How to quickly adapt in Germany: 5 simple tips

Why Germany attracts Russians

Germany is the country with the strongest national economy in Europe and fourth in the world in terms of GDP. From here follow all the accompanying advantages of living in it. First of all, a high level of social support. For example, the minimum payment for a child here is 250 euros per month. And the receipts do not end when they reach the age of majority - money can be issued up to 20 years.

Also, here you need to try very hard to find yourself without housing and food, because social services are making every effort to support people in difficult life situations. It is important that many German universities are stable are included in the top 100 best educational institutions in the world, and their diplomas are quoted in all countries.

People from all over the world constantly come to local clinics for treatment, which proves the high level of medicine. Well, we cannot fail to note that the German residence permit is the key to free travel

in Europe. And the convenient location of Germany allows you to travel around different countries by bus, and the journey can take only a couple of hours.

What are the disadvantages of living in Germany

Here's what many relocators can't get used to, but without it, Germany wouldn't be Germany:

• Bureaucracy. Perhaps Germany is the most bureaucratic country in Europe, where in order to obtain one certificate, you need to request three more from different authorities.
• Low level of digitalization. Just in case, the Germans always carry some cash, because there may simply not be a terminal in some store or bar.
• Outdated communication system. Of course, this is not the case for all services. But, for example, I still email my insurance company and they send me a paper letter back to my home address.

What determines the rate of adaptation

First of all, the speed of adaptation and the level of stress during this period depend on whether the person is extrovert or introvert. Because integration is directly related to openness and sociability. Those who love solitude will need more time and effort to get used to the new environment and society and begin to feel comfortable.

Another important point is past experience. Those who traveled a lot before relocation and communicated with foreigners, It will be easier. Because, as a rule, such people understand that all nationalities have their own peculiarities of mentality. It will be easier for them to get used to the fact that, for example, the Germans do not ask anything twice. If, out of politeness, you refused a treat at a party, no one will persuade you to try it. For them, no means no. And for those who do not understand this, the Germans will seem inhospitable.

There is good practice. As soon as you want to be offended by the behavior of a foreigner, stop and ask yourself: “Did he really want to hurt me or is this a feature of the mentality?”

In order to adapt in Germany, in any case, you will have to get out of the cocoon. Because sitting around the clock at home it is impossible to join this country. As, however, and in any other.

How to quickly adapt in Germany

Below are tips that I have tested for myself. And I can say for sure that they work. Immediately after moving and solving everyday issues, just start using them. You will be scared at first, but that's okay. After the first steps, you will quickly get involved and begin to enjoy the adaptation period.

1. Get a job where there are a lot of locals

This is the most effective hack. It refers to those who do not move working visa - for example, is the spouse or spouse of such a relocant, a student, a late migrant, a descendant of Jews, and so on.

Do not waste time and get at least six months as a waiter, salesman or someone else - not even for the sake of money. When I was a student, I went to work at a local brewery. It definitely accelerated my integration at least twice. There I was able to better understand the Germans, their humor, understand the dialects, significantly improve spoken German and much more.

2. Join an active group

Interest parties are very common in Germany. Even at work, there may be groups of vocalists, rock climbers, and the like who get together to work out. hobby. You can also search for such groups in social networks by entering the name of the city and the keyword.

Be sure to sign up for one of them. At such events, communication takes place in an informal setting, and you can improve your knowledge of the language. And if your child goes to a local school or kindergarten and you have at least an intermediate level of German, then join the parent committee.

3. Plan your cultural events

Make it a rule to go out to local events at least once a week. This may be a comedian's performance in a pub, the opening of a new institution, an exhibition, a festival. It is in such an environment that one can properly feel the “spirit of Germany” and become closer to it.

4. Be sure to take the initiative after new acquaintances

Surprisingly, the Germans themselves do not do this, but they very willingly accept invitations from people whom they have seen a couple of times. Therefore, if you like a person or a couple, feel free to take the initiative and invite them to visit, cafe or for a walk. It may seem that the Germans are very stiff, but this is not entirely true. So be sure to use this life hack and make friends among the locals.

5. Clear your information field

It is very important to accept the fact that important high-profile news from your homeland will reach you anyway. And some little things will have less and less relation to you. Therefore, I highly recommend unsubscribing from hundreds of telegram news channels about Russia.

Because thoughtless scrolling will constantly mentally return you to your homeland, and the period of adaptation in a new country is not easy anyway. Instead, it is better to start diving into the economic, cultural and political news in Germany. So you can always keep up a conversation with the locals, and in general you will feel involved in a new society.

What is the result

The main thing is the desire to quickly adapt. Everything else is secondary. Many relocators stay within their diasporas for years, but if you want to feel at home here, use the life hacks above. They helped me to fully integrate in just a year, avoiding severe bouts of nostalgia. They will help you too.