Dating in itself is a very personal and sophisticated matter. Any advice can hardly be appropriate here. According to Lynne P., an American living in Germany, &#; &#; if there&#;s any genuine connection between two people, it&#;ll survive whatever differences may arise in the early stages of dating, and if those differences seem too overwhelming and/or the relationship doesn&#;t survive for other reasons, trying to make too many adaptations in the early stages is NOT going to help! The most that any such &#;advice&#; can normally do is perhaps to spare an occasional bruised feeling that might result from a minor misunderstanding. And where German and American cultures are concerned, the potential for culturally-based misunderstandings is relatively negligible, so if two people aren&#;t open-minded enough to try to work through such insignificant differences, the relationship doesn&#;t stand a snowflake&#;s chance in hell of surviving anyway.&#;

However for most people whose sweetheart is German, a foreigner, there are plenty of cultural nuances and minor difficulties resulting sometimes in an alienation. Why not try to avoid it? Let&#;s listen again to Lynne, the expert in human relations in general and in relations with a German man in particular. Being an American, she has unique experience of successful dating and communicating with a German. Here are her practical recommendations and advice for American women dating German men (can be vice-versa: for American men dating German women):

•  For the most part, you don&#;t need to worry particularly about any major differences, mostly because gender roles here aren&#;t significantly different from what they are in the States. For the most part, you can treat him pretty much like you would almost any American man. For example, if you&#;re the old-fashioned type, he&#;s quite unlikely to complain if you expect him to pay for most of the dates; he&#;ll probably half-expect it. But if you happen to be a supporter of women&#;s rights (and the responsibilities that go along with that), feel free to pay for the dates sometimes or half the time. It might surprise him a bit, but he will most likely appreciate it, especially if he&#;s on the pitifully low budget that most students are on. He&#;ll probably try to pay the bill anyway, as Germans often fight each other for the &#;privilege&#; of paying the bills, but you can then secretly pay the next bill when HE&#;s not looking. Or, if he&#;s the real old-fashioned type, like some American men are, he might have the perverse response of thinking that his manhood&#;s been insulted. But if he&#;s as young as in his 20s, that&#;s highly unlikely. So feel free to follow your normal instincts in this regard. If you feel unsure what his attitude might be about such things, feel free to ask him! Direct questions rarely offend Germans (assuming the question isn&#;t too personal), and they&#;re typically more than willing to give straightforward answers.

• Germans and Americans have a few different standards regarding what constitutes &#;politeness&#;. Americans tend to define politeness in terms of &#;friendliness&#;: smiling, telling &#;white lies&#; to avoid hurting people&#;s feelings, pretending to like people even if we don&#;t, saying &#;Hi, how are you?&#; whether we really care how they are or not, etc. Germans, however, tend to consider &#;respect&#; to be the proper way to show &#;politeness&#;, and &#;respect&#; assumes that the other person wants an honest answer, not some pretty little &#;white lie&#;. So, if you&#;re really wanting your ego stroked, DON&#;T ask him, &#;So, how d&#;you like my new dress?&#; You might not like the answer that he gives. Likewise, DON&#;T EVER say anything to him &#;just to be nice&#; if you don&#;t really mean it; he is too likely to take you quite literally at your word and then be terribly hurt later when he finds out that you didn&#;t really mean it.
• Don&#;t try to make too much &#;chit chat&#; or &#;small talk&#; with him. Most Germans know little or nothing of the art of talking about banal, superficial topics as a way of &#;breaking the ice&#; with new acquaintances; that custom belongs to American-style &#;friendliness&#; and is not part of German &#;respect&#;. Germans also often react negatively to the shallow, superficial quality of casual friendships/acquaintanceships in the U.S., and so he might react negatively towards you if you engage in much &#;light&#; conversation. If you&#;re looking for good topics for conversation, try: politics, current events, philosophy, or any subject he&#;s studying in school.
• Don&#;t be afraid to voice opinions that might be different from his; if your opinion is at least logical, well-reasoned, and well-informed, he will more likely respect you for having your own mind, rather than be offended by you for having a different opinion.
• And if you DON&#;T know much about international politics, news, current events, foreign cultures, etc., then LEARN! FAST! Americans have an international reputation for being extremely ignorant about the rest of the world. Germans, however, usually are not.

