Daiki Saito

Daiki Saito

When my company decided to send me to Essen, I took a quick look at the local community and said: Please do!

Cristina Fernandez

Cristina Fernandez

On InterNations I did not only meet interesting people but I also found a flat near Bochum and settled in quickly. A great platform.

Norwegian Expats Moving to Germany: Your Questions, Answered

If you’re a new or soon-to-be expat in Germany, you probably aren’t quite sure yet what it will be like. That’s why we gathered the answers to some key questions you may have about life in Germany. If you want to ask more specific questions — or even share your own tips — join InterNations! You’ll be part of a community of new and experienced expats who love to help each other out.

What are the most common nationalities in Germany? As an expat in Germany, you'll meet people from many different cultures (especially if you're an InterNations member!) The top nationalities in the InterNations Communities in Germany currently are:

  • Americans
  • Indians
  • Italians
  • British

Which cities are most popular among expats in Germany? Some cities attract more expats than others. These are the cities with the largest expat communities in Germany:

  • Berlin
  • Hamburg
  • Munich

How much rent do expats pay in Germany? Your personal situation plays a role here. Single expats spend on average 950 USD on their accommodation per month, while expat families spend around 1.825 USD. And of course, rents can also vary greatly depending on the location and city within Germany.

To give you an idea of what to expect, here are some rent averages for the most popular cities in Germany.

Average rent in Berlin

  • Single expats: 1.425 USD
  • Expat families: 2.560 USD

Average rent in Hamburg

  • Single expats: 1.120 USD
  • Expat families: 2.150 USD

Average rent in Munich

  • Single expats: 1.565 USD
  • Expat families: 2.730 USD

How safe is Germany?
You may be wondering about safety. In general people perceive their personal safety situation in Germany as very safe. People rate the risk of falling victim to petty crime (such as pickpocketing or minor theft) as very low. They consider the chance of being the victim of violent crime (including mugging) very low. And, they rate confidence in the police force and related local authorities as very high.

How safe is Germany for women? Female expats rated the safety situation in Germany as very safe. This is based on the feedback of expat women living in Germany (rather than actual crime statistics). So obviously this can be highly subjective and depends on factors such as where people live.

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An amazing community is waiting for you!

Meet international people at local events

Meet international people at local events

Socialize, enjoy hobbies, and make friends

Socialize, enjoy hobbies, and make friends

Get info, and feel at home abroad!

Get info, and feel at home abroad!

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Meet other Norwegians at our events in Germany

Attend our monthly events and activities for Norwegians expatriates to get to know like-minded expatriates in real life.

Spring Gran Fondo (Road Ride)
Spring Gran Fondo (Road Ride)
If anyone fancy road riding (all roads are safe, most with bicycle paths, including spectacular paved road alongside Rhine river), join me next Saturday. It's a longer ride, roughly 100 km and faster pace. Not suitable for casual cyclists. I'll organize easier cycling events, no worries ! Komoot
If anyone fancy road riding (all roads are safe, most with bicycle paths, including spectacular paved road alongside Rhine river), join me next Saturday. It's a longer ride, roughly 100 km and faster pace. Not suitable for casual cyclists. I'll organize easier cycling events, no worries ! Komoot
Breakfast and Writing!
Breakfast and Writing!
Our events are well attended and people have been asking for even more regularity, since it's often hard to focus on writing at home. For these reasons we'll try out these events every week (like we did in the past when we were writing in Koos). Of course you don't have to come every time, just come
Our events are well attended and people have been asking for even more regularity, since it's often hard to focus on writing at home. For these reasons we'll try out these events every week (like we did in the past when we were writing in Koos). Of course you don't have to come every time, just come
Join Us at the Spring English Books Sale | Carry Enough Cash
Come join us for the English books sale. Post the event, we can get a coffee at the library or just go home and start reading the books we've got! :D The event goes on till 4 p.m. but us consuls will be there in the morning. Bring cash since card payments may NOT be accepted.
Come join us for the English books sale. Post the event, we can get a coffee at the library or just go home and start reading the books we've got! :D The event goes on till 4 p.m. but us consuls will be there in the morning. Bring cash since card payments may NOT be accepted.
A Wee Walk Across Frankfurt
A Wee Walk Across Frankfurt
Dear Hikers, Frankfurt is city of parks and gardens. Let's go and explore a few of them on a short hike (~13km). We shall meet at Merian Platz (underground line U4) and hike to Nordwestzentrum (underground line U1). On the way, we shall pass a Chinese garden, a Korean garden, Grüneburgpark, Volkspar
Dear Hikers, Frankfurt is city of parks and gardens. Let's go and explore a few of them on a short hike (~13km). We shall meet at Merian Platz (underground line U4) and hike to Nordwestzentrum (underground line U1). On the way, we shall pass a Chinese garden, a Korean garden, Grüneburgpark, Volkspar

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Pursue your hobbies with amazing new friends

Do you want to continue with your hobbies — or discover new ones — while living abroad? There’s a variety of InterNations Groups you can join, including everything from sightseeing to hiking. These are run by dedicated Consuls with at least one activity each month, such as dinners in the cities finest restaurants, sports or outings with other expats to explore all that your new home has to offer.

Street Food Group
Street Food Group
Comedy in English Group
Comedy in English Group
Party Group
Party Group
Stay Active & Have Fun Group
Stay Active & Have Fun Group

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Tips and Advice on Germany from Your Fellow Norwegian Expats

Obviously, expat life in Germany goes well beyond shipping your belongings and taking care of red tape. Socializing with fellow Norwegians is an important facet of living abroad and can be a huge stepping stone in getting to know the German mentality and way of life. Norwegians in Germany are a part of our community, calling cities such as Hamburg, Munich, Berlin, and many others home. You can use InterNations to look for fellow Norwegians in Berlin, for example.

Wondering where to shop for Norwegian delicatessen, want to discuss your national team's latest match, or simply talk to someone in your native language? Become a member of the German InterNations Community!

  • Our network is the best place to meet expats from Norway.
  • On the Germany Expat Forums, you can get competent answers to all your expat-related questions: how to find a babysitter fluent in your mother tongue, where to get lutefisk in Berlin, etc.
  • The InterNations Places database for Germany has information on the nearest Norwegian embassy and many other institutions.

From the picturesque islands off the Frisian coast to beautiful Bavaria, you can meet supportive and friendly Norwegian expats in Germany on InterNations.

Meet and Mingle with Fellow Norwegians in Germany

Additionally, InterNations hosts regular expat events and activities in Germany. Our get-togethers are sure to cater to your taste as well: as a member, you can partake in cozy gatherings to enjoy some German roast pork with Knödel, join one of our huge expat celebrations with hundreds of participants in Berlin’s best locations, and much more. Want to discover Germany? Go on a weekend trip with your fellow expats to see the sublime Alpine scenery and other beautiful landmarks.

Our meet-ups and activities offer many wonderful opportunities to mingle with expatriates hailing from Norway and dozens of other countries in a casual setting. Just sign up for your InterNations membership and you’ll soon hear a cordial Velkomen from our Norwegians living in Germany!

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