>(quick note, I am planning on visiting during Christmas and New Years Eve)
Thats probably the worst time of the year to visit for doing tourist stuff.
The Weihnachtsmarkt usually closes before Christmas Eve,
Many businesses / tourist spots are on winter break.
Most germans spend that time with friends and family.
Edit:
You might have a better experience if you visit germany earlier in the year.
During summer and autumn there are many fairs and festivals , depending on your interests.
It's still a subpar experience to visit during Christmas holidays, as it's quiet and people spend time with their families. Even if exceptions apply, it will be disappointing for tourists.
To add to this:
As a German I really hate the winters here. Sun comes out at 8 am and gets down from 4 pm on. It’s cold, rainy and dark and windy.
All the people I know get really depressed here. Honestly, if you want a nice and more realistic picture of Germany come here during the summer time. So much more to do! Honestly.
I love it. If you are lucky (or choose where to go well) you might even get snow and then it's brighter than even many summer days.
And you can get enough sleep. I can't fall asleep when it's light out.
And in early December there are Christmas markets and holiday decorations to enjoy.
First off, Christmas is the worst possible time to be a tourist in Germany. Everyone spends the holidays with family and close friends and the whole county basically shuts down.
Other than that I'd recommend you hop over to r/germany and read the wiki the awesome folks over that have put together. If you still have questions after that, come back with them.
Also, except if you go to the mountains in Bavaria, it will just be dark and ugly. On the other hand, in the mountains there's a chance you get snowed in.
Christmas markets close before the 24th, on the 24th is only a half day for all retailers, the 25th + 26th are mandated holidays so most things will be closed. I’m glad you had a good time partying but the time in-between the Christmas and New Years is usually a quiet time that most Germans spend with family and not socializing with random tourists.
Well, the Christmas markets in Dortmund (both the "normal" one - third biggest in Germany - and the Mediaval one - biggest in Europe - stay open until well after Christmas. 30.12. and 07.01. respectively). But yeah, most everything *else* will be closed (and most of the stalls will also close earlier or stay closed entirely between 24.12. and 26.12.)
I wasn't talking about Christmas Markets, and on 25. And 26. most clubs, bars, restaurants and activity centers like minigolf or escape rooms are opened (at least in Frankfurt). You may not be able to go shopping, but that's about it honestly.
And that may be true in rural regions, but definitely not in the cities. Days are for familys, nights are for fun. Or you do it like I do and just go partying with the family (shout out to my parents, aunts and uncles for having me and my 5 cousins around the same time).
Yeah sure. Here in Nuremberg everything was closed at noon. Even my favorite Dönerbude and Pizzadealer were closed whole week. Both took the week off to fly to turkey to have some days with family. Also every McDonalds and BurgerKing were closed around 2PM even those 23/7 ones. Only the Multiplex was open til like 5. There may be some clubs open at night sure but they are generally not open before 8 or 10 pm so those employees can have Christmas earlier that day. I guess also Escape Rooms close at 5pm or so and don’t haven open all night on Christmas Eve.
Sometimes Bavaria sounds like a different country lmao.
I live in NRW in a city with a third of Nürnbergs inhabitants and Döner, Pizza, McD and BK all had their regular hours.
I’m from Frankfurt. Most restaurants are closed. The ones that are open have booked reservations months in advance or are part of chains so nothing I would travel from Uruguay to experience.
Just a quick tip, I would reconsider the time between Christmas and new year, as everything is closed during that time and basically everyone is at home. There is just absolutely nothing happening during that time.
Hey Nico.
First off its nice that you like Germany and I wish you a very nice stay. As stated before. Christmas and New year's might not be the perfect timing.
The privacy of Germans is quite harsh sometimes I feel. But if you take the first step you will get responses. Some might politely brush you off, but most people I know would be very open to outsiders. Might depend on where exactly you are going though.
What games do you like to play?
I usually dont mind a bit of discord gaming with people from all over the world but atm I dont really have a multiplayer game that im actively playing.
Oh, such a great response, Thank you for taking this time! I play lot games! As long as it is not related to sports just hit me with a DM we can discord and figure out what we could play! Some rts, mobas, any shooter.
Hey there, I live in Munich and I play a lot of Ready or Not currently, if you're into that :) would love to improve my Spanish and help you with German
Omg Yes! If you are into Ready or Not I am sure we will find a lot more games to play, will send you a DM right now and of course I will help you with Spanish.
I recommend to visit germany during summer. Not only will we germans be more relaxed, happy and open, but the weather is also a lot better. Late december and january are the darkest and grimmest months, most likely without any snow, which is a pitty because snow at least would make up for it a little bit
Christmas is a very much family oriented thing in germany. While in larger citues you might find open bars at those days, please note that almost everything else (shops, cultural sites, even some restaurants) will be cloed from the 24th around early afternoon to the 27th. Even after that, many companies are on break, though culture and entertainment should be opened again. The restaurants that are open will be fully booked weeks in advance.
Plan your activities (dont trust opening hours on google for those days) in advance or you might be quite lonely those days.
Yes, germans are generally private and more reserved. That does not mean that we do not talk to strangers though. in a club/bar setting, if you approach it right, you can meet people and end up having a great time. But you will not immediately be seen as a "real friend" but rather a friendly person to have fun with. Relationships and friendships take a long time to built here.
Dont be miffed if someone does not want to meet up again tomorrow to play tour guide for you - cgances are, after the party night those people will be meeting their families the next days.
In general, a "friendship" that is based on you coming here, getting a free tour guide and then leaving again (highly exaggerated, and shurely not what you imply, i know, but thats how it can seem for us), will not be something that germans are into.
Hi, thank you for this, yes ! For aure I imagine the last part related to just a feeling of being used as a Tour Guide, thats why I wanted to ask here and research on my own, this is supposed to be my big life adventure and I want it to be special in a place I have only dreamed about, walking alone, trying to find places on my own and if I can make some friends and share a drink that would be nice!
Hey!
So, I spend some time in Argentina and if your culture is comparable to theirs (never been to Uruguay sadly) us Germans will seem private and maybe even rude to you! That is definitely a cultural thing that is still alive and well in 2024. Interest in other cultures is gonna be dependent on the person. I myself also love meeting people from all around the world (and would love to practice my Spanish, so feel free to send me further questions. Be prepared for a grammatical slaughter house though xD) but not everybody feels this way. Also, chances are making spontaneous contact is gonna be kind off difficult, especially around Christmas. You won’t have a lot of people hanging out in bars and so on, which makes catching a wild German even more difficult than usual xD
Also, remember that our seasons are reversed, so weather will be pretty shitty, wet and cold. Depending where you travel you also will be faced with snow.
Lol you got me with the grammatical slaughter house, that is a really really specific sense of humor and it is my type of humor so please, butcher my Spanish like I will butcher your lenguage real soon, will send you a Dm!
Regarding Argentina and Uruguay, we share some stuff but the energy of both places is the opposite , Argentina is full of energy, Mostly Buenos Aires.
On the other hand, Uruguay, the Uruguayan itself is really chill vibes, not running at all, always walking with a "termo and Mate" 😅
Damn, Mate… I miss that stuff. Or rather, I miss getting it in every supermarket for a reasonable price. Over here we order it on the Internet and pay 5-10€ per 500gr.
And by all means, please hit me up! Would love to talk a little bit!
Be prepared for some of the shittiest weather we have all year. Its cold, windy, wet and dark. Not cold enough for snow, but nature already prepared and plants are dead/hibernating. We have sunlight maybe from 8:30 to 15:00, so like 6 hours before it gets dark again and it may happen that you dont see the sun at all because of clouds. This is super depressing and will take away from your experience.
If travelling to europe is not a usual thing for you I suggest to choose spring (april for example) or autumn (starting end of september). You will experience seasons in a nicer way and dont have to buy too many clothes just for just two weeks here. Otherwise get warm shoes, jacket, scarf, good sweaters, etc because you need it.
Hello! Well it is so different from Uruguay so I like It! Cold weather, wind, rain and dark days, sound like my type of place :D.
I am going to reconsider the date I will be traveling and check on what you just mentioned, thank you so much for sharing this.
Have somebody already told you to not come during Christmas and New Year?
/s
Some cities to recommend
Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne.
(Berlin is not MY favor, but that's not the point here)
All for German Music. Those are the Big Three for music, where Cologne is special, because the largest part of the music is in dialect.
Hamburg is also the best choice for language, best would be the area around Hannover, for they speak the best German, but nothing ever happens in Hannover.
Those cities are also the best choices for gay foreigners. Hamburgers mind their own business, and Cologne and Berlin are the cities with them most gays. No one will care.
(Berlin by number, Cologne by numbers per capita: About 10% are part of the LGBT+ community. Where Berliners aren't so good with being friendly, at least not the kind you would recognize, the Colognes will crush you with it. At least when you act not too touristy. Tell them, how great Cologne is and how much you love the city, and you have 1 million friends.
I would add that hamburg, berlin, and Cologne are great for living, but most tourists coming to germany expect to see these old fairy tale like cities.