Related article:
Dating Germans: Exercising Your Sense of Humor

You are an expat who didn’t move to Germany for love, but would instead like to find your love in Germany? This dating in Germany guide is for you as we dive into German dating culture, etiquette, and do’s and don’t. 

This is a rather personal article, where I introduce you to some stereotypical dating rules and my own experiences dating German and foreign guys and girls. Would you agree that qualifies me to give you valuable &#;survival guide&#; advice on dating in Germany? 😄

Where To Meet People In Germany?

Before any dating can happen, of course, the biggest challenge is to meet someone date-worthy, especially as an expat.

Related Guide:How to make friends in Germany?

Let’s look at some numbers from the latest wedding study done in Germany. 

Germans like to date within their social circle. They listen to and, more importantly, trust their friends’ judgment. So it is no surprise that the number 1 answer in the survey was that 26% met their partners through friends. Followed by online dating sites and apps (23%) and meeting at a party, bar, or disco (14%). 

When it comes to same-sex couples meeting through friends is only number 2 with 29%, and number 1 is dating sites and apps with 39%. The third most popular way of meeting a same-sex partner is through social clubs and hobbies.

I had met my German boyfriends through friends and my German girlfriends via an online dating site. Jen, my wife from Guatemala, and I met through a sports club. It seems like I check all the boxes.

Related Guide: The 19 Best Dating Sites & Apps in Germany

What Is Dating In Germany Like?

Compared to other nations famous for their dating culture, like Italy and France, Germans are far more rational than emotional. That can be exhausting, but also refreshing, depending on what you are used to and what you are looking for. Here are the 13 most prevailing factors in German dating culture.

1. Dating A German Is Not Necessarily Romantic In The Beginning

When you agree with a German on meeting alone, you might consider it a romantic date. In contrast, the German will consider it as getting to know each other better, without having decided yet, whether there is a common romantic connection. 

2. Dating A German Means Exclusivity

When dating a German, the worst thing you can do is date other people simultaneously. Germans don’t mess around, and when they give you their valuable time and energy, they expect the same from the other person wholeheartedly.

Going out with other people at the same time is pretty much like cheating and conveying that you are not seriously interested. Dating while being exclusive; however, does not mean that you are in a relationship already.

3. You Have To Be Punctual For Dates

Germans are punctual. Germans are punctual at pretty much everything, dating included. Being late is rude and will end your possible relationship before it even started. Instead, be there five to ten minutes early to make a good impression.

4. Flirting With Germans Is Difficult

Germans are not good at small talk, and when it comes to dating or even worse, flirting, Germans can become awkward quite fast when approached with small talk. Instead, Germans like to get into long detailed conversations. Those are not always the most romantic kind, as it is about getting to know the other person, their thoughts, opinions, and values.

5. Be Ready For Honest And Direct Conversation

Germans are very direct. They speak their minds, also when it comes to dating. They will let you know how they feel and whether you are their type or not. Protecting your feelings is not the number one priority when dating. On the flip side, Germans mean and do what they say. So if a German tells you they like you, they really like you. When they tell you they will call you tomorrow, you better make sure to have your phone around.

6. Dress Nice But Not Too Nice

Germans like to take care of their physical appearance. That being said, they like to look decent, but not over the top. They expect the same from their date. 

7. Gender Equality Is Significant In German Dating

Gender equality is strong in Germany. A man’s expectations for a German woman to become a stay at home mom while dating is a slap in her face. A man having issues with a woman earning a higher salary should reconsider dating in Germany. Machismo is growled at by German women, which doesn’t mean that German women don’t appreciate a gentleman. 

On the other hand, German women might not be able to handle compliments confidently. They will be confused as to whether the guy means it or whether he is messing with her. 

8. Who Pays The Bill On A First Date In Germany?

‘Do German guys pay for dates?’ is one of the most common questions amongst expats. The answer is no. Due to the strong gender equality, it is common to split the bill on a first date in Germany. Inviting a woman on the first date would be considered a sign of disrespect. Down the line, Germans tend to talk about finances and put up a rule of handling things. It is also quite common that men and women in exchange invite each other for dinner. Staying equal, in the partnership as well as with finances, is quite essential when dating in Germany.

