Making friends in Germany: start somewhere you’ll return

You can have a job, a flat and a completed moving checklist, then reach Friday evening with nobody to call. The practical side of a move often comes with instructions. The social side rarely does.

Try giving it a little structure: one activity you enjoy, one place you can reach easily and a reason to go back. You don’t need to fill every evening. Start with something that fits the week you actually have.

Choose an activity before choosing a crowd

A shared task gives a first conversation somewhere to start. Think about what you would enjoy even if you didn’t meet a future friend on the first visit: cooking, drawing, singing, walking or playing a sport.

Look for a recurring session with a clear starting point. Before you book, check the location, language, level, total cost and whether newcomers can join. A beginners’ group ten minutes from home may be easier to stick with than your ideal activity across the city.

The vhs course finder lists adult-education courses across Germany. Search locally and read the individual course description; language, format and fees vary. A course is one option for meeting people through something you want to learn.

Ask one practical question before you arrive

You don’t have to guess whether a group welcomes beginners or English speakers. Send the organiser a short question:

“Hello, I’ve recently moved here and would like to join a session. I’m new to the activity and still learning German. Is there a suitable group, and can I try it before committing?”

If you want to ask in German: “Hallo, ich bin neu hier und würde gern mitmachen. Mein Deutsch ist noch nicht so gut. Kann ich erst einmal zum Ausprobieren kommen?”

For a club, ask about trial sessions, equipment and membership terms. For a casual group, confirm the meeting point and how cancellations are announced. Knowing where to stand when you arrive can make the first visit much less awkward.

Give a promising group another visit

One quiet evening tells you very little about how well a group might suit you. If you enjoyed the activity and felt comfortable, try returning before deciding.

Make the next conversation small and specific: “Are you coming next week?” or “Do people usually get a coffee afterwards?” You can also offer a simple invitation: “I’m going for a coffee after this. Want to join?”

You’re looking for mutual interest, so leave room for an easy no. If a group feels uncomfortable or the activity isn’t for you, choose something else. Consistency helps only when the place is worth returning to.

Volunteer for a task you can realistically do

Volunteering can give you a shared purpose and regular contact with others. Start with your actual availability and interests. Ask what the role involves, what language skills it needs and whether training or checks are required.

The bagfa agency directory helps you find local volunteer agencies in Germany. Contact an agency about opportunities near you rather than assuming every listed organisation has a suitable opening. If your work schedule is unpredictable, ask about occasional activities before committing to a weekly role.

Use local newcomer services when you need a starting point

Your city’s official website is a useful place to look for a welcome centre, community facilities and local advice. Services differ, so check who each offer is intended for.

In Munich, the city’s Welcome Center is a starting point for information and support for international newcomers. Check its current services and contact arrangements directly. Use it to find relevant local support; it is not a promise of a particular event or social group.

Make a small plan for the next two weeks

• Pick one activity you would enjoy and one realistic time in your week.
• Find a local option, check the details and ask the organiser anything unclear.
• Attend once. If it feels like a fit, put the next session in your calendar.
• Follow up with one person you enjoyed talking to, with a specific, low-pressure suggestion.

Leave space for the friendships you already have, too. A regular call home can sit alongside making connections locally. You don’t have to replace one life with another overnight.

If moving admin is taking up all your headspace, use the moving checklist to get it out of your head and onto a list. Then leave yourself one evening that isn’t about paperwork.

Resource links checked on 6 September 2026. Check current schedules, participation requirements and prices with each organiser.