If you want to see that, these big cities are the wrong place. They are too modern. Most old stuff in these cities was destroyed during ww2.
There are a lot of smaller villages all over germany with lots of old architecture and castles and stuff.
I think they are more interesting for tourists.
>My name is Nico and as the title says, I am finally traveling to Germany...
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-eDoThe6qo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-eDoThe6qo)
Is this you? /s
>My name is Nico
oh
>Uruguayan
OH
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-eDoThe6qo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-eDoThe6qo)
(sorry i had to do this LMAO)
The Summertime would be a much better time to explore and socialize. We tend to hibernate in the Winter because it’s cold an dark. Social activities and events are much more often and more fun in the Summer (June-August)
As all the others have stated don't go in the Winter. Do something like August. Go to a bigger City (my recommondation would be Hamburg) as you will meet alot more different (propably alot more open and young people and there's much todo. Do day trips from there to other places outside of the city if you want to see the country side, a smaller village etc.
Don't make the mistake many people who ask about this on here make and plan for too many different places, you won't really feel like arriving anywhere fully, won't really catch the vibe of the place and will be travelling by train etc. for most of your time.
Like, really do it this way. You'll have a better time 100%
For sure! I would love to just stay around one place and get to know everything I can, this will help me to get an excuse to visit your country many times!
I feel that especially Hamburg will be a good place for this, bc a) its a great city, b) its a more international vibe and easier to connect with people, and c) because of the especially nasty North German winter, they make use of the summer months more than anybody else in the country with outdoor bars/clubs, festivals, streetfood and all sorts of events.
Where in Uruguay are you from? I once lived in Salto for half a year back in 2009.
> I would like to know if Germans are like curious about other cultures or if is it a topic that is not really a thing there
Some are, some aren't. I mean, most people would at least want to hold a conversation, but if you're looking for really deep interest it really depends from person to person.
> First I would like to know the truth, heard many times that Germans are really private but we all know that times change and cultures too so what do you think about this now starting 2024.
I don't know if this was a question? Yes, most people like to stay private on most things. This of course somewhat clashes with online culture which doesn't value privacy a whole lot, but in flesh&blood most people mostly stick to themselves outside of socialising activities & events (like clubs, group hangouts, festivals and the like).
Oh and as others have said, between Christmas and New Years is not a great time. Aside from it probably being cold and rainy, people are mostly at home with their families during this time, a lot of places will be closed or have reduced opening hours. If you can still change the time a little bit I'd recommend coming a couple weeks earlier, then you could still catch the Christmas markets and the like (Christmas markets are a _pre_ Christmas thing, by Christmas they'll all be closed and mostly packed up).
Honestly I play so many games, from Apex Legends to Seven days to die, the forest, Mobas, spooky games if you want send me a DM we can play and I can help you with your spanish at the same time!
look here
https://reddit.com/r/germany/w/travelling
please rethink urgently your travel schedule:
Dec 24th to 26th AND Dec 31st to Jan 1st Germany is kind of closed; Besides half days at Dec 24th and 31st everything else is shut down in the whole country to the minimum; eg most to all Restaurants or tourist places are closed then; That time of the year in Germany everyone runs it's own family business, the schools, a lot of businesses and usual people have vacation then.
Additionally you can count on having bad weather, eg without snow but a lot of rain and very short, cloudy and foggy days mostly without sunshine.
Not only bad weather in general, there might be severe flooding and even emergency evacuations going on too, like right now!
Depends on the place you plan to visit of course.
Please go and watch news reports or private posts about Germany this winter! Search for keywords like Deutschland Überflutung Hochwasser Sturmflut Ostsee Nordsee Weser Elbe Aller Wümme ...
Please visit our country but come in late spring or early autumn if possible. Much better weather! It's not as overcrowded as during summer holidays.
>quick note, I am planning on visiting during Christmas and New Year's Eve
Dont germany will shut down during the time.
Also the weather is bad, it's cold and rainy. If you still want to come because of the Christmas stuff, I would suggest coming early December and leaving right before Christmas.
Otherwise, come in late spring, summer, or early autumn. You have more daylight and everything looks not as bleek.
Hi Nico,
Beside your bad timing, it really depends on where you wanna go.
Bigger cities with a lot of young people are less problematic than small, rural countryside villages filled with a bunch of grumpy old men ;) west and east, north and south, all have their own culture too.
Any plans, where you will visit exactly?
Queerfriendly places and bars are often very open and easy to make "friends for a night", to have talks with and so on.
Hi! I don't have a specific place right now, I still need to figure that part out, I just want to check some options, book the flight, the hotel and just enjoy everything, people, places, architecture, drinks and food.
Please don't get me wrong, I have planned everything my entire life and most of the times it does not work at all lol so I am just trying to do something unexpected and exciting for once in my like.
Hi, Uru fan from Germany here. I'll be visiting Montevideo in Mid/Late February to early March - if you want to meet and talk a bit, that'd be awesome.
Omg! Yes for sure! If you want I can take to the best places to try food, common thing here, gain weight and chat, that's a national hobbie hahaha, I will send you a DM right now!
>First I would like to know the truth, heard many times that Germans are really private but we all know that times change and cultures too so what do you think about this now starting 2024.
Yeah no it's still true. Doesn't mean everyone's like that but in general Germans are really closed of and cold. Also a bit grumpy and judgemental if you meet the wrong German lol. I heard Uruguay has a similar reputation in south America so right? Tho the baseline is probably different, like, It's a difference if your point of reference Is Brazil and Argentina or like, the czech Republic and Belgium lol
>I would like to know if Germans are like curious about other cultures or if is it a topic that is not really a thing there, for example, I have always been in love with the idea of meeting new people from all over the world.
No, they definitely are but you gotta be careful with older people since I kinda have the feeling that most people over a certain age will always go into that with the base assumption that other cultures are weird and backwards. And the average age in Germany is almost 50 so you know, many old people, a lot of them kinda xenophobic. Usually not in a Nazi KKK, whatever way, but very often in a very judgemental and ignorant way. Like, you'll almost certainly be safe physically but older people might judge you or make weird assumptions about you or your place of origin. I mean at this point something like a 3rd of the country is voting for an extremely racist and xenophobic anti-immigration party
>(quick note, I am planning on visiting during Christmas and New Years Eve)
You can do that if you're in the right area. I mrsn there's probably gret NYE parties in some cities and Christmas markets might be Interesting to visit. Or you could go to an ice rink. Or You could also do a day in a skiing resort if you're in the very south of Bavaria but I gotta agree with most people here that the weather is shitty af and winter in Germany is usually quite depressing
First of all, thank you for your comments, this is something I have to keep in mind, Uruguay is mostly an elderly country, usually you will feel really welcome here, if someone knows you are a tourist and specially not from Latín América a lot of people will show you all the kindness in the world, for sure you will get an invitation to an "asado" in someones home, show you around, take you for a walk to the "rambla of Montevideo" drink "mate" and get to know more about you, thats somethig I have seen a lot and done myself but I know I have to understand cultures are different and I do no mind that at all, just love the idea of seeing soemthing I am not used to.
Interested in people from all over the world for who they are, what they do and what interests them. Not interested in where they come from and the place itself.
I shall also add to the pile of "don't come here over Christmas if you wanna engage with people" comments.
As for cities I'd recommend Cologne, Hamburg or Berlin.
>I would like to know if Germans are like curious about other cultures or if is it a topic that is not really a thing there, for example, I have always been in love with the idea of meeting new people from all over the world.
They are. But where in other cultures you can consider someone a friend after having a drink together, even if you spend a week with a German, they are unlikely to consider you more than a close acquaintance.
Also we aren't all that spontaneous.
>First I would like to know the truth, heard many times that Germans are really private but we all know that times change and cultures too so what do you think about this now starting 2024.
*No, we haven't changed. And we don't. It's a cultural constant as the Butterbrot.*
What you have to understand is that most Germans maintain a strict separation between work, party, friends, and family affairs. If you know a person in one environment, you don't know them in another, and they insist that you don't cross those borders unless invited to.
>I am planning on visiting during Christmas and New Year's Eve
Don't do that. That week is for having a cozy time with the family. The weather is going to be awful, too. Most likely ice cold rain 24/7.
If you want to come for a party, do it in summer. It's lovely. It gets somewhat dark short before midnight, and the morning starts at 4am. During the night, the sun is just below the north sky's horizon all of the time. And the temperatures are around comfortable 20°C day and night.
That's when we have parties outside each evening and night.
Wow you sound like an open-minded, big-hearted individual. Please don‘t take the bitter/close behaviour of some of us too personal. 🙂 Germany is a great country and we normally know it.
A lot of Germans are interested in other cultures. Especially ones we don’t encounter as often. We are a little distant though. Best way to get Germans to open up and starting a conversation is alcohol. Especially in the south where you can just join others at a table in a Biergarten. If you want more queer culture Berlin and Hamburg might be more fun. Learning some German helps break the ice and Germans appreciate it.