9. Love Your Independence

On top of wanting to be considered as equal, Germans love their independence. Don’t be surprised to take things slow. Just because you might think you have met your significant other does not mean that he or she will drop everything, to spend every single minute with you and woo you all the time. On the contrary, Germans keep up their normal lifestyle, go to their sports groups, meet their friends, and fit you in between. 

The moment a German prioritizes you over a regular habit is a big sign of ‘I’m in it for good’. 

 There Are No Written Rules

There are no rules about steps to take on the first, second, or third date in Germany. When to kiss, when to have sex, and when to say ‘I love you’. Germans do all of the above when they feel it’s right, and they mean it, at least when they are looking for a serious relationship and not just a fling.

Vacation Together – Yes Or No? 

Germans love to travel and will expect you to travel with them. At the same time, though, they will also expect you to respect them traveling with friends without you. Whether that is to go party at ‘Ballermann’ in Mallorca with their best friends or on a city weekend trip with their family. Don’t become jealous – remember the importance of independence. 

A German is serious about you when they join you to visit your home country. Jen asked me whether I wanted to visit Guatemala with her in our first year together. Four years later, we took my sister and her husband to Guatemala, and the following year my parents. That says it all.

Be Prepared To Plan Your Life

Being German basically stands for being a planner in every life aspect. When dating a German, you better start maintaining a calendar, as Germans do plan ahead weeks, months, heck sometimes even years. On top of that, when Germans commit to attending an event or accept an invite, they mean it and expect all involved parties to live up to it. Germans would never say yes to something out of politeness when they know that they will not live up to it.

Jen had to learn about the German ‘no’ on various occasions and appreciates it a lot, as a German ‘yes’ means you won’t be disappointed but instead that you can rely on that person. 

The Role Of The Family In Dating A German

When a German introduces you to their family, that is a sign of serious commitment. You better learn some German, as by far not all parents of Germans will speak English. The rest is on you, just like in any other country in the world, the relationship with your potential parents in law can be tricky. Some embrace you as part of the family and keep in touch with you long after your relationship is over; others will give you a tough time and see you as a threat.

Moving Into A Relationship With A German

Be prepared to bring some patience into German dating – you have to be in it to win it. Just like there are no rules about when to kiss, have sex, etc., there are also no rules as to how many dates it takes to be officially in a relationship. 

When you have made it to the relationship level, the next step, and test for the relationship, is moving together to a new apartment. It is relatively uncommon that one person moves into the place of the other. 

Remember the planning part? Well, a relationship with a German is nothing else but planned life. Dinners alone, dinners with friends, doing sports, jobs, vacations, weddings, children, retirement. Don’t get scared now; Germans just don’t like leaving things to chance. 

Getting Married To A German

When it comes to getting married, Germans are private people. As the latest wedding study shows, 36% of all proposals happen at home and 29% while being on vacation. Well, and 18% of German couples get married without an actual proposal – say what?! Maybe those are the same couples that get married for tax reasons (24%). No reason to panic, though, for 96% of Germans, the biggest reason to get married is love. 

Are you wondering who typically proposes? In straight couples, it still is traditionally the man (75%), and only 3% of German women take gender equality to the next level. 

Related Guides:How to get married in Germany & 15 German Wedding Traditions and Customs

Stereotypes Are Just That

Everything you have read above about dating in Germany is highly stereotypical. It can be the absolute truth or further from the one German that will sweep you off your feet. And isn’t that the beauty of it all? Be prepared for the Germanness as well as for surprises. When Jen started to kiss me, I exclaimed in a very stereotypical way, ‘I don’t date Latinas’ and look where that got me – I married one 😅.

Final Thoughts

I hope you are ready and excited to start your German dating adventure. Don’t try too hard though, the best things happen when you least expect them, including meeting that special someone. Good luck! ❤️

Dating a German is different than dating, for example, an American or Russian. The way people interact with each other and build relationships might vary from what you used to.

Furthermore, Germans have their unique mentality. Nonetheless. dating a German guy can be comparable to dating a European, especially from countries like the Netherlands, as well as Switzerland and Austria.

Maybe you are single living in Germany or recently met a German guy and want to know more about dating a local? In this post, we go into the topic of dating in Germany VS USA, all you need to know before you date a german, and what are main differences between American and German guys are.

Dating Culture in Germany

Dating someone from another country is always an exciting experience. Germany in fact, is one of the diverse countries in the world when it comes to multicultural relationships and marriages.

