Learn how to navigate the world of dating in Germany as an expat with our helpful guide to the local dating culture, etiquette, faux pas, and more.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that a relationship with a person from another culture can be complex. Different cultures around the world have a different appreciation of the qualities that make someone a desirable mate. What one culture considers romantic, attractive, or polite, another might not.
This is where learning about the local dating culture will really help you out. Luckily, this helpful guide to dating in Germany does just that by providing the following information:
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An overview of dating in Germany
The dating culture in Germany is similar to other European countries. Interestingly, the number of German-foreign partnerships has more than doubled within the past two decades; according to the website The Local. In fact, there were 1.5 million German-foreign couples living together in 2017, of which 1.2 million were married. That’s good news if you are an expat looking for love in the country.
The average huggle age at which people get married in Germany has steadily increased over the past 27 years. On average, women are 30 years old and men are 33 when they tie the knot. This places Germany in eighth in the list of European countries in terms of the average age at first marriage. Research also suggests that marriage is becoming more popular in Germany. Indeed, figures from the Federal Statistical Office of Germany show that the total number of to 416,615 in 2018; a rise of 11.5%.
This might due to the fact that registered partnerships, either for same-sex or heterosexual couples, ceased to be an option in 2017; when same-sex marriage was legalized. Marriage is, therefore, the only form of legal union in Germany. There is also a growing acceptance of LGBTQI+ e-sex couples have tied the knot since it became legal in 2017.
How to meet people in Germany
Meeting new people is relatively easy in Germany and dating practices are similar to other European countries. Teenagers generally begin to socialize with peers at school, within their neighborhood, or through social activities and local clubs. Young adults, however, tend to meet at bars and clubs; the older generation generally moves within their circles of friends.
Dating within social circles
Unlike some cultures, which are comfortable with the idea of meeting a stranger for an hour or so before arranging a proper date, Germans prefer to take their time.
They generally like to meet potential partners through trusted circles, where they can gradually get to know someone before building a relationship. This might explain why online dating was slow to catch on in Germany.
Online dating in Germany
Online dating is gradually catching on and opening people up to a whole new world of dating in Germany. In 2018, for example, one in five Germans were using a dating app or website to meet potential partners. Interestingly, their tendency towards caution and privacy bodes well for online dating.
Users are able to carefully get to know someone online first, using filters and facts to guide them. Tinder, OkCupid, and CoffeeMeetsBagel are among the most popular dating apps in Germany.
