Discovering Germany: Why I Love my Home City!

Moving to this city was not easy. I was often lost in the city and quickly overwhelmed by the sheer number of new experiences. I found it challenging to get used to the German bureaucracy - registering at the Bürgeramt, setting up bank accounts, and getting health insurance. Now, I have a deep sense of belonging here, in ways I didn’t expect.

Through My Eyes

Frankfurt is a place of contrasts - modern glass towers next to historic buildings (Áltbauwohnung - old apartment building), fast city life coexisting with slow Sunday strolls along the Main River. It has an impressive skyline, but also tons of green spaces! It’s a city where you can hear a dozen languages in a U-Bahn ride, yet still feel part of a shared experience. While learning the German way of life, Frankfurt offers an international energy and an unspoken understanding between people who have made this city their home, whether for a few years or a lifetime. The city’s size is perfect, big enough that I am always discovering a new corner or park, and small enough to see some familiar faces at the same cafés. There’s something that is of comfort when you walk into the same place and are greeted with a warm “Guten Morgen!”. Despite being a bustling city, Frankfurt does not feel like too much. I’ve learned that the city has a character that makes anyone from any walk of life feel at home.

Moments that Helped

There is no single moment that I can point back to, where I “became” a part of Frankfurt, but rather a collection of small ones. Like the first time I ordered in German at a restaurant. Or the evening I sat down at the river in front of the European Central Bank with a book and a journal. At some point, I started watching the skyline from one of the many bridges, realizing that I was not a visitor. Then there was the day where I realized most of the city’s train lines were without a GPS. I knew the main streets in most of the neighborhoods and was able to get from one place to another without needing direction. It might be something small, but I was learning the city’s unspoken language.

Hauptbahnhof Debunked

I cannot stress this enough but Frankfurt is so much more than its Train District and the area around the Hauptbahnhof (Main Station). Unfortunately, there is so much social media content that hates this city because of the homeless population around this area, and how it makes someone feel unsafe. I will be honest with you, this part of the city is my least favorite. I avoid spending time here if I can, and I am always aware of my surroundings, but Frankfurt is such a large area There are so many beautiful neighborhoods with so much to see, and so much to do. Whether you enjoy urban architecture or green spaces, Frankfurt has it all. Its location also makes it perfect for day trips to so many wonderful German cities, Luxembourg, Belgium, France, and longer trips to Switzerland, and Italy! If you take away only one thing from this post, please let it be to give Frankfurt a chance, and don’t let the HBF area be your impression of the city. Like many things, Beurteile ein Buch nie nach seinem Einband/Umschlag - never judge a book by its cover.

Tips for Moving to Frankfurt

If you are thinking about moving here, here are some lessons that I have learned along the way.

The Right Neighborhood is Everything

Sachsenhausen: If you like cozy cafés, student-friendly bars, and old-town charm, this is the place to be. I love walking along the river here, somehow, it makes the city feel less rushed.

Bockenheim: More affordable, museums, cute stores and restaurants, full of students, and close to Goethe University.

Bornheim, Ostend & Nordend: Quieter, full of green spaces and beautiful old buildings. Residential feel.

Bureaucracy is… A Lot

I knew moving to Germany would come with paperwork, but I wasn’t prepared for just how much paperwork. My advice: try to do as much as you can before you get here and get any appointments you might need ahead of time. Don’t stress it, it will all come together.

Don’t be afraid to speak German

Make mistakes, please! Don’t hesitate to mix English and German. Just do what you can to integrate as much German as you can into your life every day. It’s okay to mess up, it is okay to make all the mistakes. The thing is: nobody cares :) This will make you better in the long run. Steffi’s 30-day challenge was a game-changer for me! It helped me learn a wide range of vocabulary that I can now confidently use in everyday situations. Whether it’s ordering at a café, navigating the city, or just having a casual conversation, I feel much more prepared. If you’re looking to boost your language skills, I highly recommend giving it a try!

Give Yourself Time to Adjust

In the first few weeks, I felt like a visitor in my own life. I missed the familiarity of home, the ease of knowing exactly where to go for the little things. But then, little by little, Frankfurt started to feel less like a stop and more like a home.

The first time I gave someone directions, I realized I knew my way around.
The first time I ran into someone I knew at a café, the city felt smaller and friendlier.

So if you are moving here or to Germany at large, be patient with yourself. Feeling out of place is part of the process, but one day you’ll wake up and realize you belong.

Looking Beyond

Frankfurt is an incredible place to study, grow, and experience life in Germany. Its international feel, opportunities, and balance between city and nature make it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to start their journey here. This city will always hold a special place in my story. It’s where I began to build a new life, learning to navigate all the little challenges, from figuring out public transport to connecting with people from every corner of the globe. I hope you can visit and fall in love with Frankfurt just as much as I have!

Liked this post? Look out for my next blog post on navigating a social life in Germany!!

About me:

Hello! I’m Sai, an international student here in Germany, currently navigating my own language learning journey. I’m thrilled to be a part of LerneDeutsch, where I’ll be sharing my experiences and thoughts with you all. Come along on this adventure with me! Outside of language learning, I enjoy exploring new places, cycling, trying new coffee, and diving into a good book.

From personal experience, I can say that learning a new language and adapting to a new place can be both challenging and rewarding. I’m excited to share the ups and downs of my journey and any helpful tips I pick up along the way. Whether you're just starting out or further along in your learning, I hope you’ll find some useful insights in my posts. Tag along as I continue to explore the German language and culture!