How to make friends in Berlin

This guide shows you how to meet new people and make friends after you move to Berlin.

Before you start

It’s normal to feel lonely

Everyone feels lonely in their first year. It’s a normal part of moving to a new city.

Your first friends might be nomads just like you. Many will leave, and it might hurt. It gets easier with time. You will meet people who choose to stay, just like you.

Berliners are not the friendliest strangers. It’s normal to miss small talk and nice interactions. It gets better when you learn German, but you also get used to it. It just takes time.

Everyone feels lonely at first, but it gets better. You will slowly rebuild your social circle, discover new passions, meet new people. It just takes time and a bit of effort.

How to meet people in Berlin

Meetups

Meetup.com (free)
There are meetup groups for all kinds of hobbies, and just for meeting people. Many meetups are in English.
**Eventbrite
Facebook events
InterNations (free)
They organise free events for immigrants.
Board games
There are a few board game meetups. English speakers are welcome.

It’s easier to meet people around a shared hobby like chess or bouldering. Meeting strangers is always a little awkward, but it’s easier if you have something to do at the same time.

Apps

Bumble BFF
A dating app, but for making friends.
/r/berlinsocialclub
A subreddit for making friends in Berlin. English speakers are welcome.

Communities

If you are a student, go to orientation week, and join your school’s Erasmus community. They organise many activities for international students.

There are Facebook groups and organisations for every nationality in Berlin. Here are a few:

Other ways to make friends

Take German lessons
Learning German is important, and it’s also a good way to meet people. You can take a class, or join a language tandem.
Volunteer
Use Vostel to find where to volunteer. You can help even if you don’t speak German.