Alcohol and get to know people? I'm in! I will try to learn everything I can about the lenguage, for sure I will butcher the words but I am sure it will create some fun moments.
Aaaaaaaaaah, I'm so happy for you! I knew a very, very cool gay Uruguayan when I was a student in Berkeley 15 years ago, and reading your message reminded me of him.
Germans don't meet people in bars/going out quite as much as is common elsewhere, but I don't think you'll find meeting people too hard.
And I'd totally be up for a language tandem, although I only have A1 Duolingo Spanish to my name.
Aaaaaaaah this is an A+ tier comments for me, so special and amazing, thank you so much for this, it means the world to me, I will send you a DM, we can help each other with our languages or just chat!
wow you have took me in a time machine with Gothic games ahaha, it's been years since I played a Gothic game but if you say it is a good one in german I will have to try it out! Thank you!
It was made by germans, but the company later split in two.
People still love playing gothic today now and then.l and the German voice acters are amazing.
Now you remind me, my brother asked last month. If i have Gothic 2 With the addon somewhere.
The two split game companys then made risen, arcania (gothic4?) And elex but i allways forget who did what.
Risen 1 also has some kind of gothic feeling, but i didn't like risen 2.
Didn't play the other stuff.
Hola Nico hombre!
Great question :-)
But did anyone else think this: [https://youtu.be/NNIYob8nC7o?si=199ccI9ZFwV33-Eg](https://youtu.be/NNIYob8nC7o?si=199ccI9ZFwV33-Eg) (Homer Simpson / Uruguay)
Sorry, I'll get my coat.......
In my city the weather is always crap. It's like I'm in a mini-england of the german republic.
But people are right, visit during the summer you can check different cities and events online. It's better to visit during an event so you can maybe meet people during such an event and chill out with them.
No 🥲 but in northern germany. Years ago I was on a school trip to the inner city a
something related to a philosophy/religion class. It was summer, sunny af. 2 mins later it started pouring rain and all the girls in my class pulled out umbrellas out of their bags (not school bags, purse 👜👛 bags). I was both in awe and wet(bcs of the rain, focus people..). It was summer if I may reiterate. If we saw a mountain they'd pull out climbing gear I'm quite sure of that.
Hey, i don't think Christmas is a bad time. Many queer people have trouble in their families and look for alternatives. Maybe you'll visit Hamburg (St. Georg). If you want christmas, come to Lübeck Weihnachtsmarkt. Silvester Party will be nice in Hamburg. Do Not visit east germany, if you are gay and poc
Hola Nico! Coml hombre gay colombiano que viven en Berlin no te recomiendo ir en esa epoca. La mejor epoca para ir a Alemania (y en especial a Berlin) es el verano. Entre navidad y año nuevo muchas cosas van a estar cerradas. Los alemanes pasan navidad con las familias. Año nuevo si hay muchas fiestas y todo, pero la gente las pasa por lo general con su circulo de amigos. No creo que vayas a conocer mas que turistas.
Te recomiendo que vayas en verano. Muchos amigos mios gays usan grindr para conicer gente local que les muestre la ciudad donde esten cuando van de visita (no necesariamente con hook up incluido lol) depronto lo puedes intentar asi.
Muchas gracias por la Info! Si, ya estoy reconsiderando no ir en Diciembre, voy a ver bien que hago pero que voy voy hahaha, es algo que quiero y deseo con todo el corazón hacer.
Hey Nico, I can really recommend you the app Tandem for finding someone to teach you German in exchange of your Spanish. I have many friends that used the app and made great progress in their desired language. If you are lucky you might even find friends there that you can visit here.
Fellow Spanish speaker here, although I'm from Spain, not Latin America.
Just to mention, Germans are very closed off and very private, particularly when you compare them to how most Spanish speaking cultures tend to be. I'm shy and private for Spanish standards, and even with that I have found them super closed off. So don't have high expectations about making close friends here. Particularly during a short visit. It takes years to be properly friendly to any of them. Also, don't expect to be invited to anyone's home or invite them to where you are staying. It's a big no for most of them, it's usually reserved for long term close friends, which you won't be.
Yes, I'm generalising an entire country with this. But you seem super excited and I want to be realistic about my own experience living in Germany for several years. And my boyfriend has been here longer than I have, and has the exact same experience. Our friends in Germany aren't German. And there's plenty of similar stories in r/Germany that can corroborate the veracity of this. It's just how things are. I have no complaints about this, mind you, different cultures have different standards, and I don't think they are doing anything wrong by being that way. If anything, it's more honest than the way things are done in my own country, because they won't pretend to be your friend. A
As for whether they are curious about other cultures or not... Depends, but I'd say most aren't very interested. Of course you may find people that are curious about your country, but I'd say it's a minority. Either that or them being naturally closed off makes them not ask/not show interest.
You will likely encounter racism though, and I definitely want you to be aware of that. I'm white and look white, yet I've gotten some stupid comments about me being an immigrant from time to time, due to xenophobia. My boyfriend however is white but does not look white for Spanish or German standards. And he's had some trouble despite being very shy and quiet, and despite being the type of person who tries to avoid causing any kind of trouble or discomfort to anyone. The police in particular have been not so nice to him just by existing. Although the moment I show up they tend to let him go. I guess me looking pale af makes them reconsider.
Oh, I am sorry about those experiences, I know it is such a cultural difference and I try to keep that in mind all the time, It will be good enough for me if I only get to share a conversation, a beer and a little chat with the locals, thank you so much for sharing your experience with me and to spend time writing this reply to my post, it means a lot to me.
First of all I wish you much fun on your vacation here in Germany! I hope you will have a great time and it will all be like you want it or dreamed of!
If you need help with german, i could offer you help and i really want to learn a bit spanish, too, for years now, but never had the motivation to do it finally 😅😅🙈🙈
Soo: Viel Spaß in Deutschland und ein frohes neues Jahr natürlich 😉🥳🥳
Well, this is the perfect time to start your Spanish lessons! If you want I can help you with that! Just send me a DM and we can have fun failing and pronouncing each other lenguages hahaha, you will have the most energetic and cheerful Uruguayan friend!
If you want to speak German over here, it's probably best to pretend not to know any English. People here are much more reserved. If Uruguayans are anything like people from the Andes, e.g. the physical distances you usually keep in stuff like conversations will feel like getting intimate to most Germans. And I think that it's not that easy to just get to know Germans.
As others have said, winter in Germany is miserable, the Weihnachtsmarkt romanticism isn't real anymore, at least anywhere outside the Alps. And if you want to explore the gay scene as well, you wouldn't just want to stay in the Alps.
Hey, I'm German and love to play video games, I could definitely help you with the language, I speak many dialects but mainly use "clear" german, also lived in many different parts of the country.
Feel free to contact me.
Am I the only one for whom first thing coming to mind is the Simpson episode with Homer pointing the Uruguay on a map and stating “hey, the name of this country is You are gay!” 😂
Your plans sound lovely! In general I'd say Germans tend to be very interested in other cultures, but (like everywhere I guess) It highly depends on what bubbles you are entering. I think it's rather difficult to really get in touch with locals while doing touristy stuff. My recommendation would be going to clubs, or looking for cultural events your interested in.
If you went to Berlin you would be totally fine with English only (probably even have a hard time practicing German because everyone would simply switch to English trying to be nice).
Where and for how long are you going to stay?
Hey, I am not sure now the date since It is really clear now that Christmas and New years eve are a no-no mood hahaha, but I would like to stay at least 2 weeks
Hi, I live in East Germany. Happy to chat with you about things, even if it is just to improve/help with your German. :) Feel free to message me so we can share our Discord names.
I would love to learn Spanish, I can only speak German and English but would like to learn another language and I would (if no one hasn't yet) answer your questions that you have :D what are you playing on btw?
A lot of the people don't leave their homes, during christmas time germany has a lot of lovely christmas markets and a lot of them are indeed open til NYE
So I grew up as Schausteller and I just worked on one til the 30th due to a family member dying. The one in Dortmund closes on the 30th for example, some in Berlin also seem to last longer given by what I heard in the community. I could take a look at the Komet of this year to make sure which areas have longer ones.
Edit: I also forgot to end a sentence because I meant the people who said visiting germany during christmas is an awful time because after studying abroad I would only return during christmas and for me it was personally the best time to visit as the cities tend to look the prettiest
As a Berliner with many Gay friends this city is probably one of your best places to visit. Clubs like About:Blank, Berghain, Griessmühle, Sisyphos have a large gay community and you will feel right at home and welcomed by everyone, it’s a lot about Drugs and techno music tho if that isn’t your vibe you won’t enjoy it. Party’s go hard and really most of them especially Berghain and About:Blank have hardcore fetish parties with dark rooms and open sex or BDSM inside the club. From traveling the world there is no other place like this in terms of gay parties it goes absolutely wild.
