
✅ But Here’s the Good News…
While the beginning may be slow, Germans make incredibly loyal, honest, and caring friends once you’ve built that trust.
They might not be overly expressive or outgoing, but once you’re in — you’re in for life.
🎯 How to Make German Friends: Practical Tips That Work
Let’s move past the challenges and focus on what actually works when it comes to building friendships in Germany.
1. Join University Clubs, Societies, and AGs
Most German universities have many student clubs (called Arbeitsgemeinschaften – AGs) and associations for:
- Sports (football, climbing, dance, martial arts)
- Music, theatre, and arts
- Politics, environment, feminism, tech, etc.
- Language exchange & international student groups
✅ These clubs offer natural settings to meet locals with shared interests. People here are open to chatting, collaborating, and forming friendships over time.
2. Attend Events for International & Local Students
Look for events organized by:
- Studentenwerk (student services)
- Erasmus groups or International Offices
- Buddy programs – where German students help international students settle in
- Local meetups, bar nights, game nights, cultural exchange programs
🗣️ These events are designed for cross-cultural interaction, making it easier to meet Germans who are curious about other cultures.
3. Live in a WG (Wohngemeinschaft – Shared Flat)
If you live in a shared apartment (WG), you’ll have daily interaction with locals — cooking together, watching TV, sharing household tasks.
Tips for WG success:
- Don’t lock yourself in your room — be social in the kitchen
- Join flat dinners or weekend activities
- Be respectful of quiet hours and cleaning plans (Germans appreciate tidiness!)
WG life is often where real friendships begin.
4. Learn German — Even Just a Little
You don’t need to be fluent, but even A1 or A2 level can make a big difference. Knowing a few phrases like:
- “Wie geht’s?” (How are you?)
- “Wollen wir zusammen lernen?” (Shall we study together?)
- “Lust auf Kaffee?” (Want to grab coffee?)
…can help you connect more naturally.
🗣️ Also, locals are more likely to open up when they see you’re making an effort to learn their language.
5. Be Consistent, Not Pushy
Don’t expect instant closeness. Instead:
- Be polite, consistent, and reliable
- Respect boundaries — don’t overshare too soon
- Accept that friendship in Germany takes time — but it’s deep when it happens
6. Offer Help or Ask for It
Working on a class project? Preparing for exams? Germans value purposeful interaction — so collaborating on study tasks, research, or volunteering can be a great way to bond.
7. Understand Their Humor and Culture
German humor can be dry, ironic, and sometimes subtle. Also, Germans often joke about themselves, their bureaucracy, or even their weather. Understanding this can help you fit in socially.
Watching German shows or movies (like Dark, How to Sell Drugs Online Fast, or Tatort) can help you get a sense of the culture, humor, and language.
💡 Things to Avoid When Trying to Make Friends in Germany
Making friends anywhere is also about avoiding social missteps. Here are a few to keep in mind:
❌ Don’t Try Too Hard
Being too enthusiastic, overly talkative, or trying to “win” someone’s attention can make people uncomfortable. Germans prefer a natural, gradual approach to friendship.
❌ Don’t Disrespect Rules or Be Late
Punctuality, cleanliness, and personal space are huge cultural values. Being late, loud, or messy can damage potential friendships.
❌ Don’t Expect Instant Socializing
In many cultures, it’s easy to make “casual friends” who are friendly from day one. In Germany, friendship often starts formal and becomes warm over time.
💬 Real Stories from International Students
🗣️ “At first, I thought Germans were cold. But my flatmate invited me for Christmas with her family after just 3 months. Now she’s my best friend.” – Maria, Brazil
🗣️ “I joined a photography AG, and it changed everything. We’re still in touch years later.” – Rajat, India
🗣️ “Learning German made the biggest difference. Once I could hold small conversations, people started including me more.” – Chinedu, Nigeria
🔁 Summary: Is It Easy to Make German Friends?
| Factor | Germany |
|---|---|
| Openness to strangers | Moderate to low (at first) |
| Value of friendship | Very high (once built) |
| Social style | Reserved but sincere |
| Preferred communication | Direct and honest |
| Friendship depth | Long-lasting, loyal, respectful |
🌟 Final Thoughts: Slow Start, Strong Finish
Making German friends as an international student might take time, but it’s absolutely worth the effort. Once you break the ice, you’ll find yourself surrounded by reliable, thoughtful, and sincere people who can become part of your lifelong circle.
💬 Remember:
“You don’t make German friends in a day. You earn their trust over time — and once you do, they’re friends for life.”
So be patient, proactive, respectful — and don’t forget to have fun along the way!