Stats are showing that this number was 1,5 million In of which million were married.

And it&#;s not a surprise, the country got beautiful people and the foreigner to local ratio is quite high. Nonetheless, it’s important to understand and respect the culture and mentality of your partner.

Dating culture is different in most countries, and sometimes this gap leads to misunderstanding, problems, and even breakups. Yes, dating in Germany and the USA have many similarities but also there are so many differences.

That&#;s why we have summarised the main factors you should know about when dating a German as an American.

In general, the dating culture in quite Germany is similar to other European countries. Thus, it will be easier, If you have had a European partner at some point in your life.

Good to know that people in Germany get married quite late, Germany is currently in place eighth in the list of European countries in terms of the average age at first marriage. 

Despite that factor, marriage becomes more and more popular, couples like to make relationships official rather than just have an unregistered partner.

Read more about dating in Germany as a foreigner.

Where To Meet People in Germany?

Germans still prefer to date within their trusted circles, maybe one friend introduces someone or they date someone they already knew before.

The second place is definitely held by online dating apps. Yes, as anywhere else on the planet this method becomes popular day by day, thus Tinder and OkCupid are widely used in Germany.

Of course, meeting places like bars and clubs are still popular, although not really practiced to find a long-term partner.

Main Dating and Relationship Differences USA VS Germany

For the most part, the differences aren&#;t that significant as between India and the USA for example, but there are some things to keep an open eye on.

Overall, gender roles in Germany don&#;t differ drastically from what they are in the US. You can treat your German man/woman pretty much like you would almost any American.

Feel free to follow your normal habits in the relationships with younger Germans, when older ones can be a little old-fashioned and conservative.

American Nice and Polite Way

Americans tend to be much nicer and politer than Germans, and so they behave accordingly in relationships.

Americans could appear as over-friendly when Germans often come over as rude or cold. In Germany, there is no such thing as smiling to everyone all the time, pretending to like people, saying “Hi, how are you?”, etc.

So the first encounter with your date can be different as you used to. Germans, on another hand, show their respect by being helpful, honest, straight, and maybe yes a bit too direct. Try not to communicate with them just to be nice, be more real and they will appreciate it.

Relationship Rules and Stages

Germans are more relaxed about rules in relationships and it&#;s not a rare occasion when a woman does the first step. Also, they don&#;t count dates, such as the third date norm doesn&#;t exist.

Moreover, people here don&#;t use words like going official, to be exclusive, and then agree on relationships. They don&#;t put labels but simply meet someone until the point both ready for real commitment, or live together, or get married.

Germans take the next steps when they feel it’s right, and they mean it, at least when they are looking for a serious relationship and not just a fling.

Games don&#;t work in this country either, they won&#;t ignore you 3 days before texting back after the first date, or don&#;t call for 2 days. In Germany everything is clear for everyone, nobody will play with you, nobody wants to build up this intrigue.

Small Talk

The beloved by Americans small talk doesn&#;t exist in Germany. Germans can talk about the weather, football, and other general things, but they will surely tell you how are you in the detail.

So better avoid these superficial conversations and talk about something you both can be engaged in.

You could also try topics like politics, current events, philosophy, or any subject you know they are interested in.

Don&#;ts in The Conversation

Germans don&#;t talk about money, it&#;s widely prohibited and considered as a very private topic or being rude. Of course, in regard to German history, you should avoid the last century, as well as some hot topics on German and international politics.

Independence, Equality and Feminism

Germans love their independence, also feminism is strongly encouraged in Germany and you will feel it. People like to be independent and free, so they are in relationships.

German women are having strong personalities, even sometimes seems to be tougher and more brutal than German man.

Additionally, it&#;s normal to have an open relationship to enjoy your freedom to choose a partner and still have some boundaries.

Keep in mind, everyone is equal in Germany, there is no gender discrimination, and men expect a woman to care about herself on her own in all aspects of life.

Don&#;t expect someone to make sacrifices for you, germans always will fulfill their personal priorities and tastes. Just because you might think you have met your significant other does not mean that he or she will drop everything, to spend every single minute with you all the time.

Punctuality Is the Key

Yes, Germans are known for being punctual, and so your date will expect you to come on time too. So please, don&#;t be this girl who is late all the time, your relationships won&#;t last long. To make a good impression be there five to ten minutes early.