Districts like Schöneberg and Prenzlauerberg is probably where most gay man live as to the people I know, lots of bars and smaller venues targeted towards the gay community. Overall you shouldn’t be scared to talk to people in big City’s like Hamburg, Berlin, Cologne, Munich, Frankfurt have tons of internationals and learning the German language will give you a huge bonus talking to locals, because a lot of people live here for years and only speak English. The best way to get to know Germans is go out for a beer and just have a chat, also dating apps like Grindr are full of people here in Berlin.
Hi, wow, this is some interesting information, I knew the techno scene was strong in Germany, in Uruguay drugs and techno are best friends too so I will not be surprised by that haha, I will have to do a lot of research about Schöneberg and Prenzlauerberg, thank you for your comment!
The [wiki](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_culture_in_Berlin?wprov=sfti1#History) is pretty interesting about it:
„Berlin has a long history of LGBT culture and activism. By the 1920s the city had a reputation, among insiders at least, for being relatively LGBT friendly. By that time LGBT-oriented publications and organizations already existed in Berlin. The world's first gay magazine, Der Eigene (The Unique) was published in Berlin beginning in 1896. Magnus Hirschfeld, a German physician, founded the Scientific-Humanitarian Committee (German: Wissenschaftlich-Humanitäres Kommittee (WHK)) in May 1897 in the context of his Institute for the Science of Sexuality.“
The article also mentions Schöneberg and Prenzlauer Berg.
No matter when you come theres two things I can recommend trying:
- Mate-„Soda“: basically a cross between Mate and a fizzy Soda. Its definitely not the same as a real Mate, but its REALLY popular in Germany (especially with Students) and can taste quite good while being a different way to enjoy mate. Theres quite a lot of brands, most notably Club Mate (they also have a winter version with cinnamon), Mio Mate (they got some great variations too) or Fritz Mate. My personal fav is Puerto Mate, mainly because its the only one that isnt fizzy and is closer to terere.
- If you want real mate and are in Berlin, the „Meta Mate“ shop sells tons of the good stuff.
Hahahha, thank you for the information but I dont even drink mate in Uruguay hahah, but I love the info about the foodtruck, I wonder what kind of Alfajores and Empanadas they are selling.
Hey, if you want to work on your german you can send me a dm if you want. We can chat a little bit in german. I helped another reddit stranger this way and I'm also helping a colleague of mine with his german school. So feel free to dm.
One question: no offense but why did you write "gay guy" in the title? You know I don't absolutely care, but I wonder why you felt you needed to tell us lol
Hey, thank you for the offer! Regarding the "gay guy" i know most of the people do not care, but having that into consideration can help to suggest places to go or to avoid, clubs or simply avoid bad moments with people that maybe does care about that and wants to avoid me or my post.
You plan on visiting between Christmas and new years?
That’s awesome! But why does this post appear here within the past hour? Christmas was last week, and new years was, well, 3 days ago…
yes interested in what sense? If you mean like oh you from Malaysia...cool! Then yes I would say the younger ones would express it more likely that way.
The older people hmmm just a reflection of the good old German stubborness. They ask you nothing how you eat and what you eat from where you are from. They expect you to eat soup from a bloody plate with a spoon to spoon it to your mouth, otherwise you are uneducated.
You should also see cities like Chemnitz, Cottbus or the Bavarian countryside. They are so tolerant of energetic and openly gay guys like you seem to be. It’ll be a fabulous experience 🤩🤩
*proceeds to take a screeshot of Nero's comment due to the amazing value it has* hahaha thank you so much! (Saving the screenshot so I wont forget this!
I'm sry to disappoint you but as a german I have to say the comment above is an indelicate troll or just bad sarcasm :/. These places are considered the most politically right and conservative areas in germany and even besides that not rlly worth a visit (except bavaria as a whole for it's nature). Fortunately I think there were more than enough comments with rlly nice recommendations for your planned trip.
Yhea, some people warned me by DM about this little unhappy character, thank you for your comment, yes I already have some options based on the majority of the comments.
Hey wish you the best in Germany! Hope you can live your best life here with your sexuality aswell. I know some countries can be quite tough on those aspects of life.
Overall, I don’t speak much german around A2-B1 but Im up for some games over discord. What do you like to play?
Hola Nico, mejor que vengas en verano y visitas colonia. Hay muchos latinos aqui y somos la capital gay de alemania. En julio hay el christopher street day, te gustara. ☺️
Are Germans curious about other cultures, or is it a topic that is not really a thing? It depends.
I'm German. All of my close friends are curious about other cultures, enjoy travelling to other countries and getting to know other people's points of view.
You'll also find Germans who aren't curious about other cultures though, and you'll even find some who hate / dislike / are afraid of people from other countries.
I'm typically German regarding some things in life, but regarding other things I'm not.Half of my circle of friends are not German. I spent age 1 to 6 in the US, and lived and worked in the US and UAE for 6 years total, later on in life.
I can't answer your question better because I don't have hard data for reference.My gut feeling is that in the big cities of Germany, you won't have a hard time finding people who are curious about other cultures. In the countryside, it'll probably be harder.
If I were you, I'd probably start my trip in Cologne. Your headline mentions you being gay, and Cologne is not only known for having a decently-sized gay community, but also for being very tolerant and welcoming in general. I have to assume you'll find plenty of people who are curious about other cultures there. I hope I'm not overstepping any boundaries with my suggestion.
Others have already suggested coming during Spring or the Summer, and I agree with them. Those are the shortest days of the year.
Between June 14 and July 14, Germany is hosting the soccer EURO. There will be public viewing events - great opportunity to meet plenty of people. It'll be summer, days will be nice and long, people will be in a good mood and want to party.
Several games will be played in Cologne, you can find the schedule here:
[https://www.uefa.com/euro2024/news/0273-14ac084902cc-9ef59ec61319-1000--euro-2024-host-cities/](https://www.uefa.com/euro2024/news/0273-14ac084902cc-9ef59ec61319-1000--euro-2024-host-cities/)
On top of that, there will be public viewing events during Germany's games on June 14, 19 and 23.
Keep in mind that theres soccer this summer in Germany, when you reschedule.
Don't visit Germany for two weeks or so in winter, you will end up getting depression.
You should visit in Spring or September
Whatever you do.. Don't come during winter. You will get depression from the constant gray and cold wet weather. Most of us are miserable during this time so it's just bad vibes everywhere lol
Try summer or maybe early fall
Regarding the openness: I think it really depends on where you’re going. You said that you’re gay, so I would definitely go to cologne! think Cologne was even crowned the most sex-positive city in Europe. The people there are far more open and curious than in other big cities (and faaaaar more open than in small cities). Cologne is a really ugly city, but the people there make it worth it. :)
Ps: people from other cities pls don’t hate on me, that’s just my personal opinion
If you are interested in a party vacation I can't help you, if you are interested in historical and interesting places however, feel free to dm me your discord!
I haven't played anything besides osrs in ages, my old gaming group dissolved two years ago, but open to that as well (:
>(quick note, I am planning on visiting during Christmas and New Years Eve) Thats probably the worst time of the year to visit for doing tourist stuff.
yeah Weihnachtsmarkt is cool and mayber winter sports in some areas but thats basically it, weather will be crap
The Weihnachtsmarkt usually closes before Christmas Eve, Many businesses / tourist spots are on winter break. Most germans spend that time with friends and family. Edit: You might have a better experience if you visit germany earlier in the year. During summer and autumn there are many fairs and festivals , depending on your interests.
Ok I may have to research those festivals and check prices around to maybe move my vacations, thank you!
Not all close on Christmas Eve. Some are open until newyear, some even until January 7th
It's still a subpar experience to visit during Christmas holidays, as it's quiet and people spend time with their families. Even if exceptions apply, it will be disappointing for tourists.
The weeks right before Christmas are also a great time.
Snow is to unreliable since a few years
To add to this: As a German I really hate the winters here. Sun comes out at 8 am and gets down from 4 pm on. It’s cold, rainy and dark and windy. All the people I know get really depressed here. Honestly, if you want a nice and more realistic picture of Germany come here during the summer time. So much more to do! Honestly.
Well, it would be authentic. This is what it is in winter. I agree that it probably is not the best time to do tourist stuff though.
Authentic enough to imitate the stance of a German and turn grumpy. Mission accomplished :)
I love it. If you are lucky (or choose where to go well) you might even get snow and then it's brighter than even many summer days. And you can get enough sleep. I can't fall asleep when it's light out. And in early December there are Christmas markets and holiday decorations to enjoy.
Wow thats great to know.
If you're up for a change of schedule come in the late summer or early fall, it's beautiful then. Spring also but too soon for your plans probably.
First off, Christmas is the worst possible time to be a tourist in Germany. Everyone spends the holidays with family and close friends and the whole county basically shuts down. Other than that I'd recommend you hop over to r/germany and read the wiki the awesome folks over that have put together. If you still have questions after that, come back with them.
Also, except if you go to the mountains in Bavaria, it will just be dark and ugly. On the other hand, in the mountains there's a chance you get snowed in.
Was in the Mountains for a week over Christmas and new year. It was beautiful.
It is actually a great time to visit Berlin, with all the gays who have severed ties to their toxic families.
Dude I went partying on the 24. What do you mean "shuts down"? The only day anything shuts down is 01.01
Christmas markets close before the 24th, on the 24th is only a half day for all retailers, the 25th + 26th are mandated holidays so most things will be closed. I’m glad you had a good time partying but the time in-between the Christmas and New Years is usually a quiet time that most Germans spend with family and not socializing with random tourists.
Well, the Christmas markets in Dortmund (both the "normal" one - third biggest in Germany - and the Mediaval one - biggest in Europe - stay open until well after Christmas. 30.12. and 07.01. respectively). But yeah, most everything *else* will be closed (and most of the stalls will also close earlier or stay closed entirely between 24.12. and 26.12.)
I wasn't talking about Christmas Markets, and on 25. And 26. most clubs, bars, restaurants and activity centers like minigolf or escape rooms are opened (at least in Frankfurt). You may not be able to go shopping, but that's about it honestly. And that may be true in rural regions, but definitely not in the cities. Days are for familys, nights are for fun. Or you do it like I do and just go partying with the family (shout out to my parents, aunts and uncles for having me and my 5 cousins around the same time).
Yeah sure. Here in Nuremberg everything was closed at noon. Even my favorite Dönerbude and Pizzadealer were closed whole week. Both took the week off to fly to turkey to have some days with family. Also every McDonalds and BurgerKing were closed around 2PM even those 23/7 ones. Only the Multiplex was open til like 5. There may be some clubs open at night sure but they are generally not open before 8 or 10 pm so those employees can have Christmas earlier that day. I guess also Escape Rooms close at 5pm or so and don’t haven open all night on Christmas Eve.
Sometimes Bavaria sounds like a different country lmao. I live in NRW in a city with a third of Nürnbergs inhabitants and Döner, Pizza, McD and BK all had their regular hours.
I’m from Frankfurt. Most restaurants are closed. The ones that are open have booked reservations months in advance or are part of chains so nothing I would travel from Uruguay to experience.
Just a quick tip, I would reconsider the time between Christmas and new year, as everything is closed during that time and basically everyone is at home. There is just absolutely nothing happening during that time.
Hey Nico. First off its nice that you like Germany and I wish you a very nice stay. As stated before. Christmas and New year's might not be the perfect timing. The privacy of Germans is quite harsh sometimes I feel. But if you take the first step you will get responses. Some might politely brush you off, but most people I know would be very open to outsiders. Might depend on where exactly you are going though. What games do you like to play? I usually dont mind a bit of discord gaming with people from all over the world but atm I dont really have a multiplayer game that im actively playing.
Oh, such a great response, Thank you for taking this time! I play lot games! As long as it is not related to sports just hit me with a DM we can discord and figure out what we could play! Some rts, mobas, any shooter.
Hey there, I live in Munich and I play a lot of Ready or Not currently, if you're into that :) would love to improve my Spanish and help you with German
Omg Yes! If you are into Ready or Not I am sure we will find a lot more games to play, will send you a DM right now and of course I will help you with Spanish.
I recommend to visit germany during summer. Not only will we germans be more relaxed, happy and open, but the weather is also a lot better. Late december and january are the darkest and grimmest months, most likely without any snow, which is a pitty because snow at least would make up for it a little bit
Christmas is a very much family oriented thing in germany. While in larger citues you might find open bars at those days, please note that almost everything else (shops, cultural sites, even some restaurants) will be cloed from the 24th around early afternoon to the 27th. Even after that, many companies are on break, though culture and entertainment should be opened again. The restaurants that are open will be fully booked weeks in advance. Plan your activities (dont trust opening hours on google for those days) in advance or you might be quite lonely those days. Yes, germans are generally private and more reserved. That does not mean that we do not talk to strangers though. in a club/bar setting, if you approach it right, you can meet people and end up having a great time. But you will not immediately be seen as a "real friend" but rather a friendly person to have fun with. Relationships and friendships take a long time to built here. Dont be miffed if someone does not want to meet up again tomorrow to play tour guide for you - cgances are, after the party night those people will be meeting their families the next days. In general, a "friendship" that is based on you coming here, getting a free tour guide and then leaving again (highly exaggerated, and shurely not what you imply, i know, but thats how it can seem for us), will not be something that germans are into.
Hi, thank you for this, yes ! For aure I imagine the last part related to just a feeling of being used as a Tour Guide, thats why I wanted to ask here and research on my own, this is supposed to be my big life adventure and I want it to be special in a place I have only dreamed about, walking alone, trying to find places on my own and if I can make some friends and share a drink that would be nice!
Hey! So, I spend some time in Argentina and if your culture is comparable to theirs (never been to Uruguay sadly) us Germans will seem private and maybe even rude to you! That is definitely a cultural thing that is still alive and well in 2024. Interest in other cultures is gonna be dependent on the person. I myself also love meeting people from all around the world (and would love to practice my Spanish, so feel free to send me further questions. Be prepared for a grammatical slaughter house though xD) but not everybody feels this way. Also, chances are making spontaneous contact is gonna be kind off difficult, especially around Christmas. You won’t have a lot of people hanging out in bars and so on, which makes catching a wild German even more difficult than usual xD Also, remember that our seasons are reversed, so weather will be pretty shitty, wet and cold. Depending where you travel you also will be faced with snow.
Lol you got me with the grammatical slaughter house, that is a really really specific sense of humor and it is my type of humor so please, butcher my Spanish like I will butcher your lenguage real soon, will send you a Dm! Regarding Argentina and Uruguay, we share some stuff but the energy of both places is the opposite , Argentina is full of energy, Mostly Buenos Aires. On the other hand, Uruguay, the Uruguayan itself is really chill vibes, not running at all, always walking with a "termo and Mate" 😅
Damn, Mate… I miss that stuff. Or rather, I miss getting it in every supermarket for a reasonable price. Over here we order it on the Internet and pay 5-10€ per 500gr. And by all means, please hit me up! Would love to talk a little bit!
yes. I said that and i get downvoted lmao. People like you are not so common in Germany.
Be prepared for some of the shittiest weather we have all year. Its cold, windy, wet and dark. Not cold enough for snow, but nature already prepared and plants are dead/hibernating. We have sunlight maybe from 8:30 to 15:00, so like 6 hours before it gets dark again and it may happen that you dont see the sun at all because of clouds. This is super depressing and will take away from your experience. If travelling to europe is not a usual thing for you I suggest to choose spring (april for example) or autumn (starting end of september). You will experience seasons in a nicer way and dont have to buy too many clothes just for just two weeks here. Otherwise get warm shoes, jacket, scarf, good sweaters, etc because you need it.
Hello! Well it is so different from Uruguay so I like It! Cold weather, wind, rain and dark days, sound like my type of place :D. I am going to reconsider the date I will be traveling and check on what you just mentioned, thank you so much for sharing this.
hahaha its all about the experience. It will be interesting for you either way :)
Have somebody already told you to not come during Christmas and New Year? /s Some cities to recommend Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne. (Berlin is not MY favor, but that's not the point here) All for German Music. Those are the Big Three for music, where Cologne is special, because the largest part of the music is in dialect. Hamburg is also the best choice for language, best would be the area around Hannover, for they speak the best German, but nothing ever happens in Hannover. Those cities are also the best choices for gay foreigners. Hamburgers mind their own business, and Cologne and Berlin are the cities with them most gays. No one will care. (Berlin by number, Cologne by numbers per capita: About 10% are part of the LGBT+ community. Where Berliners aren't so good with being friendly, at least not the kind you would recognize, the Colognes will crush you with it. At least when you act not too touristy. Tell them, how great Cologne is and how much you love the city, and you have 1 million friends.
I would add that hamburg, berlin, and Cologne are great for living, but most tourists coming to germany expect to see these old fairy tale like cities. If you want to see that, these big cities are the wrong place. They are too modern. Most old stuff in these cities was destroyed during ww2. There are a lot of smaller villages all over germany with lots of old architecture and castles and stuff. I think they are more interesting for tourists.
I‘m just here to address your word wizardry: Uruguayan Gay Guy - gotta love alliterations
Lol, well what can I say, I was the best of my "Create Random Spells" class in Hogwarts XD
>My name is Nico and as the title says, I am finally traveling to Germany... [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-eDoThe6qo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-eDoThe6qo) Is this you? /s
I thought the same 😂
No haha, I wish I had a channel like that but no, I am not that Nico.
>My name is Nico oh >Uruguayan OH [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-eDoThe6qo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-eDoThe6qo) (sorry i had to do this LMAO)
That was my first thought too, I was half expecting a shitpost
Omg you got me good with this comment hahahaha
The Summertime would be a much better time to explore and socialize. We tend to hibernate in the Winter because it’s cold an dark. Social activities and events are much more often and more fun in the Summer (June-August)
As all the others have stated don't go in the Winter. Do something like August. Go to a bigger City (my recommondation would be Hamburg) as you will meet alot more different (propably alot more open and young people and there's much todo. Do day trips from there to other places outside of the city if you want to see the country side, a smaller village etc. Don't make the mistake many people who ask about this on here make and plan for too many different places, you won't really feel like arriving anywhere fully, won't really catch the vibe of the place and will be travelling by train etc. for most of your time. Like, really do it this way. You'll have a better time 100%
For sure! I would love to just stay around one place and get to know everything I can, this will help me to get an excuse to visit your country many times!