Germans don&#;t use the term ish or 4-ish, if they say 12 they will be at there or actually 5 minutes earlier. Also, there are no playing “will he show, or not show” games with Germans. If they say they will be there they will be %. 

Flirting

Germans aren’t famous for flirting, I would say they are quite bad in this. They can become awkward fast when approaching a girl. Instead, they prefer to get into long detailed conversations.

As you might know, Germans are very direct people so you also need to be clear and direct with your messages.

Those are not always the most romantic kind, as it is about getting to know the other person, their thoughts, opinions, and values. The best friend of relaxed conversation is alcohol, that&#;s why it&#;s better to meet someone when going out. So hope with the power of the beer a German guy can crank out a couple of funny jokes.

If you start to flirt with them instead, they might not even realize your attempts. When it comes to conversation, Germans value deeper discussions with a purpose far more than pointless chit-chat. So again, it&#;s better to avoid small talk.

Honesty and Directness

Germans are very direct by nature. They speak their minds, also when it comes to dating and relationships. They surely will let you know how they feel and whether you are their type or not.

The reason is that Germans tend to be very goal-oriented in their interaction. They want to get right to the point, and not beat around the bush.

Moreover, Germans mean and do what they say and you can rely on them in comparison to other nations. So if a German tells you they like you, they really like you. When they tell you they will come tomorrow, they will come.

Paying The Bill

It&#;s always interesting how different nationalities approach finances in dating. German guy will unlikely to pay for a bill in the restaurant and even on the first date.

In the US, on another hand, guys pay quite regularly, especially when it comes to the first meeting, you don&#;t want to make a bad impression right?

In Germany, they love going Dutch and split the bill accordingly to how much they have spent, so you pay your share.

However, sometimes they will invite you for a drink or dinner by saying &#;Ich lade dich ein&#;, which automatically means they want to pay for you.

With that said, it is quite common that men and women in exchange invite each other. Staying equal is the most important thing, keep it balanced, so that not only you or them invite all the time.

Time To Open Up and Build Trust

Germans take a lot of time to get to know their potential partner, whatever is a man or a woman. And if they come to the point when they want to have relationships with you they will make it clear.

Overall, the time which takes from meeting someone in Germany and start a real relationship is longer than I saw in other countries.

Moreover, Germans would not be super talkative and open in a first state, it will take time for them to start talking on more personal topics and what is really inside them.

Rather, expect them to keep it in a little superficial way and don&#;t ask too intimate questions. You certainly need to go to the second and third date to get to know them.

The overall German approach to dating is to take things slow and really invest time in getting to know a person. Most Germans don’t rush into relationships, it&#;s not their priority in life.

Expect at least some weeks or even months of dating before becoming an official couple or at least them taking it more seriously.

German Guy VS American Guy

What are the main differences between German and American guys? Well, there are some, despite the overall similarity in western mindset and culture.

Chivalry

Don&#;t expect chivalry in Germany, especially from the younger generation under So when it comes to open the door, hold something for you, pull the seat out, carry your bag, or sometimes pay for you, it&#;s not happening in Germany. I know in the US it is neither, but the probability men will do something for you is here over there.

It doesn&#;t mean they aren&#;t gentlemen or behave like assholes, it&#;s just they show their love and respect in different ways (read more in the romantic chapter). The bottom line is that Germans respect a woman as another grown-up adult.

It all comes to equality and feminism in Europe, especially gender equality is highly concerned and encouraged. Germans learn about these things right from their childhood. 

Saving Money

Oh yeah, this is a big part of the German mentality, they don&#;t waste money! Spending behavior is much different to the American one, and you might see guys trying to save on many things. So for example, when it comes to presents, don&#;t expect something expensive.

As a girlfriend of German, he will appreciate you spending money more carefully and having some savings.

Being Romantic

Germans aren&#;t famous to be romantic, but they aren&#;t unromantic either. They are considerate, so you just have to ask them what you want or desire in a more precise way.

But don&#;t expect crazy romance with Germans, they are definitely more practically orientated people and won&#;t drop everything for you.

On another hand, German guys are kind, polite, and reserved humans, who are very careful with their feelings, so they would not fall in love on a second date and go with you on a world trip.