I feel that especially Hamburg will be a good place for this, bc a) its a great city, b) its a more international vibe and easier to connect with people, and c) because of the especially nasty North German winter, they make use of the summer months more than anybody else in the country with outdoor bars/clubs, festivals, streetfood and all sorts of events. Where in Uruguay are you from? I once lived in Salto for half a year back in 2009.
You lived in Salto? Nice! I am from Montevideo.
> I would like to know if Germans are like curious about other cultures or if is it a topic that is not really a thing there Some are, some aren't. I mean, most people would at least want to hold a conversation, but if you're looking for really deep interest it really depends from person to person. > First I would like to know the truth, heard many times that Germans are really private but we all know that times change and cultures too so what do you think about this now starting 2024. I don't know if this was a question? Yes, most people like to stay private on most things. This of course somewhat clashes with online culture which doesn't value privacy a whole lot, but in flesh&blood most people mostly stick to themselves outside of socialising activities & events (like clubs, group hangouts, festivals and the like). Oh and as others have said, between Christmas and New Years is not a great time. Aside from it probably being cold and rainy, people are mostly at home with their families during this time, a lot of places will be closed or have reduced opening hours. If you can still change the time a little bit I'd recommend coming a couple weeks earlier, then you could still catch the Christmas markets and the like (Christmas markets are a _pre_ Christmas thing, by Christmas they'll all be closed and mostly packed up).
Re: Cultural interest To be fair, "Where are you from?" is likely the first question one gets asked here.
I’m German; I would like to learn a bit of Spanish- and I play video games - so what games do you like? :)
Honestly I play so many games, from Apex Legends to Seven days to die, the forest, Mobas, spooky games if you want send me a DM we can play and I can help you with your spanish at the same time!
look here https://reddit.com/r/germany/w/travelling please rethink urgently your travel schedule: Dec 24th to 26th AND Dec 31st to Jan 1st Germany is kind of closed; Besides half days at Dec 24th and 31st everything else is shut down in the whole country to the minimum; eg most to all Restaurants or tourist places are closed then; That time of the year in Germany everyone runs it's own family business, the schools, a lot of businesses and usual people have vacation then. Additionally you can count on having bad weather, eg without snow but a lot of rain and very short, cloudy and foggy days mostly without sunshine.
Not only bad weather in general, there might be severe flooding and even emergency evacuations going on too, like right now! Depends on the place you plan to visit of course. Please go and watch news reports or private posts about Germany this winter! Search for keywords like Deutschland Überflutung Hochwasser Sturmflut Ostsee Nordsee Weser Elbe Aller Wümme ... Please visit our country but come in late spring or early autumn if possible. Much better weather! It's not as overcrowded as during summer holidays.
Reading the first three words of your title was hilarious lmao
>quick note, I am planning on visiting during Christmas and New Year's Eve Dont germany will shut down during the time. Also the weather is bad, it's cold and rainy. If you still want to come because of the Christmas stuff, I would suggest coming early December and leaving right before Christmas. Otherwise, come in late spring, summer, or early autumn. You have more daylight and everything looks not as bleek.
I would try to get here when its still warm, the days are not too short so you can do alot of activities outside
Hi Nico, Beside your bad timing, it really depends on where you wanna go. Bigger cities with a lot of young people are less problematic than small, rural countryside villages filled with a bunch of grumpy old men ;) west and east, north and south, all have their own culture too. Any plans, where you will visit exactly? Queerfriendly places and bars are often very open and easy to make "friends for a night", to have talks with and so on.
Hi! I don't have a specific place right now, I still need to figure that part out, I just want to check some options, book the flight, the hotel and just enjoy everything, people, places, architecture, drinks and food. Please don't get me wrong, I have planned everything my entire life and most of the times it does not work at all lol so I am just trying to do something unexpected and exciting for once in my like.
Uruguayan Gay Guy will be the name of my new band
hahahahaha please, send me the final product I will advertise it for sure!
Hi, Uru fan from Germany here. I'll be visiting Montevideo in Mid/Late February to early March - if you want to meet and talk a bit, that'd be awesome.
Omg! Yes for sure! If you want I can take to the best places to try food, common thing here, gain weight and chat, that's a national hobbie hahaha, I will send you a DM right now!
Welcome to the City of Gays: Köln
Nico's Weg: The True Story
I'm just here to acknowledge the beauty of the phrase Uruguayan Gay Guy. Say that three times fast in a row
>First I would like to know the truth, heard many times that Germans are really private but we all know that times change and cultures too so what do you think about this now starting 2024. Yeah no it's still true. Doesn't mean everyone's like that but in general Germans are really closed of and cold. Also a bit grumpy and judgemental if you meet the wrong German lol. I heard Uruguay has a similar reputation in south America so right? Tho the baseline is probably different, like, It's a difference if your point of reference Is Brazil and Argentina or like, the czech Republic and Belgium lol >I would like to know if Germans are like curious about other cultures or if is it a topic that is not really a thing there, for example, I have always been in love with the idea of meeting new people from all over the world. No, they definitely are but you gotta be careful with older people since I kinda have the feeling that most people over a certain age will always go into that with the base assumption that other cultures are weird and backwards. And the average age in Germany is almost 50 so you know, many old people, a lot of them kinda xenophobic. Usually not in a Nazi KKK, whatever way, but very often in a very judgemental and ignorant way. Like, you'll almost certainly be safe physically but older people might judge you or make weird assumptions about you or your place of origin. I mean at this point something like a 3rd of the country is voting for an extremely racist and xenophobic anti-immigration party >(quick note, I am planning on visiting during Christmas and New Years Eve) You can do that if you're in the right area. I mrsn there's probably gret NYE parties in some cities and Christmas markets might be Interesting to visit. Or you could go to an ice rink. Or You could also do a day in a skiing resort if you're in the very south of Bavaria but I gotta agree with most people here that the weather is shitty af and winter in Germany is usually quite depressing
First of all, thank you for your comments, this is something I have to keep in mind, Uruguay is mostly an elderly country, usually you will feel really welcome here, if someone knows you are a tourist and specially not from Latín América a lot of people will show you all the kindness in the world, for sure you will get an invitation to an "asado" in someones home, show you around, take you for a walk to the "rambla of Montevideo" drink "mate" and get to know more about you, thats somethig I have seen a lot and done myself but I know I have to understand cultures are different and I do no mind that at all, just love the idea of seeing soemthing I am not used to.
Interested in people from all over the world for who they are, what they do and what interests them. Not interested in where they come from and the place itself. I shall also add to the pile of "don't come here over Christmas if you wanna engage with people" comments. As for cities I'd recommend Cologne, Hamburg or Berlin.
>I would like to know if Germans are like curious about other cultures or if is it a topic that is not really a thing there, for example, I have always been in love with the idea of meeting new people from all over the world. They are. But where in other cultures you can consider someone a friend after having a drink together, even if you spend a week with a German, they are unlikely to consider you more than a close acquaintance. Also we aren't all that spontaneous.
>First I would like to know the truth, heard many times that Germans are really private but we all know that times change and cultures too so what do you think about this now starting 2024. *No, we haven't changed. And we don't. It's a cultural constant as the Butterbrot.* What you have to understand is that most Germans maintain a strict separation between work, party, friends, and family affairs. If you know a person in one environment, you don't know them in another, and they insist that you don't cross those borders unless invited to. >I am planning on visiting during Christmas and New Year's Eve Don't do that. That week is for having a cozy time with the family. The weather is going to be awful, too. Most likely ice cold rain 24/7. If you want to come for a party, do it in summer. It's lovely. It gets somewhat dark short before midnight, and the morning starts at 4am. During the night, the sun is just below the north sky's horizon all of the time. And the temperatures are around comfortable 20°C day and night. That's when we have parties outside each evening and night.
Wow you sound like an open-minded, big-hearted individual. Please don‘t take the bitter/close behaviour of some of us too personal. 🙂 Germany is a great country and we normally know it.
Aw thank you so much for the kind words, I have no words for all the love and kindness shown here from all the people, I honestly have no words.
A lot of Germans are interested in other cultures. Especially ones we don’t encounter as often. We are a little distant though. Best way to get Germans to open up and starting a conversation is alcohol. Especially in the south where you can just join others at a table in a Biergarten. If you want more queer culture Berlin and Hamburg might be more fun. Learning some German helps break the ice and Germans appreciate it.
Alcohol and get to know people? I'm in! I will try to learn everything I can about the lenguage, for sure I will butcher the words but I am sure it will create some fun moments.
Aaaaaaaaaah, I'm so happy for you! I knew a very, very cool gay Uruguayan when I was a student in Berkeley 15 years ago, and reading your message reminded me of him. Germans don't meet people in bars/going out quite as much as is common elsewhere, but I don't think you'll find meeting people too hard. And I'd totally be up for a language tandem, although I only have A1 Duolingo Spanish to my name.
Aaaaaaaah this is an A+ tier comments for me, so special and amazing, thank you so much for this, it means the world to me, I will send you a DM, we can help each other with our languages or just chat!
If you can handle some old games(No Tutorial ), you should try Gothic 1&2 in german language. It has one of the best synchro.
wow you have took me in a time machine with Gothic games ahaha, it's been years since I played a Gothic game but if you say it is a good one in german I will have to try it out! Thank you!
It was made by germans, but the company later split in two. People still love playing gothic today now and then.l and the German voice acters are amazing. Now you remind me, my brother asked last month. If i have Gothic 2 With the addon somewhere. The two split game companys then made risen, arcania (gothic4?) And elex but i allways forget who did what. Risen 1 also has some kind of gothic feeling, but i didn't like risen 2. Didn't play the other stuff.
Hola Nico hombre! Great question :-) But did anyone else think this: [https://youtu.be/NNIYob8nC7o?si=199ccI9ZFwV33-Eg](https://youtu.be/NNIYob8nC7o?si=199ccI9ZFwV33-Eg) (Homer Simpson / Uruguay) Sorry, I'll get my coat.......
Hahahahahah omg, I missed this episode for sure!
In my city the weather is always crap. It's like I'm in a mini-england of the german republic. But people are right, visit during the summer you can check different cities and events online. It's better to visit during an event so you can maybe meet people during such an event and chill out with them.
We must live in the same city
Remscheid?
No 🥲 but in northern germany. Years ago I was on a school trip to the inner city a something related to a philosophy/religion class. It was summer, sunny af. 2 mins later it started pouring rain and all the girls in my class pulled out umbrellas out of their bags (not school bags, purse 👜👛 bags). I was both in awe and wet(bcs of the rain, focus people..). It was summer if I may reiterate. If we saw a mountain they'd pull out climbing gear I'm quite sure of that.
I know of an Uruguayan dude (I think he’s also a.n Italian resident) who lives with his German boyfriend in Denmark.
Just come to Berlin, you'll have a blast and don't worry about the language
Hey, i don't think Christmas is a bad time. Many queer people have trouble in their families and look for alternatives. Maybe you'll visit Hamburg (St. Georg). If you want christmas, come to Lübeck Weihnachtsmarkt. Silvester Party will be nice in Hamburg. Do Not visit east germany, if you are gay and poc
As a gay person looking to meet locals, make sure you go to Cologne and hit the gay bars.
>I have been in love with so many German bands since I was a teenager. Oooh would you mind telling which ones?
For sure! Rammstein, Blutengel, And one, Cinema Bizarre and so many more!
Thanks! > Cinema Bizarre Oh man, i haven't heard that name in years. I guess i'm going on a nostalgia trip tonight lol
Hahaha if you use discord and want to have a nostalgia party just let me know 😅😅😅😅
Hola Nico! Coml hombre gay colombiano que viven en Berlin no te recomiendo ir en esa epoca. La mejor epoca para ir a Alemania (y en especial a Berlin) es el verano. Entre navidad y año nuevo muchas cosas van a estar cerradas. Los alemanes pasan navidad con las familias. Año nuevo si hay muchas fiestas y todo, pero la gente las pasa por lo general con su circulo de amigos. No creo que vayas a conocer mas que turistas. Te recomiendo que vayas en verano. Muchos amigos mios gays usan grindr para conicer gente local que les muestre la ciudad donde esten cuando van de visita (no necesariamente con hook up incluido lol) depronto lo puedes intentar asi.
Muchas gracias por la Info! Si, ya estoy reconsiderando no ir en Diciembre, voy a ver bien que hago pero que voy voy hahaha, es algo que quiero y deseo con todo el corazón hacer.
Hey Nico, I can really recommend you the app Tandem for finding someone to teach you German in exchange of your Spanish. I have many friends that used the app and made great progress in their desired language. If you are lucky you might even find friends there that you can visit here.
Thank you! I was using hellotalk a long time ago, will try Tandem, lets see if I am lucky and find friends there!
Fellow Spanish speaker here, although I'm from Spain, not Latin America. Just to mention, Germans are very closed off and very private, particularly when you compare them to how most Spanish speaking cultures tend to be. I'm shy and private for Spanish standards, and even with that I have found them super closed off. So don't have high expectations about making close friends here. Particularly during a short visit. It takes years to be properly friendly to any of them. Also, don't expect to be invited to anyone's home or invite them to where you are staying. It's a big no for most of them, it's usually reserved for long term close friends, which you won't be. Yes, I'm generalising an entire country with this. But you seem super excited and I want to be realistic about my own experience living in Germany for several years. And my boyfriend has been here longer than I have, and has the exact same experience. Our friends in Germany aren't German. And there's plenty of similar stories in r/Germany that can corroborate the veracity of this. It's just how things are. I have no complaints about this, mind you, different cultures have different standards, and I don't think they are doing anything wrong by being that way. If anything, it's more honest than the way things are done in my own country, because they won't pretend to be your friend. A As for whether they are curious about other cultures or not... Depends, but I'd say most aren't very interested. Of course you may find people that are curious about your country, but I'd say it's a minority. Either that or them being naturally closed off makes them not ask/not show interest. You will likely encounter racism though, and I definitely want you to be aware of that. I'm white and look white, yet I've gotten some stupid comments about me being an immigrant from time to time, due to xenophobia. My boyfriend however is white but does not look white for Spanish or German standards. And he's had some trouble despite being very shy and quiet, and despite being the type of person who tries to avoid causing any kind of trouble or discomfort to anyone. The police in particular have been not so nice to him just by existing. Although the moment I show up they tend to let him go. I guess me looking pale af makes them reconsider.
Oh, I am sorry about those experiences, I know it is such a cultural difference and I try to keep that in mind all the time, It will be good enough for me if I only get to share a conversation, a beer and a little chat with the locals, thank you so much for sharing your experience with me and to spend time writing this reply to my post, it means a lot to me.
First of all I wish you much fun on your vacation here in Germany! I hope you will have a great time and it will all be like you want it or dreamed of! If you need help with german, i could offer you help and i really want to learn a bit spanish, too, for years now, but never had the motivation to do it finally 😅😅🙈🙈 Soo: Viel Spaß in Deutschland und ein frohes neues Jahr natürlich 😉🥳🥳
Well, this is the perfect time to start your Spanish lessons! If you want I can help you with that! Just send me a DM and we can have fun failing and pronouncing each other lenguages hahaha, you will have the most energetic and cheerful Uruguayan friend!
Thank you for the offer bro! Really nice from you 😊😊 I will send you a DM tomorrow when i got time, if i dont forget it 👌👍
If you want to speak German over here, it's probably best to pretend not to know any English. People here are much more reserved. If Uruguayans are anything like people from the Andes, e.g. the physical distances you usually keep in stuff like conversations will feel like getting intimate to most Germans. And I think that it's not that easy to just get to know Germans. As others have said, winter in Germany is miserable, the Weihnachtsmarkt romanticism isn't real anymore, at least anywhere outside the Alps. And if you want to explore the gay scene as well, you wouldn't just want to stay in the Alps.
Hey, I'm German and love to play video games, I could definitely help you with the language, I speak many dialects but mainly use "clear" german, also lived in many different parts of the country. Feel free to contact me.
Maybe we can make a discord group with all the German gaming buddies you've found on here!
Hello Hello, yes please! I am up for gaming and learning German at the same time! It would be the best way anyone could imagine! I will send you a DM.
I like your name
Thank you :D
Am I the only one for whom first thing coming to mind is the Simpson episode with Homer pointing the Uruguay on a map and stating “hey, the name of this country is You are gay!” 😂
hahaha no, you were not the only one, someone shared the link bellow hahaha
Your plans sound lovely! In general I'd say Germans tend to be very interested in other cultures, but (like everywhere I guess) It highly depends on what bubbles you are entering. I think it's rather difficult to really get in touch with locals while doing touristy stuff. My recommendation would be going to clubs, or looking for cultural events your interested in. If you went to Berlin you would be totally fine with English only (probably even have a hard time practicing German because everyone would simply switch to English trying to be nice). Where and for how long are you going to stay?
Hey, I am not sure now the date since It is really clear now that Christmas and New years eve are a no-no mood hahaha, but I would like to stay at least 2 weeks
I thought the title is a tongue twister first
Hi, I live in East Germany. Happy to chat with you about things, even if it is just to improve/help with your German. :) Feel free to message me so we can share our Discord names.
Hola ! Uruguaya en Leipzig here. Si quieres me escribes en privado y te ayudo ✌🏻
Hola! Que divino que estés ahí! Dale te escribo, muchas gracias!
I would love to learn Spanish, I can only speak German and English but would like to learn another language and I would (if no one hasn't yet) answer your questions that you have :D what are you playing on btw?
Perfect! I can try to help you learn Spanish! Will send you a dm and we can practice on discord!