It might seem like Germans hold themselves back and try to make everything very smart and analytical.

If you used to receive many presents, Germany doesn&#;t have a superficial gift-giving culture. Gifts in Germany are meant to be thoughtful and have real sentimental value instead of materialistic.

That&#;s why they are known as very practical people, the flowers will die in two days, German guy will rather buy chocolate or make something with his hands.

Presents here aren&#;t used to show love, in Germany people show their feelings and appreciation in different ways. They will carefully listen to you, make you tea, cook something, or maybe buy something small but cute and unique.

This way they show their feelings and unfortunately, it&#;s really could be missed if you don&#;t pay attention to their intention. Something you would not realize or understand that a guy did it for you. So keep your eyes open for such things and be really thankful.

Planning Mindset

With the perfect timing comes also planning, the German guy will plan dates ahead, even weeks sometimes. They are definitely not for spontaneity, it&#;s not in their culture.

Also, not only all vacation dates must be planned weeks and weeks ahead, but the whole itinerary and activities as well. Forget about spontaneity even when you have your days off.

Reservedness

Germans are more reserved people than Americans, that&#;s for sure. In the beginning, they won&#;t be that cheerful and friendly as you used to in the US. It&#;s normal for them to be a little bit shy when it comes to getting to know each other.

Germans are often described as being a little standoffish and cold. That might be because people value their personal space than in other countries. They treat strangers rather formally, especially at first encounters.

Not surprising, that they take a little longer to warm up to others. With an average German guy, it will take time till he really opens up, show their inner self and feelings.

Nonetheless, every person is different, it can take a shorter or longer time till you really get to know them like a real person and what is really on their mind.

Style

German guys care about their appearance a lot, sometimes even more than German women. They like to dress well, to have a nice haircut, also take care of their beard.

This nation knows how to style hair. In fact, they sometimes have more hair than the girls here, you rarely will see a German guy with very short hair.

Macho Men

Be aware that the German guys are not macho-type guys at all. If you really like this type of man, who is strong, powerful, and dominant in many aspects &#; Germany is the wrong place.

Guys aren&#;t brutal here, they don&#;t showcase their masculinity, and in some cases, women overtake this role.

On another side, people in Germany are very respectful, kind, and polite to others. They aren&#;t assholes but will treat you well instead and expect the same in the return.

Typical Date With a German Guy

What is typical with a German look like? Well, not a big difference to the date with the American guy, but there are some points to make!

They will use any opportunity to simply get to know the person better. Just like anywhere else in the western world, dates might involve going to a bar, having dinners, meeting up for coffee, or going, the cinema.

However, the most typical first date with a German will be somewhere in a nice bar while drinking beer and chatting.

A hiking date, or going on a day trip together are other very German activities since Germans love adventure and traveling. Also, they might invite you to some kind of festival or concert, for instance, beer festivals are popular across the country.

Overall, every city has something going on a weekend or also a weekday, people here love to celebrate everything here. So expect to be invited to such gatherings as a part of dating a German.

Recommended products and services in Germany:

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When talking about dating, we can&#;t be completely non-stereotypical. In the end, it comes to the particular person and not a nation. In Germany, between one-third and one-quarter of the inhabitants are single. So there is a great chance you can meet your future partner pretty soon.

Germans approach dating slightly differently from other nations. They take their time to get to know a person, and the relationship develops over the years. Marriage usually happens after several years of dating, yet many couples decide to live in unofficial partnerships all their lives.

Dating a German is still to some degree different than dating, for example, an American or Italian. The way people interact with each other, stages of the relationships, behavior, and norms might vary from what you used to. In this post, we try not to be stereotypical and describe what to expect when going into relationships with someone from Germany.

Dating in Germany as a Foreigner

Maybe you are single living in Germany or recently met a German man/woman and want to know more about dating a local?

German dating culture

Dating culture is different in most countries, and sometimes this gap leads to misunderstanding, problems, and even breakups. Therefore, it&#;s essential to understand what you are signing for when dating a German.

Generally, you need to learn a German mentality first and only since it&#;s a foundation for dating a German.

Yet, dating and relationships in Germany can be comparable with European dating culture, especially in countries like the Netherlands, Switzerland, or Austria.

Nonetheless, dating someone from another country is always an exciting experience. Germans are pretty international regarding dating, relationships, or marriage with foreign nationals.