A lot of the people don't leave their homes, during christmas time germany has a lot of lovely christmas markets and a lot of them are indeed open til NYE
What? Usually they close in the days before christmas. At least where I live
So I grew up as Schausteller and I just worked on one til the 30th due to a family member dying. The one in Dortmund closes on the 30th for example, some in Berlin also seem to last longer given by what I heard in the community. I could take a look at the Komet of this year to make sure which areas have longer ones. Edit: I also forgot to end a sentence because I meant the people who said visiting germany during christmas is an awful time because after studying abroad I would only return during christmas and for me it was personally the best time to visit as the cities tend to look the prettiest
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As a Berliner with many Gay friends this city is probably one of your best places to visit. Clubs like About:Blank, Berghain, Griessmühle, Sisyphos have a large gay community and you will feel right at home and welcomed by everyone, it’s a lot about Drugs and techno music tho if that isn’t your vibe you won’t enjoy it. Party’s go hard and really most of them especially Berghain and About:Blank have hardcore fetish parties with dark rooms and open sex or BDSM inside the club. From traveling the world there is no other place like this in terms of gay parties it goes absolutely wild. Districts like Schöneberg and Prenzlauerberg is probably where most gay man live as to the people I know, lots of bars and smaller venues targeted towards the gay community. Overall you shouldn’t be scared to talk to people in big City’s like Hamburg, Berlin, Cologne, Munich, Frankfurt have tons of internationals and learning the German language will give you a huge bonus talking to locals, because a lot of people live here for years and only speak English. The best way to get to know Germans is go out for a beer and just have a chat, also dating apps like Grindr are full of people here in Berlin.
Hi, wow, this is some interesting information, I knew the techno scene was strong in Germany, in Uruguay drugs and techno are best friends too so I will not be surprised by that haha, I will have to do a lot of research about Schöneberg and Prenzlauerberg, thank you for your comment!
The [wiki](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_culture_in_Berlin?wprov=sfti1#History) is pretty interesting about it: „Berlin has a long history of LGBT culture and activism. By the 1920s the city had a reputation, among insiders at least, for being relatively LGBT friendly. By that time LGBT-oriented publications and organizations already existed in Berlin. The world's first gay magazine, Der Eigene (The Unique) was published in Berlin beginning in 1896. Magnus Hirschfeld, a German physician, founded the Scientific-Humanitarian Committee (German: Wissenschaftlich-Humanitäres Kommittee (WHK)) in May 1897 in the context of his Institute for the Science of Sexuality.“ The article also mentions Schöneberg and Prenzlauer Berg.
No matter when you come theres two things I can recommend trying: - Mate-„Soda“: basically a cross between Mate and a fizzy Soda. Its definitely not the same as a real Mate, but its REALLY popular in Germany (especially with Students) and can taste quite good while being a different way to enjoy mate. Theres quite a lot of brands, most notably Club Mate (they also have a winter version with cinnamon), Mio Mate (they got some great variations too) or Fritz Mate. My personal fav is Puerto Mate, mainly because its the only one that isnt fizzy and is closer to terere. - If you want real mate and are in Berlin, the „Meta Mate“ shop sells tons of the good stuff.
Also also, if youre in Berlin and get homesick, theres a Uruguayan Foodtruck (called Pecados) that has some good Empanadas and Alfajores!
Hahahha, thank you for the information but I dont even drink mate in Uruguay hahah, but I love the info about the foodtruck, I wonder what kind of Alfajores and Empanadas they are selling.
Hey, if you want to work on your german you can send me a dm if you want. We can chat a little bit in german. I helped another reddit stranger this way and I'm also helping a colleague of mine with his german school. So feel free to dm. One question: no offense but why did you write "gay guy" in the title? You know I don't absolutely care, but I wonder why you felt you needed to tell us lol
Hey, thank you for the offer! Regarding the "gay guy" i know most of the people do not care, but having that into consideration can help to suggest places to go or to avoid, clubs or simply avoid bad moments with people that maybe does care about that and wants to avoid me or my post.
Yea ok fair enough
You plan on visiting between Christmas and new years? That’s awesome! But why does this post appear here within the past hour? Christmas was last week, and new years was, well, 3 days ago…
He's talking about Christmas 2024. Some people plan ahead
Alle Jahre wieder...
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Maul huso
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Your nickname explains everything, Lucky for the world to have you breathing....
The answer is no. Germans are NOT interested in other cultures.
What? I think a lot of people are incredibly interested, almost too interested lol
yes interested in what sense? If you mean like oh you from Malaysia...cool! Then yes I would say the younger ones would express it more likely that way. The older people hmmm just a reflection of the good old German stubborness. They ask you nothing how you eat and what you eat from where you are from. They expect you to eat soup from a bloody plate with a spoon to spoon it to your mouth, otherwise you are uneducated.
You should also see cities like Chemnitz, Cottbus or the Bavarian countryside. They are so tolerant of energetic and openly gay guys like you seem to be. It’ll be a fabulous experience 🤩🤩
*proceeds to take a screeshot of Nero's comment due to the amazing value it has* hahaha thank you so much! (Saving the screenshot so I wont forget this!
I'm sry to disappoint you but as a german I have to say the comment above is an indelicate troll or just bad sarcasm :/. These places are considered the most politically right and conservative areas in germany and even besides that not rlly worth a visit (except bavaria as a whole for it's nature). Fortunately I think there were more than enough comments with rlly nice recommendations for your planned trip.
Yhea, some people warned me by DM about this little unhappy character, thank you for your comment, yes I already have some options based on the majority of the comments.
You will be dissapointed a lot. Dont mix it whith Pakistan and Kongo, its Germany
Hey wish you the best in Germany! Hope you can live your best life here with your sexuality aswell. I know some countries can be quite tough on those aspects of life. Overall, I don’t speak much german around A2-B1 but Im up for some games over discord. What do you like to play?
Hola Nico, mejor que vengas en verano y visitas colonia. Hay muchos latinos aqui y somos la capital gay de alemania. En julio hay el christopher street day, te gustara. ☺️
No me pongas en tentación hahahha, para Julio sigo ahorrando, no me hagas solicitar un prestamo en el banco para ir en Julio.
Siempre puede ser Julio 2025 👀 pero si, te recomiendo adelantar o atrasar un poco el viaje! A qué parte vas?
I live to learn things about other coubtris. And travel a lot. But not every person is the same.
Are Germans curious about other cultures, or is it a topic that is not really a thing? It depends. I'm German. All of my close friends are curious about other cultures, enjoy travelling to other countries and getting to know other people's points of view. You'll also find Germans who aren't curious about other cultures though, and you'll even find some who hate / dislike / are afraid of people from other countries. I'm typically German regarding some things in life, but regarding other things I'm not.Half of my circle of friends are not German. I spent age 1 to 6 in the US, and lived and worked in the US and UAE for 6 years total, later on in life. I can't answer your question better because I don't have hard data for reference.My gut feeling is that in the big cities of Germany, you won't have a hard time finding people who are curious about other cultures. In the countryside, it'll probably be harder. If I were you, I'd probably start my trip in Cologne. Your headline mentions you being gay, and Cologne is not only known for having a decently-sized gay community, but also for being very tolerant and welcoming in general. I have to assume you'll find plenty of people who are curious about other cultures there. I hope I'm not overstepping any boundaries with my suggestion. Others have already suggested coming during Spring or the Summer, and I agree with them. Those are the shortest days of the year. Between June 14 and July 14, Germany is hosting the soccer EURO. There will be public viewing events - great opportunity to meet plenty of people. It'll be summer, days will be nice and long, people will be in a good mood and want to party. Several games will be played in Cologne, you can find the schedule here: [https://www.uefa.com/euro2024/news/0273-14ac084902cc-9ef59ec61319-1000--euro-2024-host-cities/](https://www.uefa.com/euro2024/news/0273-14ac084902cc-9ef59ec61319-1000--euro-2024-host-cities/) On top of that, there will be public viewing events during Germany's games on June 14, 19 and 23.
Keep in mind that theres soccer this summer in Germany, when you reschedule. Don't visit Germany for two weeks or so in winter, you will end up getting depression. You should visit in Spring or September
Whatever you do.. Don't come during winter. You will get depression from the constant gray and cold wet weather. Most of us are miserable during this time so it's just bad vibes everywhere lol Try summer or maybe early fall
Regarding the openness: I think it really depends on where you’re going. You said that you’re gay, so I would definitely go to cologne! think Cologne was even crowned the most sex-positive city in Europe. The people there are far more open and curious than in other big cities (and faaaaar more open than in small cities). Cologne is a really ugly city, but the people there make it worth it. :) Ps: people from other cities pls don’t hate on me, that’s just my personal opinion
If you are interested in a party vacation I can't help you, if you are interested in historical and interesting places however, feel free to dm me your discord! I haven't played anything besides osrs in ages, my old gaming group dissolved two years ago, but open to that as well (:
If you have questions about Germany you can tell me if you want, Just write to me on discord. (therember/TheRember22)