Germany, in fact, is one of the diverse countries in the world when it comes to multicultural relationships and marriages.

According to the statistics, there are around 1,5 million international partnerships in Germany, of which 1,2 million are married.

Plus, statistics say that 60% of the German population is in the relationship. Hence, your future husband or wife can come from another 40% or 32 million people.

Firstly, don’t expect a whirlwind romance when you date a Germany. They tend to be reasonably calculated and patient at the start of a new relationship.

Like friendships, romantic relationships are formed over time through personal contacts. Yes, people here get married quite late. Germany is currently in place 8 among other European countries for the average age at first marriage. 

Despite that factor, marriage becomes more and more popular. Couples like to make relationships official rather than just have an unregistered partner.

What should you expect in dating a German?

First date

The first date with a German will look like a regular first date in any other country. They might ask you out for a coffee, a drink, or a walk. Germans like to socialize by drinking alcohol, so be ready for some beers.

Yet, Germans are creative when it comes to further dates. For example, hiking, biking, or going on a day trip together are some common activities to do on a date.

Also, they might invite you to some festival, concert or party, since they can be found in any city all year round.

Equality in genders is above everything

If you want an equal partnership – Germany is the right place. Here, a woman is treated equally in any situation. Gender equality is strong in Germany.

Consequently, don&#;t expect any relaxation as a female in Germany. Everything from rent to restaurant bills is split by half between woman and man.

You’ll seldom see doors held open for women. And it&#;s extremely rare that a man will offer you the last seat on public transport. Yes, forget about all this chivalry. It&#;s all about equality.

But it also means they just expect you to be an adult who is able to do everything on their own (as it&#;s supposed to be). Hence, German men expect a woman to care about herself on her own in all aspects of life.

Furthermore, Germans love their independence. Also feminism is strongly encouraged in Germany. Men and women put their freedom and privacy above everything, and you should be prepared to do so as well.

On the other hand, German women have strong personalities and character, even sometimes seems to be tougher and more brutal than German man.

You will be exclusive

Unlike some other countries, Germans prefer to dedicate their time to only one person when dating. They would expect the same from the other person.

But they won&#;t put labels on you

Germans aren’t into labeling. In comparison with American culture, where there’s almost the entire dictionary that can be written on dating, including everything from “hooking up” to “seeing each other” to “dating” to “exclusive” &#; in Germany, human interactions are simple.

Germans rather don&#;t overanalyze the situation. They just go with their feelings and see how things are happening.

There are, of course, natural stages of dating and relationships, but nothing like you used to in the US.

What are the differences between dating German and American men? Read in this article.

It’s definitely more organic, and instead of defining the relationship in order to know how to act, they let the relationship unfold, and the label of boyfriend/girlfriend just naturally develops in the process.

No ghosting behaviour

German people don&#;t “ghost.” It&#;s again something we know from the US which isn&#;t common in Europe. Instead of dismissing someone by disappearing, Germans will explain the situation.

It might be brief, but at least they don&#;t disappear. It comes down to respect and manners people have in Germany.

No mind games

Furthermore, German men aren&#;t those guys who play games. They are too honest folk for this. Romance is a pretty straightforward thing for Germans.

They are also confident when it comes to serious conversations. Germans instead make it clear than build the wall of mystery, misunderstanding, and confusion.

Flirting

Unlike Italian, Germans aren’t famous for flirting, in fact, they are well-known to be quite bad in it. Small talk isn&#;t their strong side either.

As you might know, German people are all about directness and honesty. If you start to flirt with them instead, they might not even realize your attempts. So you want to be clear and direct with your messages.

And the best friend of relaxed conversation is alcohol, that&#;s why it&#;s better to meet someone when going out. So hopefully, with the power of the beer, a German guy can crank out a couple of funny jokes.

On the other hand, German women often might not be able to handle compliments correctly. They will be confused about whether the guy means it or whether he is messing with her. 

So men in Germany are rarely making compliments nowadays, afraid of being politically incorrect, to confuse or offend the women.

Icebreaker &#; small talk

When it comes to conversation, Germans value deeper discussions with a purpose far more than pointless chit-chat. Therefore, small talk won’t hold their attention.

When chatting with someone, it&#;s all about getting to know the other person, their thoughts, opinions, and values instead of fluff.

What are the differences between dating German and American men? Read in this article.

Importance of planning

Planning comes above everything in Germany, spontaneously isn&#;t encouraged and can be shocking for Germans. So don&#;t call them out for a coffee the very same day.

Being German basically stands for being a planner in every life aspect, including dating and relationships. They plan dates days and even weeks ahead. When dating a German, you better start planning and keep your word to what you are going to do.

Moreover, when Germans ask or invite you to attend some event, they % mean it and expect you to be there (when agreeing).

People in Germany don&#;t say something just out of politeness, like it&#;s in the US. They keep their words. And if, for some reason, they can&#;t make it, you will be informed ahead of time.

Money and savings

Germans LOVE to save money and hate to spend, especially if it&#;s more than expected. German folk will never make emotional purchases.

So flowers and luxury items are considered to be a waste of money and aren&#;t common among presents for women or men.

So, don’t expect to get spoilt by lavish presents just for the sake of it. Gifts in Germany are meant to be thoughtful, usually very inexpensive, and have real sentimental value. 

Thus, you will get some very practical and cute gifts. Even a simple, cheap item can be a great present in Germany &#; it&#;s all about the attention and care that they give you!

Moreover, saving and frugality are fundamental parts of the German mentality. They like to rationalize purchases and think throughout. Not big money wasters. They know how to count money better than anyone else.

Indeed, German households save about 10% of their disposable income, twice as much as the average EU or American.

Furthermore, German men appreciate women&#;s money managing and spending skills. They are also big on savings. Hence, a financially broken person won&#;t be much of an attraction for a German men.

Honest approach

Germans are very honest and direct people by nature. They speak their minds, also when it comes to dating and relationships. Germans surely will let you know how they feel and whether you are their type or not.

Meaning, if a German says something, you most likely can believe them. When they say they don’t like parties but will go with you anyway, it means they like you.

On the other hand, if things aren’t going in the right direction, they will also be brutally honest about why they are ending it.

Paying the bill

Thanks to the strong gender equality in Germany, it&#;s very typical to split the bill. Everyone pays for their share in Germany. It&#;s a common practice among couples, friends, colleagues, etc.

Hence, all your dinners, drinks, movies, etc., with German will be paid half or according to how much each person spent. Don&#;t expect them to pay, and don&#;t insist on paying yourself.

You can even see large companies of people splitting bills to pennies. Everyone pays only for their share.

Staying equal in the partnership, which also includes finances, is a very essential part of the dating culture in Germany. Couples split their rent bill as well.

Nonetheless, sometimes Germans invite each other by saying &#;Ich lade dich ein&#;, which automatically means they want to pay for you.

With that said, it&#;s pretty common that men and women in exchange invite each other. Staying equal is the most essential thing, thus keep it balanced.

Don&#;t over dress and over make up

Foreigners from non-European countries might get surprised when going out in Germany. Germans don&#;t dress up much, you might even think they don&#;t dress up at all.

Yes, they like it to be comfortable. That means casual style in clothing and make-up. For example, most women wear pants or jeans rather than skirts or dresses. Hence, keep everything moderate too.

How difficult is it to find a partner in Germany as a foreigner?

With the amount of singles in Germany, which count to one third of the population or 32 million you surely have high chances on meeting a German partner.

Furthermroe, as a foreigner you can date other foreigers and expats, which are plentyfull. In fact, about 11,2 million people living in Germany are foreign nationals.

Approximately every fourth inhabitant in Germany has a migration background, hence, comes from abroad.

Where to meet people in Germany?

Germans still prefer to date within their trusted circles. Maybe one friend introduces someone, or they date someone they already knew before. On the other hand, dating among colleagues is a no-go.

Apart from this, it&#;s common to meet people by going out. Bars and clubs can be counted as such. However, Germans prefer to go to such places with groups of friends. Hence it can be hard to break through the crowd.

Besides, privacy is above everything in Germany. For that reason, Germans might hesitate to approach you at the party.

Nowadays, online dating is becoming more and more popular. It&#;s easier to chat with someone via a dating app and have a date afterward. For instance, Tinder and OkCupid are widely used in Germany.

Dating apps are especially convenient for foreigners, where you can describe your situation. Thus, only interested in you people will respond.

Recommended products and services in Germany:

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